Law degree or Philosophy degree?!

Hello,

I am starting to go through the Uni application process and I originally wanted to do a Law LLB, but I'm also interested in doing a Philosophy degree, but I'm not sure which one to choose. I'm not 100% certain I definitely want to go into Law after my degree, but it's definitely a possibility!

Would a Law degree benefit me more than a Philosophy degree in terms of employability, whether it be a law or non law industry? Also, does the University matter to future employers? Since I am undecided on which degree to choose, should I apply to both and decide closer to the time?

I would really appreciate your thoughts and opinions, thank you!

Reply 1

silver-haired-an

Law would open a range of opportunities for you however it is a very confusing course

Reply 2

CatusStarbright

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by Milkshake!!

Hiya, you might benefit from attending uni open days and going to sample lectures/programme talks to get a flavour of what each degree would be like to study. I would say that in terms of employability law does lend itself more easily to a career, but both have good transferable skills! Ultimately it comes down to which course you like the sound of more, and which you think you will do well at.

Reply 3

Stiffy Byng

Original post

by silver-haired-an

Law would open a range of opportunities for you however it is a very confusing course

Law is not confusing if well taught, and studied with care.

OP, about half of the people who become lawyers do not have law degrees.

Employment is obtained on merit, not on the name of a candidate's university. Graduates of some universities may be more competitive candidates than graduates of other universities because of the competitive standards at some universities.

Reply 4

Rincewind_Bored

Original post

by Milkshake!!

Hello,
I am starting to go through the Uni application process and I originally wanted to do a Law LLB, but I'm also interested in doing a Philosophy degree, but I'm not sure which one to choose. I'm not 100% certain I definitely want to go into Law after my degree, but it's definitely a possibility!
Would a Law degree benefit me more than a Philosophy degree in terms of employability, whether it be a law or non law industry? Also, does the University matter to future employers? Since I am undecided on which degree to choose, should I apply to both and decide closer to the time?
I would really appreciate your thoughts and opinions, thank you!

Do the law degree and study Philosophy on your own time. A Law degree will be worth much more when you are hunting for jobs even if they aren't in Law.

Reply 5

Medcalf

Original post

by Milkshake!!

Hello,
I am starting to go through the Uni application process and I originally wanted to do a Law LLB, but I'm also interested in doing a Philosophy degree, but I'm not sure which one to choose. I'm not 100% certain I definitely want to go into Law after my degree, but it's definitely a possibility!
Would a Law degree benefit me more than a Philosophy degree in terms of employability, whether it be a law or non law industry? Also, does the University matter to future employers? Since I am undecided on which degree to choose, should I apply to both and decide closer to the time?
I would really appreciate your thoughts and opinions, thank you!

Ultimately you must pick a degree which you will enjoy and find interesting, otherwise it will be much harder. Also follow your gut instinct.

In terms of a law degree, it is one of the best degrees you can do as it is not just for a legal career, employers in general love a law degree due to the skills you develop such as critical thinking and problem solving.

I am a current law student, if you have any questions at all or want me to explain anything in more detail then please don't hesitate to message me.

Reply 6

Squiggles1238

As others have said, your university should not matter to an employer. This is increasingly becoming the case even in law-related jobs, as the institution you attended will be blind to some employers. If you’re really not sure if a law career is right for you then you could always do the philosophy degree and then do the GDL afterwards. As has been already mentioned, about 50% of lawyers do not have a law degree, so you will by no means be at a disadvantage.

I’ve just finished my first year of law if you’ve any questions :smile:

Reply 7

Plunker0202

you can also do philosophy then do a 1 year law conversion course or an LLB after. your philosophy knowledge will be especially useful for you in law if you are interested in the theoretical side of things

Reply 8

Stiffy Byng

Original post

by Rincewind_Bored

Do the law degree and study Philosophy on your own time. A Law degree will be worth much more when you are hunting for jobs even if they aren't in Law.

The opportunity to study philisophy intensely for three years may not arise again. Better in my view to study a subject you love and then, if you wish to be a lawyer and your degree subject was not law, do a PGDL.

Reply 9

TheUniofLawStaff

Official Rep

Original post

by Milkshake!!

Hello,
I am starting to go through the Uni application process and I originally wanted to do a Law LLB, but I'm also interested in doing a Philosophy degree, but I'm not sure which one to choose. I'm not 100% certain I definitely want to go into Law after my degree, but it's definitely a possibility!
Would a Law degree benefit me more than a Philosophy degree in terms of employability, whether it be a law or non law industry? Also, does the University matter to future employers? Since I am undecided on which degree to choose, should I apply to both and decide closer to the time?
I would really appreciate your thoughts and opinions, thank you!

Hey- We have many students who complete their law degrees and then go on to other paths (around half!) but they find the skills they have learnt transfer well if you decide not to become a lawyer. A law degree will always be seen as an excellent foundation for all career paths.

Most employers look for what opportunities you take up whilst at university that are relevant to the area of work you eventually decide on. So if you decided to do Philosophy and then decided you wanted to go into law, you could join debating/mooting competitions, join the law society, go to law firm open days etc that will show your passion for the area.

Lastly, like others have said you can do a conversion course after you have studied another degree (although to think about costs), you can find much more about this on our website: https://www.law.ac.uk/employability/career-finder/solicitor/