“Why study law,” is a question that current and prospective law students frequently face. According to The Guardian newspaper, this is the most dreaded question that law students come across.
If you have made up your mind to tread the legal path, you will likely be answering this question. However, there are enough convincing reasons and motivations to study law. So, pick yours because you need one for your law application form.
Regardless of the preconceived notions about law, it is a fact that lawyers are the vital cogs in a society’s wheel. Be it buying a car, setting up a business, dealing with a property dispute, renting a house, a lawyer’s intervention is needed all the time.
When it comes to pursuing a bachelor’s in law, perhaps there is no better destination than the UK.
Why studying Law a good idea in the United Kingdom
The UK is a natural destination for aspiring law students to learn and practice law on foreign soil.
England has been the “home” for law studies over the centuries. More than 900 years ago, the former British system developed and rolled out “common law.” Many Commonwealth countries such as India, Australia, New Zealand, and Northern Ireland have their legal system around it.
In the UK, the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is the principal law degree. The term originated from the Latin words, Legum Baccalaureus. It takes three years of full-time study to complete this undergraduate degree.
The LLB program comprises seven main modules: criminal law, contract law, and constitutional/administrative law. Although the LLB degree alone does not make an aspirant qualify to practice law, it opens up avenues to eventually become a legal professional, be it a barrister or a general solicitor.
Aspiring law students in the UK can also opt for a dual degree by combining LLB studies with political science, business, history, or English. This flexibility will give students directions to multiple career paths.
Advantages of Studying Law in England
§ The duration of law degrees in the UK are relatively shorter: it takes three years to complete an undergraduate LLB degree, and a postgraduate LLM requires just one year.
§ Top UK universities keep up with the UK legal system changes and offer students various modules in their LLB course.
§ The application process for law courses in most UK universities is simple. Other countries have stringent entry requirements for law studies, such as a law admissions test but not in the UK.
§ Many top international law firms have set up their head offices in the UK.
Studying Law at the University of Bristol
The UK has about 150 universities and colleges that offer numerous legal degrees, and it is a daunting task for those who aspire to study law in the UK.
The University of Bristol has a legacy and a great reputation as one of the top law universities in the UK. Students can enrol in the following law courses at Bristol:
Single Honours
§ LLB Law
§ LLB Law with Study in Continental Europe.
§ LLB Law with Study Abroad
Joint Honours
§ LLB Law and Spanish
§ LLB Law and French
§ LLB Law and German
The university has a strong focus on providing an excellent learning experience for students. The faculties come from a strong legal background with professional experience in various specializations.
Some Famous Indians Who Studied Law in the UK
§ Mahatma Gandhi: He studied law for three years (from 1888) at Inner Temple, London.
§ Cornelia Sorabji: First Indian woman to have studied law at Oxford University. She was also the first woman to practice law in Britain and India.
§ Syama Prasad Mukherjee: Studied law at Lincoln’s Inn, England.
The Way Ahead
Besides good test scores and grades, enrolling in a law degree in a UK university requires candidates to write an impressive essay. For guidance, it is ideal to consult an overseas education consultant.
You can also find out more details about law programs from Doris Bechstein and Professor Laura Guild from Bristol University in our webinar scheduled on July 10, 2020. Register here.
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