What is an LLB degree in law?

An LLB is an undergraduate law degree offered by many UK universities. Equivalent to a BA or BSc, it’s one of the most common pathways for anyone aspiring to enter the legal sector. Although it’s not necessary to have an LLB in order to become a lawyer, the degree will provide you with an in-depth understanding of various areas of law and legal systems – to help kickstart your legal career.

The LLB degree enables you to explore different legal fields while you study, so you can identify areas that interest you the most. This will help you build a better idea of where you want to take your career in the future.

Completing an LLB Law degree can unlock a wide range of career opportunities. Your end-goal may be to become a solicitor or barrister, but the LLB Law degree can also open up doors for careers in politics, journalism, business and many other sectors. 

Whatever you want from your future, an LLB Law degree provides a solid foundation and equips you with many transferable skills, no matter what your career aspirations are. 

What is an LLB degree?

An LLB degree, or Bachelor of Laws, is the most popular qualifying, undergraduate law degree for anyone aspiring to become a solicitor or barrister. But not everyone who pursues an LLB degree becomes a lawyer. An LLB degree opens up various other career paths too, providing you with the skills to thrive in any profession that values logical thinking, analytical skills and clear communication.

Is LLB a postgraduate degree?

While an LLB provides a strong foundation in legal principles, it’s important to remember that you’ll need additional postgraduate training in order to qualify as a solicitor or barrister. You can think of the LLB degree as the first stepping-stone in your legal career, preparing you for the next step: taking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1) or Bar Practice Course, if you’re planning to qualify as a barrister.

LLB degree meaning

We can’t blame you for wondering about the LLB degree meaning. ‘LLB’ is short for ‘Bachelor of Laws’ but it abbreviates to ‘LLB’ instead of ‘BL’ due to the name of the qualification in Latin – ‘Legum Baccalaureus’. ‘Legum’ is the plural of ‘lex’, meaning law, while ‘Baccalaureus’ is the origin of the term ‘Bachelor’s degree’. 

What does an LLB degree involve?

An LLB degree provides you with a solid foundation in various legal disciplines, such as Business Law, International Law, and Criminal Law. You’ll develop your skills in legal research, analysis, and critical judgement, preparing you for a career in the legal sector – and beyond. 

LLB modules

LLB programmes typically consist of a mix of core courses and electives, as well as practical experiences. LLB degree modules will likely include the following core courses:

• Constitutional/Administrative Law – Covers government structure, separation of powers, judicial review, and citizen rights, focusing on the relationship between public authorities and individuals.
• Criminal Law – Focuses on criminal behaviour definitions, prosecution processes, defences, and punishments, exploring the elements of criminal liability and various offences.
• Contract Law – Explores contract formation, performance, breach, and remedies, focusing on legal principles like offer, acceptance, and consideration in enforceable agreements.
• Land Law – Examines property ownership, use, transfer, and rights, including land registration, leases, easements, and mortgages, and legal responsibilities of landowners.
• Equity & Trusts Law – Focuses on equitable principles, trust creation and management, fiduciary duties, and remedies, complementing common law, particularly in property and succession.
• EU Law – Covers EU legal system fundamentals, including institutions, law sources, single market, and the relationship between EU and national laws.
• Tort Law – Explores civil wrongs and liabilities, including negligence, defamation, and strict liability, focusing on remedies and defences in non-contractual disputes.

LLB electives

Your LLB course may also offer a range of electives. Electives allow you to tailor your studies to your interests, so you can dive deeper into areas like: 

• Competition Law – Focuses on regulating market competition, preventing anti-competitive practices like cartels and monopolies, and ensuring fair business practices and consumer protection.
• Environmental Law – Covers legal frameworks protecting the environment, including regulations on pollution, natural resources, conservation, and sustainable development, balancing ecological and economic interests.
• Family Law – Examines legal issues involving family relationships, such as marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic abuse, focusing on rights and responsibilities.
• Human Rights Law – Focuses on the protection and promotion of fundamental rights and freedoms, analysing international treaties, conventions, and national human rights legislation.
• Healthcare Law – Covers legal aspects of healthcare, including patient rights, medical negligence, bioethics, and healthcare regulations, focusing on legal and ethical healthcare delivery.
• Arbitration – Examines alternative dispute resolution methods outside court, focusing on arbitration agreements, processes, enforceability, and advantages over litigation in resolving disputes.
• Intellectual Property Law – Focuses on protecting creations of the mind, including copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, balancing innovation incentives with public access.
• Miscarriages of Justice – Covers wrongful convictions and legal failures, exploring causes, remedies, and reforms to prevent injustice within the criminal justice system.
• Maritime Law – Focuses on laws governing maritime activities, including shipping, navigation, marine resources, and international trade, focusing on legal principles for maritime disputes and agreements.

Different universities offer different options and combinations of these courses. Some even have courses that count as ‘half-modules’, so you can choose more elective modules – expanding your learning even further. 

Choosing a range of elective courses will help you decide which area of law you’re most interested in pursuing later in your career. 

LLB degree entry requirements?

Like all degrees, you’ll need either A Levels, a BTEC (level 3), or equivalent qualifications to study the LLB. You may need a GCSE in Maths and English Language at Grade C or above too. Most universities do not require specific A-Level subjects for law applications. 

Each university will set its own entry requirements but it’s unlikely you’ll need to have studied an A Level in law to study an LLB. However, some A level subjects better prepare you for studying law than others. Subjects like History, Politics, and Economics will help you develop critical thinking and a deeper understanding of social and economic frameworks that will come in useful during the LLB. 

How long is an LLB degree?

The length of your LLB degree depends on a range of factors. Will you be studying full-time or part-time? Do you want to take a placement year? How about condensing your studies into a shorter time period?

In the UK, the LLB degree typically takes three years to complete if studied full-time. Some universities offer accelerated LLBs that can be completed in two years for students who can dedicate extra time to their studies. 

Some universities offer the opportunity to spend a year away on a work placement, making the degree four years in total. The advantage of this is that you’ll graduate with practical work experience, giving you an edge over other graduates who haven’t completed a placement during their degrees. 

How hard is an LLB degree?

A law degree, or LLB, is a challenging degree that requires a lot of hard work and dedication  in order to make sure you’re ready for life beyond university. You should be prepared to invest long hours in studying, attending lectures and conducting research. You’ll also need to engage in extracurricular activities like mock trials and debates.

Lots of your study time will be independent, allowing you to work in a way that suits your individual learning style – so you can learn more effectively and efficiently.

Can you do an LLB degree online?

Yes, you can study an LLB degree online at some universities. An online LLB undergraduate degree is just like the on campus version of the LLB in terms of its content, but it offers you much more flexibility. With an online LLB degree, you can study from home at your own pace and tailor your degree to fit around your life. 

Fees and funding for LLB degrees

You can take out a student loan to cover your course fees and potentially some of your living costs too.

Many universities and some Legal Practice Course (LPC) providers offer scholarships. Some universities even offer scholarships or bursaries, which are available to students who meet certain criteria. Make sure to check with the university you’re applying to, to find out if there’s any funding support available to you.

Final thoughts

Undertaking an LLB Law degree will open the door to a wide range of career paths, both inside and outside the legal profession. So if you’re looking to develop critical thinking, analytical skills and a deep understanding of legal systems, completing an LLB Law degree is a great option for you.