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United Kingdom

Study Law in United Kingdom 2024/2025

Study in United Kingdom

The UK Law Degree

A law degree in the UK is usually an undergraduate degree and begins with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Diploma in Law. Upon completion, those who want to practice law must take a Legal Practice Course. This is followed by training on the job at a law firm of their choice.

Earning a Law Degree in the UK

Because a law degree is considered an undergraduate degree in the UK, it has fewer prerequisites than a law degree in another country. To study law here, simply enroll in a law program at the university of your choice. Most programs take between three and four years to complete. Upon completion, entering the job market can be competitive.

The academic year has three terms: an autumn term that runs from September to January, a spring term that runs from January until April and a summer term that runs from May through June, sometimes extending into August.

UK universities welcome international students to their various programs, including law. Many law firms are growing in their international focus, and studying in the UK provides job options for those interested in pursuing a career in law. Those who are able to find work study programs in prestigious UK law firms and earn a full law title in the UK find transferring to law practice in other countries simple, providing those countries also practice common law. A degree from a prestigious university with international acclaim is a great step to finding work after graduation.

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Basic monthly living cost

  • Rent in a shared flat

    628
  • Share of utilities

    83
  • Internet subscription

    35
  • Local transportation

    79

Sample lifestyle cost

  • Fast food combo

    8
  • Cinema ticket

    12
  • Pint of local beer

    5

About United Kingdom

Many people confuse the United Kingdom with Great Britain, but in fact they are not the same thing. The United Kingdom is a united group of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These four countries share a group of islands to the northwest of mainland Europe and are united under one government with one monarch. Great Britain comprises only England, Scotland and Wales.

While the UK has four distinct countries, each with its own culture and different dialects, there is a reason that many people confuse the UK with England. For centuries, England was the dominant nation, with the monarch frequently called the "Queen of England." When people think of the UK, the image of the monarch is often the first thing they think of. The kings, queens, princes and princesses of England have become international celebrities. The UK is also known for other cultural icons, like David Beckham, Dr. Who and the Beatles. If you visited the UK, you would want to dine on decadent Cadbury chocolate after a traditional meal of fish and chips, washing it all down with a glass of Guinness stout.

The people of the UK are known as leaders in the arts as well as science and technology. The UK is the place where fashion trends often start and actors or musicians are born. London, the center of it all, is often called a "cultural superpower."

The Legal System in the UK

The common law system originated in the UK and is used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Although Scotland is also part of the UK, it uses a pluralistic system that is based on the principles of civil law mixed in with some common law principles. The Treaty of Union that joined these independent countries into the UK provided for independent legal systems for each country. Those who study law in the UK typically study in England, so common law is the field of choice.

Visa Requirements

Tier 4 (General) Student Visa has been replaced with the so-called “Student Route”. The Student Route is the UK’s new Student Visa, which will be available to EEA nationals as well, who, before Brexit, did not need a visa to study in the UK.

Student Route (ages 18+)

Child Student Route (ages 4 - 17, which has replaced the Tier 4 Child Student Visa)

What type of Visa do you need?

Visa name

Student Route

Price and currency

GBP 348

The current UK student visa fees are:

  • £348 if applying from outside the UK.
  • £475 if you apply to extend or switch to a Student Visa from inside the UK.

Who can apply for the visa?

Anyone entering the country for studies must apply for a Student Visa if entering after January 1, 2021. This includes EU/EEA nationals who previously did not need a visa to enter the UK for their studies. You will need to reach 70 points on the Points Based System, which measures whether you meet the requirements to study in the UK. This includes:

  • Have you been accepted into an approved institution?
  • Do you have the financial resources to fund your stay in the UK?
  • Are you proficient in English?
  • Does your course meet the course requirements?

Those graduating from a British educational institution by and after Summer 2021 will be able to apply for the post-graduate visa, allowing them to work/look for work in the UK for up to 2 years.

Where can you make the application?

UK visa application centre / Online

You can apply for a UK student visa at the UK visa application centre in your home country. You can find a list of UK visa application centres worldwide here: https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre.

You can also apply for a UK student visa online through the UK Home Office Visas and Immigration Service website. You can start here: https://apply-to-visit-or-stay-in-the-uk.homeoffice.gov.uk/sort/country-nationality?p=student_out_uk

Website:https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre

How to make the application?

To obtain a UK student visa, you will first need to be accepted onto a course. For most courses, you will also need to prove that you understand English to the required level.

The UK student visa application process differs slightly depending on the type of UK student visa you are applying for.

For your UK student visa application, you will need to provide the following:

  • passport or travel ID
  • proof that you can cover your course and living costs
  • proof of parental or guardian consent if you are under 18
  • proof of acceptance onto your course
  • proof of payment of healthcare surcharge

Depending on your country of origin, you may also need to have a tuberculosis test.

When you arrive in the UK, you may need to register your UK student visa with the police. You should receive information about whether you need to register in your UK student visa sticker or letter from the UK Home Office. You will also need to apply for a Biometric residence permit if you are staying in the UK for longer than 6 months.

When should you apply?

You can apply for a Student Visa up to 6 months before your courses start. UK student visa processing times vary according to where you are applying from but generally you will receive a decision within 3 weeks if you are applying from outside the UK, and within 8 weeks if you are applying within the UK.

The General student visa length depends on the duration of your course and you can apply to extend it if you wish to stay in the UK to work or pursue further studies. The Child student visa is valid for the length of the course, up to a maximum of 6 years, and can be extended. The length of the short-term student visa cannot exceed the length of your course and cannot be extended.

Processing time

3 Weeks

Work opportunities

International students are allowed to work with studying in the UK, under certain conditions. The type of work that you can do will depend on what you are studying and if you will be working during the school term, or during breaks.

Hours per week

0

Why do you need this type of visa?

The main reasons for student visa refusals are:

  1. Missing or incorrect documents;
  2. Failure to meet financial requirements;
  3. Incorrect document format.

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