One of the most famous cities in the world is London. This megacity, or a cosmopolitan city, as many would have called it, is home to some of the world’s best law universities. Top-ranking law schools are located in the capital and throughout Britain. These renowned law universities have easy access to the country’s legal community because the city is surrounded by international law firms, Royal Courts of Justice, Inns of Courts, and even the Palace of Westminster.
Many international students study law in London not only because of the premium quality of the education system but also because these institutions respect and recognize students from all backgrounds. They have championed addressing diversity and inclusion within their community, which is why they favor studying in the city.
There are numerous law universities in the city, and most are top-notch, but if you are looking for the best, here’s a list of some of the best law schools in London.
Top Law Schools in London
1. London School of Economics and Political Science
The London School of Economics and Political Science is a leading institution focusing on social science disciplines. One of the university’s acclaimed departments, LSE Law School, has gained international recognition for its unique approach to research and teaching. It often occupies a high-ranking position in global university rankings in the UK and abroad.
The faculty offers various law degree programs, including an LLB program. For postgraduates aiming to advance their knowledge in various law disciplines, graduate study offers three unparalleled innovative programs: LLM, MSc Law and Finance, Executive LLM, and Ph.D. There are also programs for law professionals, such as law-related short courses taken as supplementary courses related to varying topics like the EU Digital Services Act, Fintech, Advanced EU Competition Law, and more.
The faculty provides students with a support system when choosing careers. There are many career options in the legal sector, and the faculty’s top priority is to encourage and help every student thrive in their chosen profession. They show their continuous support through event organizing and have designated career consultants to assist them in molding their career options early.
2. University College London
The University College London is better known as London’s global university. The entire student body of the institution comprises more than half of the international students. The school has been outspoken about the importance of diversity and inclusion of all representations within its thriving community. It has produced some of the most diverse prominent leaders and individuals worldwide.
The UCL Faculty of Laws is one of the leading faculties in maintaining a diverse and equal-opportunity community. It is the first university to accept female students with the same treatment as male students. Also, the first-ever woman in England to acquire a law degree has finished her education at this institution.
Like other top schools in London, the faculty offers various specialized law programs for students. Undergraduate programs are highly focused on the foundations of law. After acquiring a bachelor’s degree program, students can transfer to the joint degree program of the LLB honours degree from UCL and a Juris Doctor degree from Columbia University in New York.
Graduates who wish to continue their master’s may opt to apply for their Master of Laws, which can be obtained in as short as ten months and taken full-time. Determined law professionals who want to be part of the select group of highly skilled, researched individuals may enroll in the faculty’s highly regarded doctoral program.
3. King’s College London
The Dickson Poon School of Law at King’s College London is considered one of the best law schools in London. It is located in the East Wing of Somerset House in London. It is surrounded by the Royal Courts of Justice, Inns of Courts, and some internationally recognized law firms. Its strategic location has given the faculty a higher advantage over other law universities as it has maintained long-standing relationships and strong connections with these respected associations. These distinguished law professionals are often invited to attend and lecture law-related events in the school.
The institution offers degree programs, from bachelor’s to doctoral study programs. Most bachelor’s programs are qualified for a dual degree or study abroad. Students are presented with these possibilities after their first year in the program. Some master’s degrees include a Master of Laws (LLM), a Master of Arts (MA), and a Master of Science (MSc). Some of its master’s study programs are taught in different learning formats:
- Traditional or face-to-face learning
- Blended distance learning (online learning with face-to-face) interaction
- full online learning
The faculty also admits professionals seeking Law Research in MPhil/Ph.D. This program can be completed in three years full-time with an additional year to finish its thesis.
4. Queen Mary University of London
The School of Law of Queen Mary University of London is widely recognized as one of the best law schools in the city. The faculty is comfortably positioned amongst the top law universities in the UK and worldwide. The institution offers distinct and detailed degree programs targeted at each student’s chosen field of study. QMUL’s undergraduate law courses provide a variety of study programs.
Students may apply for a degree program depending on the kind of specialization they want to pursue. Moreover, the postgraduate programs also offer learners of this prestigious law institution a wide range of study programs. One of the programs available is for international students who want to obtain a master’s degree program from two partner institutions in Paris and Singapore.
The Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne’s law school offers a dual master’s degree in French and European law with QMUL’s international business law. Meanwhile, students from Singapore Management University can acquire a Dual LLM in Commercial Law. This program will be most appealing to students who plan to enroll in these schools or residents of the country.
5. SOAS University of London
The SOAS University of London School of Law is among the best law schools in London and was established in 1947. Students have access to excellent standards in legal education. They are highly focused on comparative laws in several countries. Its concentration extends to the fundamental laws of China, Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
The faculty offers degree programs at all levels, from bachelor’s programs, combined honors degrees, and postgraduate programs to doctoral research studies. All of them are based on English law, but the faculty incorporates courses about the legal systems of different nations. A master’s degree from SOAS Law School is not limited to law graduates and professionals. The institution offers postgraduate degrees for both law and non-law degree holders.
Moreover, its Master of Laws (LLM) study programs for law graduates and Master of Arts (MA) study programs are designed explicitly for non-law degree graduates. Lastly, a doctorate is available for law professionals with an LLM or MA degree.
Students at London’s law schools have the unique opportunity to learn about law programs in a vibrant and lively place. The city’s reputation as a legal hub can develop their practical legal skills and get more job opportunities at top law firms. That’s why consider choosing from the list of universities to start your law journey!
We hope this article on the best law schools in London was insightful. Feel free to check out the Available Law Programs for International Students and UK Study Guide to learn more about studying law abroad.
