If you’re considering Law at university, then you’ll already know what a fascinating and fiercely competitive subject it is. As part of a Law degree, you’ll discover the intricacies of the legal system and its historic role in society as well as how the law operates in today’s globalised world. It’s also an extremely well-respected course that opens doors to many lucrative careers.
But what are the best universities for Law degrees?
Today, we’re exploring the hallowed corridors of legal brilliance at Russell Group universities. We’ll introduce the best Russell Group institutions for studying law as well as your most commonly asked questions. From which universities are hardest to get into, to whether Russell Group is really worth it – we’ve got you covered.
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What are the best Russell Group universities for Law?
If you’re aiming to study Law at university, you can’t do much better than the Russell Group. This prestigious group of twenty four universities prioritises the highest teaching and research standards, so you can rest assured you’re receiving a top quality education from the best legal minds in the country.
With illustrious names like Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and Durham among the Russell Group, the only dilemma is how to choose between them.
To help your decision, here’s your list of the top ten Russell Group universities for Law, as ranked by the Complete University Guide 2024.
1. University of Oxford
As the pole position holder in the 2024 rankings, Oxford’s Law program is not just a course; it’s an immersion into centuries of legal tradition and excellence.
Renowned globally, Oxford consistently shapes the legal landscape with its distinguished faculty and historic commitment to producing legal luminaries.
Discover more about Law at Oxford >
2. University of Cambridge
As an extremely close contender for the top spot, Cambridge’s Law program is a bastion of intellectual rigour. Indeed, there’s been a legal course at Cambridge since the thirteenth century!
With an emphasis on critical thinking and a multidisciplinary approach, Cambridge cultivates leading minds that navigate complex legal landscapes with finesse.
Discover more about Law at Cambridge >
3. UCL (University College London)
UCL’s Law program is a dynamic hub of legal scholarship. Situated in the heart of London, it merges academic excellence with real-world legal challenges, providing students with a diverse and progressive understanding of the law’s impact on society.
Need more persuading? UCL is also ranked first for Law in the Guardian’s 2024 University Guide. Impressive stuff.
Discover more about Law at UCL >
4. LSE (London School of Economics)
LSE’s Law program is not just about legal theory; it’s a deep-dive into the socio-economic dimensions of law. From the challenges of AI to the Parthenon Marbles controversy, you’ll have the opportunity to debate a wide range of legal topics.
With a global outlook and a commitment to research-driven education, LSE produces legal professionals equipped to tackle today’s evolving legal landscape.
Discover more about Law at LSE >
5. King’s College London
King’s College London’s Law program (at the Dickson Poon School of Law) is at the forefront of innovation. With a focus on practical skills and experiential learning, it prepares students for the workplace, ensuring they graduate as adept and insightful legal practitioners.
The school also offers a legal clinic, providing free and accessible legal advice to members of the public.
Discover more about Law at King’s College London >
6. Durham University
Durham’s Law program is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. The university’s collegiate system fosters a close-knit community, allowing students to engage deeply with legal concepts and build lasting professional relationships.
Durham’s law school is highly ranked for both student satisfaction and graduate employability. It also won the Athena Swan Bronze Award for ongoing commitment to gender equality.
Discover more about Law at Durham >
7. University of Glasgow
In the Complete University Guide rankings, Glasgow boasts a perfect entry standard score, making it one of the most selective Law Schools in the country.
Students delve into a comprehensive legal curriculum, shaped by the university’s rich history and forward-looking approach. As well as “Common Law” programs, you can also study “Scots Law” to understand Scotland’s legal system past and present.
Discover more about Law at Glasgow >
8. University of Bristol
Bristol’s Law School is characterised by a commitment to research-led teaching. It’s ranked third in the UK by the Research Excellence Framework.
With a focus on legal innovation and societal impact, Bristol equips students with the skills to navigate the complexities of contemporary legal practice. For this reason, its a top five targeted university by the leading 100 UK employers.
Discover more about Law at Bristol >
9. University of Warwick
Warwick’s Law program stands out for its interdisciplinary “Law in Context” approach. With a curriculum that intersects law, sociology, economics, philosophy and more, it produces graduates with a holistic understanding of the legal implications in various fields.
Warwick encourages its students to take a “critical” view of the Law and its potential for improving society.
Discover more about Law at Warwick >
10. Queen’s University Belfast
Queen’s Law program combines academic excellence with a supportive learning environment. Situated in the vibrant city of Belfast, this exciting Law School provides students with a unique perspective on legal challenges in a dynamic social context.
Queen’s is also famed for its exceptional mooting experience – helping students excel in advocacy, problem solving, legal research and communication.
Discover more about Law at Queen’s University Belfast >
Which university is the best for Law in the UK?
If there’s one university for Law in the UK, it’s Oxford.
Oxford consistently takes the top spot on many national league tables, securing its status as the best place to study law in the country.
So what makes it great?
Well, Oxford’s Law School is steeped in tradition. It attracts some of the world’s most renowned legal minds with a forward-looking curriculum that also provides a thorough grounding in the historical foundations of the Law.
Oxford pride themselves on a mixture of academic rigour and practical application – equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and their real-world implications. Its mooting and advocacy competitions (letting students practise their presentation and research skills) are particularly renowned.
What’s more, small class sizes and tutorial discussion foster a personalised and intensive learning experience – offering 1-1 contact with the best legal scholars. Supported by a collegial system, students form close relationships with peers and faculty, creating a lifelong community of legal professionals.
It almost goes without saying, but Oxford also provides extensive legal libraries, cutting-edge research centres and opportunities to engage in groundbreaking projects. Its partnerships with institutions around the world fosters a global perspective, helping graduates navigate legal challenges in an interconnected world.
What are the top three Russell Group universities for Law?
As ranked by the Complete University Guide 2024, the top three Russell Group universities for Law are:
- Oxford
- Cambridge
- University College London (UCL)
So, what do all these law schools have in common?
Well, for a start, these institutions not only impart legal knowledge but cultivate the intellectual, practical and ethical dimensions that define exceptional legal professionals. Their programs are synonymous with academic rigour and a multidisciplinary approach. They challenge students to think critically, fostering a deep understanding of legal principles within a broader societal context.
All three universities (as leading members of the Russell Group) also pride themselves on their world-leading research outcomes. For instance, UCL is the top rated Law School in the UK by the Research Excellence Framework.
In addition to exciting research, high teaching standards and a supportive student community, these universities all emphasise events like mooting competitions and student debates. This equips graduates with the real-life legal skills needed to thrive in a fast-paced and highly competitive career.
Is going to a Russell Group university important for Law?
We’ve focused exclusively on Russell Group universities in this article, but you should know there are non-Russell Group universities offering outstanding Law programs.
You might find these universities focus more on undergraduate teaching than postgraduate research (which suits some students really well) as well as fostering deeper links with businesses, employers and other universities outside the Russell Group.
We’ve already written a guide to the best non-Russell Group universities, so do check this out. But here are the top non-Russell Group universities boasting dedicated Law departments:
- Lancaster University: The Law School
- Surrey University: School of Law
- University of East Anglia: Law School
- Strathclyde University: Law School
- Essex University: Essex Law School
- Reading University: School of Law
What is the hardest Russell Group university to get into for Law?
If you’re thinking about studying Law at university, then it’s important to know it’s a competitive course. Unfortunately, there’s no getting around this.
You’ll need the very top grades for Russell Group universities and taking four subjects might not hurt either…
In terms of specifics, each university is ranked by entry standards (i.e. the A Level grades students actually got, rather than their offers) in the Complete University Guide.
Oxford and King’s College London have an entry standard score of 93%, closely followed by Cambridge and LSE at 92%. UCL is just behind at 91%. In news that might surprise you though, Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities prove even more competitive with 100% and 97% scores respectively.
According to these rankings, this makes Glasgow the Russell Group university with the highest entry standards in the country.
To find out more about A Level grades and how they impact your university applications, read our blogs on what AAB means for university and whether A*AB is the same as AAA.
Are you thinking of studying Law at university?
If you’re embarking on the challenging yet incredibly rewarding path of a Law degree, we’re here to support you. Explore our full range of services, from Academic Life Coaching to assistance with university applications and personal statements, as well as exams and study skills coaching. Wherever you go on your academic journey, we’re here to help.
