LLBs (Bachelor of Laws)

What is an LLB?

An LLB is a Level 6 undergraduate law course, equivalent to a BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BSc (Bachelor of Science).

The term LLB is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase 'Legum Baccalaureus', which means Bachelor of Laws.

Most universities run these programmes and you're usually able to complete them on either a full or part-time basis.

What's the difference between a BA in law and an LLB?

Both are undergraduate law degrees, but they may differ in structure and focus.

BA Law is a Bachelor of Arts degree with a law focus. If you have an idea of the type of law you'd like to practice, studying for a BA in law often allows students to combine law with another subject, such as:

• business
• criminology
• economics
• languages
• politics.

Depending on the university and course content, a BA Law may or may not meet the academic requirements for professional legal training.

An LLB (Bachelor of Laws) is typically a more law-focused degree, with a greater emphasis on core legal subjects. Many LLB programmes cover the traditional foundations of legal knowledge, although students should check the status of their specific course.

For aspiring solicitors in England and Wales, the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) means that neither a qualifying law degree nor a law conversion course is automatically required. A degree in any subject can provide a route to qualification, provided the SQE and other requirements are met. For aspiring barristers, completion of the foundation subjects remains important.

'In short, whether the award is an LLB or a BA, the most important thing is to look at what is covered and whether it meets your own personal needs,' advises Janet Wright, associate professor and programme director law undergraduate at the University of Law (ULaw).

'Also, don't forget about MLaw programmes. These are integrated Masters in law, which combine an undergraduate degree with Masters level study - if you know you want to go on to postgraduate study then these can be a good way to do that with the benefit of undergraduate student loan funding,' adds Janet.

How long does an LLB take?

Like other undergraduate degrees, an LLB degree generally takes three years to complete if studied full time. Four-year, sandwich options are also available, where you spend a year on placement or studying abroad.

What does an undergraduate law degree involve?

'Undergraduate law degrees can vary greatly in terms of the modules covered and approach taken,' explains Janet.

'Approaches differ from a very theoretical and historical perspective - focusing on the development of laws and why they are as they are, to a more practice-focussed approach which concentrate on the current law and how it is used to advise clients. Some degrees also place an emphasis on developing practical legal skills for the workplace such as debating, presenting, legal writing, drafting, mooting,' adds Janet.

However, no matter where you study, LLBs cover seven compulsory modules as well as giving you the option to study a number of electives. Your final year usually culminates in a dissertation.

LLB modules

The seven core modules include:

• constitutional/administrative law
• contract law
• criminal law
• equity and Trusts
• EU law
• land law
• tort law.

While the choice of optional modules differs from institution to institution, here are a few examples:

• company law
• criminology
• employment law
• family law
• human rights law
• intellectual property law.

On the three-year LLB Law at The University of Law you can study at a number of campuses (Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London, Manchester and Nottingham). Optional modules include:

• Criminal Litigation and Evidence
• Legal Practice in the 21st Century
• Legal Technology and Innovation
• Real Estate
• Wills and Succession.

Assessment methods involve:

• essays
• exams
• portfolios
• presentations.

The four-year Law (sandwich) LLB at Nottingham Trent University allows students to spend their third year on a paid, 36-week legal placement. Previous students have completed this element at Browne Jacobson, Shoosmiths and Hodge Jones & Allen. In years two and four you can choose from a list of optional modules such as:

• Commercial Law
• Critical Legal Thinking
• Evidence Insurance Law
• Mooting
• Sports Law.

You'll be assessed through:

• exams
• group projects
• mooting exercises
• oral presentations
• problem-solving assignments.

Alongside your studies you'll also get the option to learn a new language through the University Language Programme (ULP).

'The more research you do into the courses, modules and universities you are interested in the better, so take up opportunities to attend open days and offer holder days,' advises Janet.

Do I have to study an LLB to become a lawyer?

If you want to practice law, an LLB isn't the only way to qualify. Not all solicitors or barristers studied law at undergraduate level - there are a number of routes to qualification. Learn more about these at how to become a lawyer.

However, if you know at an early stage that becoming a solicitor or barrister is your ultimate goal, studying for a law degree is one of the most popular ways of achieving this.

However, if you study an unrelated undergraduate degree and then decide you'd like to pursue a career in the law, you’ll need to study a postgraduate conversion course to gain the legal knowledge required.

If you're looking for an alternative to university study, you can qualify as a paralegal, chartered legal executive or solicitor via an apprenticeship.

Upon completion of an LLB, will I qualify as a solicitor or barrister?

No, an LLB on its own isn't enough.

If you want to become a solicitor, upon completing a Bachelor of Laws you'll then need to:

• sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE)
• complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE)
• pass the Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) suitability requirements.

If you aspire to work as a barrister your next steps include:

• taking a Bar course
• completing pupillage.

Leading on from your LLB, you might want to consider studying for an LLM (Master of Laws). This isn't a mandatory requirement for qualification and a Masters degree in law doesn't necessarily strengthen training contract or job applications, but courses at this level allow you to study a particular area of law in more depth.

Discover what you can do with a law degree and read up on available law careers.

How do I apply for a Bachelor of Laws?

For a place on an undergraduate law degree you need to make your application via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply to up to five universities as part of your application. Learn more about applying for university.

LLB entry requirements

There is no single 'required' A-level combination. Entry requirements vary depending on where you study, so check with your preferred institution for example at:

• Nottingham Trent University - ABB-BBB at A-level
• The University of Law - BBB
• University of Birmingham - A*AA.

To study an LLB degree some (but not all) universities require you to sit the Law National Admissions Test (LNAT). This entrance exam is used by admission tutors to determine whether potential students have the competencies required to study law. The test fee at UK and EU centres is £75. If you're taking the test outside the UK or EU the cost is £120.

Relevant GCSE subjects

Entry requirements for law degrees don't specify any particular GCSE subjects, the most important thing is you have passes in the core subjects of English, maths and science. However, the following subjects will help you to hone a number of key skills essential to working in law:

• history - encourages evidence-based analysis, critical thinking and structured essay writing. It also teaches you how to evaluate different interpretations and build reasoned arguments from evidence.
• religious studies - introduces debates about justice, morality and human rights and helps develop critical thinking and the ability to consider multiple perspectives.
• French/German/Spanish - builds communication skills, language ability and cultural awareness, which is especially valuable for international, commercial and cross-border legal work.

Useful A-levels

To demonstrate that you have the skills and competencies necessary, choose subjects such as:

• economics - develops analytical skills and provides understanding of business and markets (commercial awareness).
• English literature - strengthens critical reading and textual analysis, develops essay-writing and persuasion skills and helps you interpret complex material.
• mathematics - shows strong analytical aptitude, logical reasoning, problemsolving and data interpretation.
• politics - introduces government, constitutions and the legal system and develops debate, evaluation and critical-thinking skills.

Once again, history and modern foreign languages are also a good choice. You can also opt to study law at A-level - gaining an introduction to legal concepts - although it's not required for entry on to an LLB course and it doesn't give you any more of an advantage that traditional academic subjects.

How much do LLBs cost?

Undergraduate course fees for UK students in 2026/27 stand at £9,790 per academic year. International students can expect to pay considerably more. Bear in mind you'll also likely encounter additional costs for things such as:

• accommodation
• books
• living expenses
• travel.

Qualifying as a solicitor or barrister via the university route is relatively expensive, so it's good to know that trainee and newly-qualified solicitors and barristers earn some of the highest starting salaries in the country. Discover how much lawyers earn.

Can I get funding for my law degree?

Yes, you can apply for a student loan to cover tuition fees, and a maintenance loan to help with living costs. For more information see student loans and finance.

Some universities also offer undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to help lessen the financial burden. For example, The University of Law offers:

• the Sherryl Kintu Scholarship, an undergraduate full-fee award.
• Set for Success Scholarship
• The University of Law Undergraduate Bursary.

Queen Mary University of London The School of Law offers a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries, such as the:

• Gianni Sonvico Bursary
• First, Second, Final Year Scholarships
• Undergraduate Bursaries
• LVFA Scholarship.

Do some research into what's on offer at your chosen institution.

Find out more

• Read up on ways to gain legal work experience.
• Discover the reality of working in law.
• Learn more about top UK law firms.