- In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Law and Legal Studies, the University of Oxford is ranked second in the world, the University of Cambridge third, and the London School of Economics ninth
- After graduation, international students can stay in the UK for two years on the Graduate Route visa.
Why Should You Study Law in the UK?
The UK offers globally recognised law degrees, a common-law tradition spanning over 900 years, and strong career prospects in London, the world's leading centre for commercial and international arbitration. Qualifications from UK law schools are respected by firms and courts worldwide, and the Graduate Route lets international graduates stay and work after their studies.
Studying law in the UK is an excellent choice for students who want a career in the legal field. The quality of teaching is high, degrees are recognised internationally, and the focus is on developing practical and academic skills. These are the main reasons the UK is considered a great destination to pursue legal studies.
- International recognition: UK law qualifications are respected by law firms and law schools around the world.
- A leading common-law system: English common law has developed over more than 900 years and English commercial law governs the majority of international contracts.
- Internationally applicable knowledge: UK law schools teach comparative, European and international law, attracting students from across the globe.
- Future prospects: London hosts more commercial and international arbitrations than any other city in the world, making the UK an ideal place to start a legal career.
Which Are the Best Universities to Study Law in the UK?
The top UK universities for law in 2026 include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the London School of Economics, Durham University, and Queen Mary University of London. Oxford ranks second and Cambridge third worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Law and Legal Studies.
Here is a closer look at five of the best universities to study law in the UK, along with the courses each offers.
1. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world and is home to one of the oldest law faculties in the English-speaking world. Its Faculty of Law supports students with extensive academic resources and teaching from leading legal scholars.
- BA Law (Law Tripos) - undergraduate degree
- LLM (Master of Law)
- MCL (Master of Corporate Law)
- MPhil and PhD in Law
- MPhil in Criminology
2. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford has taught law for centuries and is one of the world's leading centres for legal education and research. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Law and Legal Studies, Oxford is ranked second in the world.
- BA in Jurisprudence
- BA in Law with Law Studies in Europe
- Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL)
- Magister Juris (MJur)
- MSc in Law and Finance
- MSc in Taxation
- MSc in International Human Rights Law
- DPhil in Law and DPhil in Criminology
3. Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London offers a wide range of specialist law programmes and is well known for its London-based LLM, with one of the largest selections of LLM specialisms in the UK.
- LLB Law (three years)
- LLB Law Senior Status (two years)
- LLB Law with Business (three years)
- LLB Law and Politics (three years)
- LLM in Commercial and Corporate Law
- LLM in Banking and Finance Law
- LLM in Human Rights Law
- LLM in Intellectual Property Law
4. Durham University
Durham Law School is a distinctive collegiate law school that combines tradition with modern teaching. It is consistently ranked among the leading law schools in the UK.
- LLB Law
- Law with Foundation
- LLM Corporate Law
- LLM International Trade and Commercial Law
- LLM International Law and Governance
- LLM Master of Laws
5. London School of Economics (LSE)
LSE Law School is regarded as one of the world's top law schools, with an international reputation for the quality of its teaching. It is ranked ninth in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Law and Legal Studies.
- LLB Bachelor of Laws
- LLM Master of Laws
- Executive LLM
- MSc Law and Accounting
- PhD in Law
Specialist providers also run general LLMs, such as the LLM Master of Laws (General) at the University of Law.
LLM in the UK for Indian Law GraduatesRead →What Are the Top UK Law School Rankings in 2026?
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Law and Legal Studies, the University of Oxford is ranked second in the world and the University of Cambridge third. The London School of Economics is ranked ninth globally, placing three UK law schools among the world's top ten this year.
| University (2026) | QS Subject Rank 2026 - Law and Legal Studies |
|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 2nd in the world |
| University of Cambridge | 3rd in the world |
| London School of Economics (LSE) | 9th in the world |
What Do You Need to Study Law in the UK?
International students typically need strong academic grades, an English-language test such as IELTS, and a personal statement; some courses require the LNAT admissions test. Undergraduate LLB degrees usually take three years. After graduating, the UK Graduate Route visa allows international students to stay and work for two years.
Entry requirements vary by university and course, so always check the official faculty pages for the latest grades, English-language scores and application deadlines. The United Kingdom is home to some of the world's best law schools, and a UK law degree carries international recognition that gives graduates a strong advantage in their legal careers.