Law

The LLB Law programme at University College London offers an outstanding opportunity for students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, its foundations, and its applications in society. This rigorous academic course is designed to equip students with critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep knowledge of core legal principles, preparing them for a wide range of careers within the legal profession and beyond. The programme covers essential areas of law such as constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, tort law, property law, and public law, providing students with a solid grounding in the fundamental aspects of the legal system.

Students also have the opportunity to explore specialized topics, including environmental law, human rights law, international law, and commercial law, allowing for a tailored learning experience that aligns with their interests and career aspirations. The programme emphasizes practical skills development through mooting, negotiation exercises, legal research, and writing, fostering a professional mindset and effective advocacy. UCL’s Law School is renowned for its research excellence and vibrant academic community, offering students a stimulating environment to engage with leading scholars and practitioners.

Furthermore, the programme encourages the understanding of law within its broader social, political, and economic contexts, promoting critical awareness of contemporary legal issues and debates. The LLB Law at UCL prepares graduates not only for successful careers in legal practice, such as solicitors, barristers, or legal advisors, but also for roles in government, NGOs, business, or academia. The programme’s flexible structure and strong emphasis on academic excellence ensure that students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in an increasingly complex legal landscape. With access to UCL’s extensive resources, networks, and support services, students are equipped to make meaningful contributions to society as skilled and responsible legal professionals.

Students are equipped with advanced academic legal skills and knowledge which can usefully be applied in further study, the legal profession, public service or industry. They develop a knowledge and understanding of law in its context, the skills necessary for advanced issues in law and a capacity for individual research.

Students complete 180 credits (120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation).

Full-time students complete all 180 credits in 12 months. Part-time students spread their credits over 2 years, or with flexible study, over 3-5 years.

Core modules

• Independent Research Essay

Optional modules

We have over 70 modules on offer, with specialisms in a range of subject areas, including:

• Comparative Law
• Competition Law
• Corporate Law
• Criminal Justice, Family and Social Welfare
• Energy Law
• Environmental Law and Policy
• European Union Law
• Human Rights Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• International Banking and Finance Law
• International Commercial Law
• International Law
• Jurisprudence and Legal Theory
• Law and Economics
• Legal History
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution
• Maritime Law
• Public Law

In addition to Laws module options, students may select up to 30 credits of taught Master's modules from another UCL department, providing the module is a coherent course of study for the award of Master of Laws (LLM) and has availability.

Independent Research Essay

All students undertake a 12,000-word independent research essay (60 credits) on a self-selected topic of law.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, research exercises and guided self-study and research. Each module is supported by a dedicated website containing a syllabus, learning materials, reading lists and assessment information. Taught module assessment may be through unseen examinations, coursework essays, oral presentations or a combination of assessment formats, usually undertaken in term three. A 12,000 word independent research essay is submitted at the end of the programme.

A minimum of a UK Bachelor's degree in Law, awarded with a clear upper second-class Honours and evidence of ability to succeed in a programme of advanced study, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. 
Graduates whose first degree is not in Law will be considered for admission if they have an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree, or overseas equivalent, and at least a good Merit pass in the Common Professional Examination (Graduate Diploma in Law) recognised by the UK professional bodies.

The University College London offers a variety of financing options for students enrolled in its Law programmes. Tuition fees for undergraduate Law courses vary depending on the student’s residence status. For UK students, the annual tuition fee is approximately £9,250, while for international students, it ranges from £25,000 to £30,000 per year. These fees contribute toward the costs of academic instruction, university facilities, and access to comprehensive legal resources including extensive libraries and online databases.

Students are encouraged to explore government-funded student loans, which are available for eligible UK residents and can cover tuition fees and living costs. The UK student finance system provides income-based repayment schemes that are contingent upon the graduate’s income level post-graduation. For international students, funding opportunities are more limited; however, scholarships and bursaries are often available based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the applicant’s background. The UCL Law School periodically offers scholarships that can substantially reduce tuition costs, including the UCL Law Scholarship and other university-wide awards.

Apart from scholarships, students may seek external funding sources such as government grants, charitable foundations, and private sponsorships, depending on their country of residence and eligibility. UCL also provides guidance and financial planning resources to help students manage their expenses effectively throughout their studies. Additionally, students may consider part-time work opportunities on or near campus, subject to visa regulations for international students, to support their living expenses while pursuing their degrees.

Furthermore, UCL’s strong links with legal firms and professional bodies sometimes result in internship programs that provide stipends or financial incentives, offering both practical experience and financial support. Students are advised to research and apply early for available financial aid options, as eligibility and deadlines vary. Overall, while the cost of studying Law at UCL can be significant, a combination of government loans, scholarships, part-time employment, and external funding sources can assist many students in financing their legal education effectively.

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at University College London is a comprehensive undergraduate degree designed to provide students with a solid foundation in legal principles, systems, and practices. This programme is highly regarded for its rigorous academic standards and its emphasis on critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of legal processes. Students are exposed to a broad spectrum of legal subjects, including constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, tort law, property law, and EU law, among others. The curriculum is structured to develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills, preparing graduates for diverse careers in law, public service, or further academic pursuits such as legal postgraduate studies.

UCL’s Law Department benefits from a vibrant academic community, featuring leading scholars and practitioners who contribute to innovative research and extensive teaching initiatives. The programme encourages an international perspective, reflecting the global nature of contemporary legal practice. Students have opportunities to participate in moot court competitions, internships, and external placements, enhancing their practical legal skills and employability. The programme also emphasizes the importance of legal ethics, professional responsibility, and the social impact of law, fostering well-rounded graduates capable of critical analysis and ethical reasoning.

Students enrolled in this programme benefit from UCL’s central London location, providing access to legal institutions, courts, chambers, and law firms within the city. This proximity affords numerous networking, internship, and employment opportunities that are integral to the student experience. The degree typically spans three years of full-time study, with options for part-time study or combined programmes, depending on the student’s preferences and circumstances. UCL’s Law programme also offers pathways into the UK legal profession, including qualifying as a solicitor or barrister, following subsequent professional training.

Upon graduation, students gain an internationally recognized law degree, which can serve as a stepping stone for careers in legal practice, academia, government, or the private sector. Many alumni pursue further academic degrees, such as the BCL or LLM, at UCL or other leading institutions worldwide. The university’s commitment to research-led teaching ensures students are engaged with current legal issues, debates, and reforms, preparing them for active participation in the legal field. Overall, UCL’s Law programme aims to produce highly competent, socially responsible legal professionals equipped to navigate the complexities of law in a globalized world.