4 UK law schools that shape globally thinking and ethically-responsible professionals

2022's most dynamic law schools in the UK
The UK is a unique destination for law students and graduates. Source: Coventry University

With over 27,000 candidates applying to study law in England and Wales from 2019 to 2020, it’s a testament that the UK is one of the top destinations to pursue a law education.

After all, most countries from all over the world closely follow English common law. Aspiring lawyers and experienced legal professionals know that to become global thinkers capable of making a difference and helping the community, the UK is the destination to realise their dreams. 

Plus, law graduates have a multitude of career options, from solicitor to TV presenter, writer, human resource manager; the list is endless. This is because a law degree is versatile. It doesn’t just train you to put theory into practice but also develops your reasoning and analytical skills, powerful research know-how and profound knowledge of rights and responsibilities. 

If you’re looking to pursue a law education in the UK, here are our top picks:

Coventry University

2022's most dynamic law schools in the UK

Coventry University houses programmes that train students to deal with real issues and face real people with real problems. Source: Coventry University

Coventry University is a dynamic institution that provides high-quality education. Its Coventry Law School is no exception. It offers three law programmes: Law LLB (Hons), Law LLM, and International Commercial Law LLM

These programmes train students to deal with real issues and face real people with real problems. Students will have the opportunity to engage with members of the legal profession and apply to work in their pro-bono law clinics that provide legal advice to clients in society. They will go through assessments that mirror exercises in legal practice. All of these transform students into highly employable, globally thinking, ethically and socially responsible future professionals.

As a member of the International Association of Law Schools, Coventry Law School works with international partners worldwide to magnify its teaching and research work. It believes in the importance of being international; it recognises that a global perspective of the law within a globalised society is necessary. It also sees the law in its practical context by focusing on contemporary legal issues, exploring current and future problems, and finding out how it might help solve these.

In short, the school aims to be a leading modern law school that provides an excellent student experience through innovative, contemporary and authentic legal education. Not convinced? Graduates can be found at firms such asDAC Beachcroft, Dentons, Linklaters, PwC and Deloitte, as well as bodies such as the Crown Prosecution Service. Find out more about Coventry Law School here.

University of Strathclyde, Glasgow

2022's most dynamic law schools in the UK

University of Strathclyde offers real-life work experience by allowing students to participate in a law clinic that provides free legal advice for those in need. Source: University of Strathclyde

Increased career prospects. High-quality research-led training. Unique courses. Innovative and forward-thinking. First-class facilities. Friendly and approachable. These are reasons why the University of Strathclyde is ranked among the top 15 law schools in the UK. Leading the way with the first and biggest law clinic in Scotland, this university offers real-life work experience by allowing students to participate in a law clinic that provides free legal advice for those in need. 

The clinic, established in 2003, has helped nearly 2,000 clients over the years. Aside from working in the clinic, students can join the Mooting Society, where you’ll get practical courtroom experience by participating in training sessions as well as national and international competitions run by members of the legal profession.

The university offers a wide variety of Bachelor of Laws programmes such as English Law, Scots Law, Law with French, just to name a few. For postgraduates, the university offers Master of Laws programmes, including Climate Change Law & Policy, Internet Law & Policy/IT & Telecommunications Law or Mediation & Conflict Resolution and more. These programmes offer experiential learning opportunities that allow you to put theory into practice.

University of Bristol 

2022's most dynamic law schools in the UK

Aspiring lawyers seeking an opportunity to discover the most challenging legal questions facing today’s global society will find their ideal programmes at UoB. Source: University of Bristol/Facebook

The University of Bristol (UoB) is one of the most popular and successful universities in the UK. It is ranked 62nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and fourth in a list of universities targeted by leading graduate employers (The Graduate Market in 2018, High Fliers Research).

UoB graduates are highly regarded by employers. The institution is known for its high-quality, research-led education; its courses are defined by its incorporation of the very latest thinking, plus real-life projects with academics who are experts in their field.

Aspiring lawyers seeking an opportunity to discover the most challenging legal questions facing today’s global society will find their ideal programmes at UoB. Its Bachelor of Laws programme is an intellectually demanding, rich curriculum that will provide you with a grounded appreciation of law in business and society and an ability to demonstrate excellent legal, analytical and reasoning skills. 

Postgraduate students seeking to expand their horizons will have a wide range of Master of Laws programmes. These programmes are designed to make students stand out in their specialisation and demonstrate excellent legal, analytical and research skills that are highly sought after by employers globally.

King’s College London 

2022's most dynamic law schools in the UK

King’s College London’s research and teaching address pressing issues. Source: King’s College London

The Dickson Poon School of Law at King’s College London is not only one of the oldest law schools in England, but also recognised as one of the best in the world. The school was established in 1831. 

Their research and teaching address pressing issues, including those that relate to equality and human rights, the legal implications of climate change, globalisation, international relations, trade, competition and global finance. 

Its long-established LLB degree is a highly regarded programme, recognised worldwide for its teaching excellence and access to expert faculty members. It prepares students to practise as a solicitor or barrister and a range of other careers in which legal knowledge is an asset. First-year LLB students can apply to a dual degree or study abroad option. The LLB pathways currently include Law with North American Legal Studies LLB, Law with Transnational Legal Studies LLB, and English Law with Australian Law LLB, among others. 

For postgraduates, the school’s LLM offers a choice of nine specialist pathways or a general LLM qualification. The LLM pathways include Competition Law, European Law, Intellectual Property, Information Law, International Business Law, International Financial Law, International Dispute Resolution, International Tax Law, Law and Technology and Transnational Law.