So....What do Law students actually study?

Hi, I am Ru a final year LLB Law with Business student. When people hear you study Law, they usually imagine courtrooms, dramatic objections, or memorising endless rules. I thought that too before starting, but the reality of a Law degree is actually much broader (and honestly more interesting) than I expected.
So, if you’re considering Law, here is what you really study (or at least what I've learnt as a BCU student) and what day-to-day learning actually looks like.
Core Modules: The Foundations of Law:
In most UK Law degrees, especially in the first year, everyone studies the core legal subjects that build the foundation of the legal system. These are sometimes called the ‘qualifying law subjects.’ These are some but not all of them:
Contract Law:
This was one of the most relatable modules I studies. You learn how agreements become legally binding. So, things like offers, acceptance, misrepresentation and breach of contract.
What surprised me most was how many everyday situations link back to contract law so online purchases, subscriptions and even booking holidays!
Criminal Law:
This was one of my favourites! You look at what makes someone criminally liable, different types of offences, and concepts like intention and recklessness.
It is less about memorising crimes and more about how judges think and how legal reasoning works. For my assignment, I got to take on the role of a solicitor to do a presentation looking at a client’s offences and how they would most likely be tried.
Constitutional Law:
This focuses on how the UK is governed: Parliament, the courts, judicial review and citizens’ rights.
Before uni, I did not realise how political law could feel. You often discuss real-world issues and government decisions which makes the lectures feel very current.
Tort Law:
Actually, less complicated than it sounds. It is basically about civil wrongs. So, when someone harms another person and compensation is involved (like negligence and personal injury claims).
It sounds technical at first, but once you start spotting negligence examples everywhere, it becomes strangely fascinating.
Skills I have learnt:
One thing I did not expect is that a Law degree is not just about learning laws, it’s about learning how to think.
You develop:
- Analytical thinking
- Argument building
- Essay writing under pressure
- Critical evaluation
- Problem solving using legal scenarios
A lot of assignments involve applying legal rules to fictional scenarios, almost like solving puzzles.
Independent Study (the biggest adjustment):
This was probably the biggest surprise for me.
For every lecture hour, you are expected to do several hours of independent study. That usually includes:
- Reading case judgements (which can be long and challenging at first)
- Preparing for seminars
- Making notes from textbooks and journal articles
- Practising problem questions
- Reviewing lecture content
In uni, no one checks daily whether you have done the reading. So self-discipline becomes really important. Participation in class also helps with active recall. Uni quickly teaches you how to manage your own learning.
Seminars and Lectures:
I would say seminars are where things actually click.
Instead of listening passively, you:
- Discuss cases
- Debate
- Answer problem questions
- Sometimes argue different sides of the same case
At first it can feel intimidating speaking up, but these sessions really help build confidence and understanding.
Optional Modules (where things get interesting):
Later in the degree, you usually get choices depending on your interests, Some examples at my university include:
- United Nations in Legal Practice
- Family Law
- Medical Law
- Employment Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Legal Tech
- Consumer and Agency
- Competition Law
And so many more!
This is where you start shaping your degree around what you enjoy most. Personally, I found it exciting because law suddenly felt less general and more connected to real career paths. I also got to volunteer at the law clinic at my university so that practical experience further helped.
Placements and Practical Experience:
Many universities offer opportunities like:
- Legal clinics (giving supervised advice to real clients)
- Mooting (mock court competitions)
- Debate/Mediation
- Mini-pupillages or internships
- Work placements with law firms or support through court
I have had experience in legal clinics, mooting and debates. These experiences help bridge the gap between theory and real legal practice, and I would say they are often where confidence grows the most.
Things I did not expect about studying Law:
Some mind blowers:
- You do not memorise everything, it is actually understanding that matters more than memory
- Reading cases feels IMPOSSIBLE at first, but it does get easier
- Law can be super fun (especially the arguing bit)
- There’s rarely one right answer, argument and reasoning matters more
- You start seeing legal issues everywhere in everyday life
- Studying law might make you realise you want to take a completely different path which is absolutely okay because it is a versatile degree
I would say studying Law is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding if you enjoy discussion, analysis and understanding how society works.
It’s less about becoming a walking rulebook and more about learning how to think logically, argue persuasively, and question systems around you. If you are curious, enjoy debating ideas or like solving complex problems, I would say a Law degree can be surprisingly engaging and fun!
If you’re interested in Law, check out the course page and take a virtual tour to see what it’s like at BCU. 
Ru
BCU Student Rep.

Hi, I am Ru a final year LLB Law with Business student. When people hear you study Law, they usually imagine courtrooms, dramatic objections, or memorising endless rules. I thought that too before starting, but the reality of a Law degree is actually much broader (and honestly more interesting) than I expected.
So, if you’re considering Law, here is what you really study (or at least what I've learnt as a BCU student) and what day-to-day learning actually looks like.
Core Modules: The Foundations of Law:
In most UK Law degrees, especially in the first year, everyone studies the core legal subjects that build the foundation of the legal system. These are sometimes called the ‘qualifying law subjects.’ These are some but not all of them:
Contract Law:
This was one of the most relatable modules I studies. You learn how agreements become legally binding. So, things like offers, acceptance, misrepresentation and breach of contract.
What surprised me most was how many everyday situations link back to contract law so online purchases, subscriptions and even booking holidays!
Criminal Law:
This was one of my favourites! You look at what makes someone criminally liable, different types of offences, and concepts like intention and recklessness.
It is less about memorising crimes and more about how judges think and how legal reasoning works. For my assignment, I got to take on the role of a solicitor to do a presentation looking at a client’s offences and how they would most likely be tried.
Constitutional Law:
This focuses on how the UK is governed: Parliament, the courts, judicial review and citizens’ rights.
Before uni, I did not realise how political law could feel. You often discuss real-world issues and government decisions which makes the lectures feel very current.
Tort Law:
Actually, less complicated than it sounds. It is basically about civil wrongs. So, when someone harms another person and compensation is involved (like negligence and personal injury claims).
It sounds technical at first, but once you start spotting negligence examples everywhere, it becomes strangely fascinating.
Skills I have learnt:
One thing I did not expect is that a Law degree is not just about learning laws, it’s about learning how to think.
You develop:
- Analytical thinking
- Argument building
- Essay writing under pressure
- Critical evaluation
- Problem solving using legal scenarios
A lot of assignments involve applying legal rules to fictional scenarios, almost like solving puzzles.
Independent Study (the biggest adjustment):
This was probably the biggest surprise for me.
For every lecture hour, you are expected to do several hours of independent study. That usually includes:
- Reading case judgements (which can be long and challenging at first)
- Preparing for seminars
- Making notes from textbooks and journal articles
- Practising problem questions
- Reviewing lecture content
In uni, no one checks daily whether you have done the reading. So self-discipline becomes really important. Participation in class also helps with active recall. Uni quickly teaches you how to manage your own learning.
Seminars and Lectures:
I would say seminars are where things actually click.
Instead of listening passively, you:
- Discuss cases
- Debate
- Answer problem questions
- Sometimes argue different sides of the same case
At first it can feel intimidating speaking up, but these sessions really help build confidence and understanding.
Optional Modules (where things get interesting):
Later in the degree, you usually get choices depending on your interests, Some examples at my university include:
- United Nations in Legal Practice
- Family Law
- Medical Law
- Employment Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Legal Tech
- Consumer and Agency
- Competition Law
And so many more!
This is where you start shaping your degree around what you enjoy most. Personally, I found it exciting because law suddenly felt less general and more connected to real career paths. I also got to volunteer at the law clinic at my university so that practical experience further helped.
Placements and Practical Experience:
Many universities offer opportunities like:
- Legal clinics (giving supervised advice to real clients)
- Mooting (mock court competitions)
- Debate/Mediation
- Mini-pupillages or internships
- Work placements with law firms or support through court
I have had experience in legal clinics, mooting and debates. These experiences help bridge the gap between theory and real legal practice, and I would say they are often where confidence grows the most.
Things I did not expect about studying Law:
Some mind blowers:
- You do not memorise everything, it is actually understanding that matters more than memory
- Reading cases feels IMPOSSIBLE at first, but it does get easier
- Law can be super fun (especially the arguing bit)
- There’s rarely one right answer, argument and reasoning matters more
- You start seeing legal issues everywhere in everyday life
- Studying law might make you realise you want to take a completely different path which is absolutely okay because it is a versatile degree
I would say studying Law is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding if you enjoy discussion, analysis and understanding how society works.
It’s less about becoming a walking rulebook and more about learning how to think logically, argue persuasively, and question systems around you. If you are curious, enjoy debating ideas or like solving complex problems, I would say a Law degree can be surprisingly engaging and fun!
If you’re interested in Law, check out the course page and take a virtual tour to see what it’s like at BCU. 
Ru
BCU Student Rep.

Hi! I'd like to second what Ru has said above. I am Beth, a second year Law with Criminology student at Lancaster University. We currently have similar core modules taken across first, second and third year, though some may be subject to change with course restructuring. What I found most interesting and unexpected about law at university was how narrow the "laypersons" perspective of law was. In my mind, it was all either criminal law or more civil things like contract law, but my understanding of the variety of types of law, ways in which different disciplines of law interact and the breadth of legal topics.
Some of the key shocks I had studying law at university are-
If anybody is considering applying to study law, I would definitely recommend!! The challenge is very rewarding, the modules you may study are incredibly engaging, and law degrees are great for many careers!

Hey Beth, thank you for all this useful information. I just wanted to ask if you’re not thinking of working in the legal profession, what do you want work as and why? After you’re done with your degree. And also how are you finding doing a law degree at Lancaster University? Why would you recommend it?

Hi!
I have thought of a lot of different career paths honestly (I'm quite indecisive), but I have currently settled on going through the civil service fast stream into a government department. I feel like my law degree complements this route quite well, and it does link to law but isn't necessarily going into the legal profession which doesn't appeal to me personally. I have heard great things about this career, it is a little more manageable than the legal profession in my eyes because it is more of a 9-5 job, has great progression opportunities and sounds incredibly interesting to me as somebody who enjoys public/constitutional law and criminology the most out of all legal topics.
I am loving my Law with Criminology degree at Lancaster, it really is great! I would definitely recommend law at Lancaster, I have found all the modules highly engaging, the support systems within the law school are excellent, they have great connections to industry/practical opportunities to develop your legal skills if you wish, the Law Society is great for both social events and for employability support too.
Some things that I think set Lancaster Law apart from other universities is the hands on, practical approach developed through modules like the Law Clinic and Civil Litigation and Dispute resolution, alongside the research-led teaching. You are being taught by leaders in their research areas, and I find this incredibly interesting because I am learning directly from those who advise government, have shaped elements of law/criminology and who truly live for their research, their passion is infectious and makes me much more engaged in my studies.
I had looked at Law at other universities, and I remember knowing that Lancaster was for me because of the atmosphere. I found the law department, both staff and students, to be the most friendly/approachable, honest and helpful, and I have found this to be my experience now I am studying here too.
I hope this helps a little, please let me know if you have any other questions!!
Beth- 2nd year Law with Criminology

hi!
this is such a useful account of the degree. what alevels did you and was it challenging to get the course? also, what are you planning to do after you complete your degree?

Hi! I'd like to second what Ru has said above. I am Beth, a second year Law with Criminology student at Lancaster University. We currently have similar core modules taken across first, second and third year, though some may be subject to change with course restructuring. What I found most interesting and unexpected about law at university was how narrow the "laypersons" perspective of law was. In my mind, it was all either criminal law or more civil things like contract law, but my understanding of the variety of types of law, ways in which different disciplines of law interact and the breadth of legal topics.
Some of the key shocks I had studying law at university are-
If anybody is considering applying to study law, I would definitely recommend!! The challenge is very rewarding, the modules you may study are incredibly engaging, and law degrees are great for many careers!

Hey Beth, thank you for all this useful information. I just wanted to ask if you’re not thinking of working in the legal profession, what do you want work as and why? After you’re done with your degree. And also how are you finding doing a law degree at Lancaster University? Why would you recommend it?

Hi, I am Ru a final year LLB Law with Business student. When people hear you study Law, they usually imagine courtrooms, dramatic objections, or memorising endless rules. I thought that too before starting, but the reality of a Law degree is actually much broader (and honestly more interesting) than I expected.
So, if you’re considering Law, here is what you really study (or at least what I've learnt as a BCU student) and what day-to-day learning actually looks like.
Core Modules: The Foundations of Law:
In most UK Law degrees, especially in the first year, everyone studies the core legal subjects that build the foundation of the legal system. These are sometimes called the ‘qualifying law subjects.’ These are some but not all of them:
Contract Law:
This was one of the most relatable modules I studies. You learn how agreements become legally binding. So, things like offers, acceptance, misrepresentation and breach of contract.
What surprised me most was how many everyday situations link back to contract law so online purchases, subscriptions and even booking holidays!
Criminal Law:
This was one of my favourites! You look at what makes someone criminally liable, different types of offences, and concepts like intention and recklessness.
It is less about memorising crimes and more about how judges think and how legal reasoning works. For my assignment, I got to take on the role of a solicitor to do a presentation looking at a client’s offences and how they would most likely be tried.
Constitutional Law:
This focuses on how the UK is governed: Parliament, the courts, judicial review and citizens’ rights.
Before uni, I did not realise how political law could feel. You often discuss real-world issues and government decisions which makes the lectures feel very current.
Tort Law:
Actually, less complicated than it sounds. It is basically about civil wrongs. So, when someone harms another person and compensation is involved (like negligence and personal injury claims).
It sounds technical at first, but once you start spotting negligence examples everywhere, it becomes strangely fascinating.
Skills I have learnt:
One thing I did not expect is that a Law degree is not just about learning laws, it’s about learning how to think.
You develop:
- Analytical thinking
- Argument building
- Essay writing under pressure
- Critical evaluation
- Problem solving using legal scenarios
A lot of assignments involve applying legal rules to fictional scenarios, almost like solving puzzles.
Independent Study (the biggest adjustment):
This was probably the biggest surprise for me.
For every lecture hour, you are expected to do several hours of independent study. That usually includes:
- Reading case judgements (which can be long and challenging at first)
- Preparing for seminars
- Making notes from textbooks and journal articles
- Practising problem questions
- Reviewing lecture content
In uni, no one checks daily whether you have done the reading. So self-discipline becomes really important. Participation in class also helps with active recall. Uni quickly teaches you how to manage your own learning.
Seminars and Lectures:
I would say seminars are where things actually click.
Instead of listening passively, you:
- Discuss cases
- Debate
- Answer problem questions
- Sometimes argue different sides of the same case
At first it can feel intimidating speaking up, but these sessions really help build confidence and understanding.
Optional Modules (where things get interesting):
Later in the degree, you usually get choices depending on your interests, Some examples at my university include:
- United Nations in Legal Practice
- Family Law
- Medical Law
- Employment Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Legal Tech
- Consumer and Agency
- Competition Law
And so many more!
This is where you start shaping your degree around what you enjoy most. Personally, I found it exciting because law suddenly felt less general and more connected to real career paths. I also got to volunteer at the law clinic at my university so that practical experience further helped.
Placements and Practical Experience:
Many universities offer opportunities like:
- Legal clinics (giving supervised advice to real clients)
- Mooting (mock court competitions)
- Debate/Mediation
- Mini-pupillages or internships
- Work placements with law firms or support through court
I have had experience in legal clinics, mooting and debates. These experiences help bridge the gap between theory and real legal practice, and I would say they are often where confidence grows the most.
Things I did not expect about studying Law:
Some mind blowers:
- You do not memorise everything, it is actually understanding that matters more than memory
- Reading cases feels IMPOSSIBLE at first, but it does get easier
- Law can be super fun (especially the arguing bit)
- There’s rarely one right answer, argument and reasoning matters more
- You start seeing legal issues everywhere in everyday life
- Studying law might make you realise you want to take a completely different path which is absolutely okay because it is a versatile degree
I would say studying Law is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding if you enjoy discussion, analysis and understanding how society works.
It’s less about becoming a walking rulebook and more about learning how to think logically, argue persuasively, and question systems around you. If you are curious, enjoy debating ideas or like solving complex problems, I would say a Law degree can be surprisingly engaging and fun!
If you’re interested in Law, check out the course page and take a virtual tour to see what it’s like at BCU. 
Ru
BCU Student Rep.

Hey @iyobosaosula, though this was directed to Beth, I did want to chime in a little! As someone who plans on pursuing a non-legal job, getting into Real Estate, it is because studying Law especially property law helped me realise I am more interested in that, and actually better in it too! Law also offers many transferable skills that look great on a CV 🙂