Students Interested In LAW

Law in the UK

Unlike law in the US, which is usually pursued at a graduate level, law in the UK can be pursued at an undergraduate level. Typically, if you plan on pursuing law in the UK at an undergraduate level, the LL. B degree is what you will need to obtain. LLB, a 3 year degree, essentially means for Bachelor of Law. So the important question is, how do you prepare to study law in the UK? As usual, good high school grades are imperative because universities require applicants to show academic prowess in school before admitting them into a course as demanding as law. Apart from this, there are a few other things you will need to consider.

 

Entrance examinations

Many universities in the UK require you to sit an entrance examination and the score you obtain becomes a major factor in deciding your chances at obtaining admission. The LNATs (National Admission Test for Law) is one such admissions aptitude test that is adopted by 9 UK universities namely:

• University of Birmingham
• University of Bristol
• Durham University
• University of Glasgow
• King’s College London
• The University of Nottingham
• University of Oxford
• University College London
• SOAS, University of London

What makes the LNATs seem so daunting is the fact that unlike its American equivalent (LSATs), you can only take them once in the UCAS year that you will be applying in i.e. September-June. So it is essential that you prep yourself adequately with information regarding the application deadline and test format concerning the LNATs.

If you are a prospective Cambridge applicant, then note that while you may be exempted from the LNATs, you will have to take the Cambridge Law Test to complete your Law application to Cambridge.

 

Writing your personal statement

You must have often heard that there is no set way to model a personal statement, which will guarantee you admission to university. Regrettably, that is true. However there are a few things that you can keep in mind while writing your personal statement as a law applicant. Firstly, a personal statement is in essence and essay and every good essay demands good structure.

Secondly, make it a legal personal statement. Argue persuasively and give the university reasons to accept you. Show a genuine interest in law. It would also be invaluable to have co-curricular activities related to law to showcase in your personal statement. Perhaps you could even get shadowing opportunity at a local court. Such additions to your essay are solid ways of showing your commitment to the field of law; something that perhaps even good grades can’t fully convey.

If you keep the aforementioned points in mind and do your research carefully, you should be on your way to law school in the UK!