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law degree - help - about law degree

Hi, I hope you are well and would help me as much as they can.

I wanted to ask the following questions, please answer as many questions you can, I would really appreciate it:

1. To study law degree, what are the entry requirements? which A level/btec are compulsory to study to do this degree?
2. By taking law A level or law btec, is it possible to study law degree?
3. what do you study in law degree? - whoever have studied this degree, can you please let me know if you enjoyed it and what is it like?
4. what is it like to study law degree? - is it similar to A level or btec level 3 law/applied law but more further like in more detail?
5. will a person who enjoyed btec level 3 applied law, would like to do this degree?
6. if you study this degree, which careers can you go to?
7. if you study this degree, can you easily find jobs?
8. by studying this degree, what is the salary like to be for the job options this degree provides.
9 is it difficult to study law?
10 is btec level 3 applied law difficult?

I hope anyone will answer my questions, if you only know few questions please still answer it, it would be really helpful.
thanks
Original post
by Harman Kaur
Hi, I hope you are well and would help me as much as they can.
I wanted to ask the following questions, please answer as many questions you can, I would really appreciate it:
1. To study law degree, what are the entry requirements? which A level/btec are compulsory to study to do this degree?
2. By taking law A level or law btec, is it possible to study law degree?
3. what do you study in law degree? - whoever have studied this degree, can you please let me know if you enjoyed it and what is it like?
4. what is it like to study law degree? - is it similar to A level or btec level 3 law/applied law but more further like in more detail?
5. will a person who enjoyed btec level 3 applied law, would like to do this degree?
6. if you study this degree, which careers can you go to?
7. if you study this degree, can you easily find jobs?
8. by studying this degree, what is the salary like to be for the job options this degree provides.
9 is it difficult to study law?
10 is btec level 3 applied law difficult?
I hope anyone will answer my questions, if you only know few questions please still answer it, it would be really helpful.
thanks

I haven't done a law degree, but I know some of the answers to the following questions.

1. To study law degree, what are the entry requirements? which A level/btec are compulsory to study to do this degree?
Typically high grades in 3 A Levels in any subjects. BTEC is sometimes accepted, depending on the individual uni. The preferred subjects tend to be essay based, but it's not strictly a requirement i.e. you can do physics, maths, and CS, and still get in.

2. By taking law A level or law btec, is it possible to study law degree?
You can, but this is not necessary. In fact, some people hate Law A Level, even when they're applying for law degrees.

3. what do you study in law degree? - whoever have studied this degree, can you please let me know if you enjoyed it and what is it like?
As far as I know, it's a lot of case laws if you study common law .e. you study cases and then debate about the issues in those cases. Under Roman law, you learn the rules. However, I might be incorrect about this.
I avoid law like the plague, so I am not the best person to answer this along with Questions 4 and 5.

6. if you study this degree, which careers can you go to?
Typically anything in the legal sector. You should ideally get an LLB for the most flexibility and maximum scope (some law firms don't accept BAs for some reason for solicitor roles, but you will need an LLB or PGDL to become a barrister).
Like most degrees you get, you can go teach in the subject, work in academia related to the subject, or go for any of the 600+ jobs that either require no degree or a degree in any subject.
If you want a brochure like answer to this, see the following for example:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/law
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/en/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor/alternative-careers-with-a-law-degree
https://www.law.ac.uk/resources/blog/things-you-can-do-with-law-degree/
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/career-ideas/what-else-can-i-do-law-degree
https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/law-degree-jobs
https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/careers/careers-with-a-law-degree
https://careers.ed.ac.uk/students/undergraduates/discover-what-s-out-there/find-out-about-types-of-jobs-and-employers/exploring-jobs-and-sectors/popular-sectors/finance-management-legal-services/law-legal-services/alternative-careers-law-degree
https://www.whatuni.com/advice/career-advice/jobs-you-can-do-with-a-law-degree/80730/
https://www.dundee.ac.uk/careers/subjects-law
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/law/twelve-jobs-you-can-do-law-degree
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/subject-and-study-guides/guides-articles/why-study-law/
https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/what-can-i-do-with-a-law-degree/careers-with-a-law-degree
https://www.essex.ac.uk/departments/law/careers
https://www.careers.cam.ac.uk/using-your-degree/using-your-degree-law
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/subjects/what-can-you-do-law-degree
If you want more articles similar to those above, look them up on Google.

7. if you study this degree, can you easily find jobs?
This is another redundant question like your other Questions 7s. See the corresponding answer in your Applied Maths degree thread: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7510666

8. by studying this degree, what is the salary like to be for the job options this degree provides.
This is another redundant Question 8. Like your Question 7s, this is an annoying question that bears no relevance. See the corresponding answer in your Applied Maths degree thread: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7510666

9 is it difficult to study law?
Yes, it's said to be challenging as far as I know. Out of all the subjects out there, it's said to be the most difficult subject to score a 1st class in. Most students score 2:1 if they work hard enough. See the following for example:
https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/hardest-degree-subjects/
https://www.legalcheek.com/2017/02/law-is-the-hardest-degree-to-get-a-first-in/
https://m.economictimes.com/news/web-stories/law-medicine-among-15-hardest-degree-subjects-see-list/slideshow/102392486.cms
https://oxfordsummercourses.com/articles/hardest-degrees-in-uk/
https://thetab.com/uk/brookes/2016/05/20/law-hardest-degree-obviously-12613

Reply 2

Original post
by MindMax2000
I haven't done a law degree, but I know some of the answers to the following questions.
1. To study law degree, what are the entry requirements? which A level/btec are compulsory to study to do this degree?
Typically high grades in 3 A Levels in any subjects. BTEC is sometimes accepted, depending on the individual uni. The preferred subjects tend to be essay based, but it's not strictly a requirement i.e. you can do physics, maths, and CS, and still get in.
2. By taking law A level or law btec, is it possible to study law degree?
You can, but this is not necessary. In fact, some people hate Law A Level, even when they're applying for law degrees.
3. what do you study in law degree? - whoever have studied this degree, can you please let me know if you enjoyed it and what is it like?
As far as I know, it's a lot of case laws if you study common law .e. you study cases and then debate about the issues in those cases. Under Roman law, you learn the rules. However, I might be incorrect about this.
I avoid law like the plague, so I am not the best person to answer this along with Questions 4 and 5.
6. if you study this degree, which careers can you go to?
Typically anything in the legal sector. You should ideally get an LLB for the most flexibility and maximum scope (some law firms don't accept BAs for some reason for solicitor roles, but you will need an LLB or PGDL to become a barrister).
Like most degrees you get, you can go teach in the subject, work in academia related to the subject, or go for any of the 600+ jobs that either require no degree or a degree in any subject.
If you want a brochure like answer to this, see the following for example:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/law
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/en/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor/alternative-careers-with-a-law-degree
https://www.law.ac.uk/resources/blog/things-you-can-do-with-law-degree/
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/career-ideas/what-else-can-i-do-law-degree
https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/law-degree-jobs
https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/careers/careers-with-a-law-degree
https://careers.ed.ac.uk/students/undergraduates/discover-what-s-out-there/find-out-about-types-of-jobs-and-employers/exploring-jobs-and-sectors/popular-sectors/finance-management-legal-services/law-legal-services/alternative-careers-law-degree
https://www.whatuni.com/advice/career-advice/jobs-you-can-do-with-a-law-degree/80730/
https://www.dundee.ac.uk/careers/subjects-law
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/law/twelve-jobs-you-can-do-law-degree
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/subject-and-study-guides/guides-articles/why-study-law/
https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/what-can-i-do-with-a-law-degree/careers-with-a-law-degree
https://www.essex.ac.uk/departments/law/careers
https://www.careers.cam.ac.uk/using-your-degree/using-your-degree-law
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/subjects/what-can-you-do-law-degree
If you want more articles similar to those above, look them up on Google.
7. if you study this degree, can you easily find jobs?
This is another redundant question like your other Questions 7s. See the corresponding answer in your Applied Maths degree thread: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7510666
8. by studying this degree, what is the salary like to be for the job options this degree provides.
This is another redundant Question 8. Like your Question 7s, this is an annoying question that bears no relevance. See the corresponding answer in your Applied Maths degree thread: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7510666
9 is it difficult to study law?
Yes, it's said to be challenging as far as I know. Out of all the subjects out there, it's said to be the most difficult subject to score a 1st class in. Most students score 2:1 if they work hard enough. See the following for example:
https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/hardest-degree-subjects/
https://www.legalcheek.com/2017/02/law-is-the-hardest-degree-to-get-a-first-in/
https://m.economictimes.com/news/web-stories/law-medicine-among-15-hardest-degree-subjects-see-list/slideshow/102392486.cms
https://oxfordsummercourses.com/articles/hardest-degrees-in-uk/
https://thetab.com/uk/brookes/2016/05/20/law-hardest-degree-obviously-12613

thanks for your help. you have helped me so much. thank you so much

Reply 3

Original post
by MindMax2000
I haven't done a law degree, but I know some of the answers to the following questions.
1. To study law degree, what are the entry requirements? which A level/btec are compulsory to study to do this degree?
Typically high grades in 3 A Levels in any subjects. BTEC is sometimes accepted, depending on the individual uni. The preferred subjects tend to be essay based, but it's not strictly a requirement i.e. you can do physics, maths, and CS, and still get in.
2. By taking law A level or law btec, is it possible to study law degree?
You can, but this is not necessary. In fact, some people hate Law A Level, even when they're applying for law degrees.
3. what do you study in law degree? - whoever have studied this degree, can you please let me know if you enjoyed it and what is it like?
As far as I know, it's a lot of case laws if you study common law .e. you study cases and then debate about the issues in those cases. Under Roman law, you learn the rules. However, I might be incorrect about this.
I avoid law like the plague, so I am not the best person to answer this along with Questions 4 and 5.
6. if you study this degree, which careers can you go to?
Typically anything in the legal sector. You should ideally get an LLB for the most flexibility and maximum scope (some law firms don't accept BAs for some reason for solicitor roles, but you will need an LLB or PGDL to become a barrister).
Like most degrees you get, you can go teach in the subject, work in academia related to the subject, or go for any of the 600+ jobs that either require no degree or a degree in any subject.
If you want a brochure like answer to this, see the following for example:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/law
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/en/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor/alternative-careers-with-a-law-degree
https://www.law.ac.uk/resources/blog/things-you-can-do-with-law-degree/
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/career-ideas/what-else-can-i-do-law-degree
https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/law-degree-jobs
https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/careers/careers-with-a-law-degree
https://careers.ed.ac.uk/students/undergraduates/discover-what-s-out-there/find-out-about-types-of-jobs-and-employers/exploring-jobs-and-sectors/popular-sectors/finance-management-legal-services/law-legal-services/alternative-careers-law-degree
https://www.whatuni.com/advice/career-advice/jobs-you-can-do-with-a-law-degree/80730/
https://www.dundee.ac.uk/careers/subjects-law
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/law/twelve-jobs-you-can-do-law-degree
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/subject-and-study-guides/guides-articles/why-study-law/
https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/what-can-i-do-with-a-law-degree/careers-with-a-law-degree
https://www.essex.ac.uk/departments/law/careers
https://www.careers.cam.ac.uk/using-your-degree/using-your-degree-law
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/subjects/what-can-you-do-law-degree
If you want more articles similar to those above, look them up on Google.
7. if you study this degree, can you easily find jobs?
This is another redundant question like your other Questions 7s. See the corresponding answer in your Applied Maths degree thread: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7510666
8. by studying this degree, what is the salary like to be for the job options this degree provides.
This is another redundant Question 8. Like your Question 7s, this is an annoying question that bears no relevance. See the corresponding answer in your Applied Maths degree thread: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7510666
9 is it difficult to study law?
Yes, it's said to be challenging as far as I know. Out of all the subjects out there, it's said to be the most difficult subject to score a 1st class in. Most students score 2:1 if they work hard enough. See the following for example:
https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/hardest-degree-subjects/
https://www.legalcheek.com/2017/02/law-is-the-hardest-degree-to-get-a-first-in/
https://m.economictimes.com/news/web-stories/law-medicine-among-15-hardest-degree-subjects-see-list/slideshow/102392486.cms
https://oxfordsummercourses.com/articles/hardest-degrees-in-uk/
https://thetab.com/uk/brookes/2016/05/20/law-hardest-degree-obviously-12613

Your post is helpful up to a point, but your observation about law firms not accepting BAs in law is incorrect. Do you really suppose that any law firm is telling people with BAs in law from Oxford or Cambridge to get lost?


OP, as to -

3. what do you study in law degree? - whoever have studied this degree, can you please let me know if you enjoyed it and what is it like?

In England and Wales, a law degree involves the study of -

Public Law (Constitutional and Administrative Law)
Criminal Law
Contract Law
Tort Law
Equity and Trusts
Land Law
EU Law

There will be a varying number of additional compulsory or optional subjects required or available, depending on the university. Examples include Jurisprudence, Company Law, Human Rights Law, Employment Law, Conflict of Laws, Public International Law, and so on.

You study law by learning about principles contained in legislation and in decisions made by the higher courts.

Roman law is compulsory at Oxford and optional elsewhere (Scotland apart). Roman law is foundational to modern European legal systems, much as Latin is foundational to many modern European languages. English law, like the English language (which is more Germanic than Latinate), departs from the Roman model to an extent greater than, for example, French law and the French language.

Reply 4

I add that, to become a barrister, you do not require "either an LLB or a PGDL". You require a degree in law or a degree in any subject plus a PGDL. The Bar and the judiciary (which is mainly recruited from the Bar) are full of people with BAs in law.

The legal profession in general is about fifty percent law graduates and fifty percent non-law graduates.

Career opportunities and income prospects vary widely. Within the legal profession, High Street Solicitors and Legal Aid Criminal barristers may earn less than plumbers. Partners in commercial law firms and leading commercial barristers earn millions. There is a vast range in between those two groups.
(edited 1 year ago)
Original post
by Stiffy Byng
I add that, to become a barrister, you do not require an LLB or a PGDL. The Bar and the judiciary (which is mainly recruited from the Bar) are full of people with BAs in law. The legal profession in general is about fifty percent law graduates and fifty percent non-law graduates.
Career opportunities and income prospects vary widely. Within the legal profession, High Street Solicitors and Legal Aid Criminal barristers may earn less than plumbers. Partners in commercial law firms and leading commercial barristers earn millions. There is a vast range in between those two groups.

Can you elaborate on how you can become a barrister without an LLB or PGDL? I have received conflicting advice from people who work in law as well as information on various government websites.

Reply 6

Original post
by MindMax2000
Can you elaborate on how you can become a barrister without an LLB or PGDL? I have received conflicting advice from people who work in law as well as information on various government websites.

I was responding to your curious contention that a BA in law is not a route to becoming a lawyer. That would come as a surprise to the thousands of people with BAs in law who are barristers, solicitors, and Judges.

To become a barrister, you first obtain a degree in any subject. If the subject is law, it doesn't matter whether the degree is called a BA or an LLB. If the subject is not law, you obtain a PGDL. Then you do a pupillage if you wish to practise as a self-employed barrister.

Reply 7

OP, please take this as positively intended. If you plan to practise law in the UK, it would be a good idea to brush up your written English. Law is all about language, and precision in writing is a core skill for all lawyers. The best way to write well is to read well. Read as much as you can. Reading literary fiction along with carefully written journalism (such as the journalism published in The Economist) may improve a person's writing skills.

Reply 8

Original post
by Stiffy Byng
OP, please take this as positively intended. If you plan to practise law in the UK, it would be a good idea to brush up your written English. Law is all about language, and precision in writing is a core skill for all lawyers. The best way to write well is to read well. Read as much as you can. Reading literary fiction along with carefully written journalism (such as the journalism published in The Economist) may improve a person's writing skills.

thank you so much for your help. this was so helpful.

if I want to become barrister in future, can I become one if I do degree in any subject? is this true?
and what is PGDL and pupillage?
To become a barrister, you first obtain a degree in any subject. If the subject is law, it doesn't matter whether the degree is called aBA or an LLB. If the subject is not law, you obtain a PGDL. Then you do a pupillage if you wish to practise as a self-employed barrister."
can you please explain what is the process of becoming barrister with having a degree in any subject? what happens after I have degree in any subject?

I hope you will help me as much as you can.
thanks

Reply 9

Original post
by Stiffy Byng
OP, please take this as positively intended. If you plan to practise law in the UK, it would be a good idea to brush up your written English. Law is all about language, and precision in writing is a core skill for all lawyers. The best way to write well is to read well. Read as much as you can. Reading literary fiction along with carefully written journalism (such as the journalism published in The Economist) may improve a person's writing skills.

thanks for helping and giving advice and tips. If I don't like reading that much what to do?

Reply 10

Original post
by Harman Kaur
thanks for helping and giving advice and tips. If I don't like reading that much what to do?

If you don't like reading, do not study law. I kid you not! Lawyers read, read, read, and write, write, write.

Reply 11

Original post
by Harman Kaur
thank you so much for your help. this was so helpful.
if I want to become barrister in future, can I become one if I do degree in any subject? is this true?
and what is PGDL and pupillage?
To become a barrister, you first obtain a degree in any subject. If the subject is law, it doesn't matter whether the degree is called aBA or an LLB. If the subject is not law, you obtain a PGDL. Then you do a pupillage if you wish to practise as a self-employed barrister."
can you please explain what is the process of becoming barrister with having a degree in any subject? what happens after I have degree in any subject?
I hope you will help me as much as you can.
thanks

A PGDL is a Postgraduate Diploma in Law. To obtain one you study the core subjects listed above in a year, and pass an exam in each core subject.

A barrister must have a degree. The degree can be in any subject. The PGDL is for those with degrees in subjects other than law.

Law graduates and PGDL holders take the Bar course (one year) to qualify as unregistered barristers.

Pupillage is a year of assessed training in a barristers' chambers or a Government legal post. During the second six months of pupillage a pupil can take on their own cases.

To practise as a self-employed and registered barrister a pupil must obtain a tenancy in a set of chambers. Otherwise a barrister can take employment in a law firm, a corporate legal team, or a Government legal office.

Reply 13

Original post
by Stiffy Byng
If you don't like reading, do not study law. I kid you not! Lawyers read, read, read, and write, write, write.

ok, so law is not for me? I like to write but I don't read books much. I was going to study btec level 3 applied law, is this okay for me or not? should I study it or not?

Reply 14

Only you can decide that, but, if you do not like reading, studying law would be an odd choice.

Why do you not like reading? Reading is the key to understanding the World. You shut yourself off from many aspects of life if you do not read.

I add that law is competitive, and you ought to be thinking of A Levels, not BTECs, if you are thinking of studying law.

Reply 15

For my GCSEs I studied btec science. I went on studying law completing my lpc and llm. Worked in a top law firm as a paralegal. I have friends that also did btecs either in gcse or a levels and they are doing the tc. It doesn’t matter. All you need to do is get good grades so don’t worry too much on that unless you want to go Oxford or Cambridge.

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