Why Study Law at The University of Edinburgh
Ever idolise Atticus Finch or Elle Woods when you were a kid? Lawyers do some really cool work, from defending innocent people to enacting laws that create real change in the world. Becoming a lawyer is an achievable goal but you’ve got to do one thing first, complete a law degree. It might sound daunting at first, but hopefully, this post breaks down what it’ll be like for you as a law student at the University of Edinburgh.
Studying for a law degree combines learning the theory of law with the practical application of law to real scenarios. Studying law at the University of Edinburgh will fully prime you to enter into a legal profession in Scotland. Graduates also often go on to further their studies and qualify to practise law in other jurisdictions. With the University of Edinburgh’s wide range of LLB programmes, you can choose a course that fully suits you.
So, here’s what we know…
Courses Offered
There are many different course options at the Uni of Edinburgh Law School, from postgraduate courses to joint LLB courses… so many choices! Every course on offer is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland (although some specific module choices are needed for the joint honours courses). Here’s a quick rundown of what they have to offer:
LLB (Honours and Ordinary)
The basic standard LLB qualification that you can study for at the Uni of Edinburgh Law School. Without going into a long and in-depth description of everything that you’ll study; the basics are that the ordinary programme is 3 years long while the honours is 4, and each year you will take optional modules alongside the required courses. Studying abroad is an option for students on this course in their third year and is a great way to broaden your cultural horizons as well as obtaining an understanding of laws in other territories, such as within the European Union.
Joint LLB Honours
Studying law doesn’t mean you have to only study law. With the joint honours programmes on offer, you can combine multiple interests into your studies and still finish your degree as a qualified law graduate! It is important to note that with some joint honours programmes you will need to complete additional courses in order to practise law in Scotland (as per requirements set by the Law Society of Scotland). The whole list of available joint honours programmes is as follows:
- Law and Accountancy (LLB)
- Law and Business (LLB)
- Law and Celtic (LLB)
- Law and French (LLB)
- Law and German (LLB)
- Law and History (LLB)
- Law and International Relations (LLB)
- Law and Politics (LLB)
- Law and Social Policy (LLB)
- Law and Sociology (LLB)
- Law and Spanish (LLB)
If you choose a course that includes a language you will actually get to spend your third year studying in a country where your degree will be taught in your chosen language! It’s a great way to fully immerse yourself in the culture and develop your skills as a lawyer and a linguist at the same time.
If you’re finding studying two different courses a bit much, then there is the option to change to a standalone Law course, and that’s fine! Sometimes things change and you find yourself more interested in parts of your course than others. The good thing about these joint honours programmes is that they let you keep your options open if you’re stuck between a few courses when you’re applying.
Graduate LLB
Already finished your degree but want to go on to become a legal professional? The Graduate LLB programme is a fantastic way to make that transition. This course is a very popular option for graduates from all backgrounds looking to make their way into the courts in Scotland. As mentioned before, a lot of graduates from these programmes will go on to further legal study in their journey to becoming legal professionals. This course will take you 2 years, so plenty of time to get the most out of Edinburgh and the law school!
How do I get in?
After you’ve decided on the programme you want to study you might find yourself asking, “How do I get in?”. It’s a bit of a tricky one as there’s no surefire way to get into any university, let alone one with the quality of teaching the University of Edinburgh Law School provides (85% of students surveyed reported that the lecturers are great at teaching things, as well as 68% of those graduates getting a 2:1 or higher at the end of their programmes).
There’s a few different routes to apply depending on your circumstances, the most standard route is to apply through UCAS. Going through UCAS you’ll need to write a personal statement explaining why you want to study law and the relevant things you’ve done that show your interest. There are plenty of guides out there on how to write a personal statement so we won’t put that here. You’ll then need to get a teacher to write a statement about you, and make sure to give them plenty of time to write one for you!. If you’re currently studying, then you’ll have to get predicted grades entered, this is a big part of how Unis accept applicants so maybe start revising for those mock exams! The standard entry requirements for the undergraduate programmes offered by the University of Edinburgh for their LLB programmes range from AAA to A*AA (or a minimum of a 2:1 in your previous course of study).
If you think you need more information about how to make your application then you can check here for the Uni of Edinburgh application help page.
Where to stay?
With 3 locations in Edinburgh, our Yugo residences will provide you with a stylish and modern home during your studies. The benefits of the building include 24-hour staff, high-speed broadband and wifi, as well as bills included! More information can be found here.
The list of reasons to study law at the University of Edinburgh is long and plentiful and we’ve tried to squeeze them in here! If these course options and helpful resources have secured this University as your top choice, then staying with us at Canal Point, Brae House, or Arran House will make for an amazing student experience during your time in Edinburgh!