LLB Law (Ordinary and Honours)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Edinburgh

Program Overview

The LLB Law (Ordinary & Honours) at the University of Edinburgh offers you a comprehensive legal education with a strong focus on Scots law, while also introducing you to UK, European, and international legal systems. This degree is perfect if you’re aiming for a career as a solicitor or advocate, or if you want a respected qualification that opens doors to careers in government, business, or international organisations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year is all about building a strong foundation. You’ll explore how the legal system works and develop essential skills in legal reasoning and analysis. Core modules like Scottish Legal System, Critical Legal Thinking, Contract Law, Public Law (UK and Scotland), Family Law, and European Union Law introduce you to key legal concepts and help you understand how laws are created, interpreted, and applied.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll start digging deeper into the main branches of law. You’ll study Property Law, Delicts, Criminal Law, Public Law and Individual Rights, and Jurisprudence, which examine the philosophy behind legal principles. You’ll also explore applied areas such as Commercial Law, Business Entities, Evidence, and Succession and Trust Law, thereby strengthening your analytical skills and preparing for more advanced study.

Year 3

By the third year, you’ll begin your honours-level work, which allows you to specialise and tailor the degree to your interests. Advanced Legal Writing will help you refine the way you argue and communicate complex ideas, and you’ll have the freedom to choose specialist subjects such as International Law, Criminology, Commercial Law, Family Law, or Property Law. Many students also take this opportunity to spend a semester abroad.

Year 4

Your final year is where everything comes together. You’ll deepen your expertise through advanced option courses and complete an independent dissertation on a topic you’re passionate about. This major research project helps you develop high-level legal research and writing skills and prepares you for professional training or postgraduate study.

Focus areas: Scots and UK law, EU and international legal systems, legal research and reasoning, specialised electives, mooting and advocacy skills

Learning outcomes: You’ll graduate able to think critically about legal issues, research and interpret law with confidence, present clear legal arguments, and understand how law operates in wider social and political contexts.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The degree is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, meeting the academic requirements for entry into the legal profession in Scotland (subject to specific course completion).

Reputation (employability & rankings):

Edinburgh Law is ranked 13th in the world for Law by Times Higher Education 2024.
It’s also ranked 21st globally for Law and Legal Studies by QS World University Rankings 2025.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Edinburgh, studying law is never just about reading textbooks — it’s about learning how the legal world really works. From your very first year, you’ll be encouraged to think like a lawyer, argue like a lawyer, and solve problems the way legal professionals do. The Law School’s historic Old College, right in the heart of Scotland’s legal and political centre, puts you just steps away from courts, law firms, and government institutions. With cutting-edge facilities, expert-led teaching, and countless opportunities to apply your knowledge, you’ll gain the confidence and skills that employers are looking for.

As you progress through the degree, the learning becomes more hands-on and interactive, allowing you to put theory into practice in real-world settings:

Take part in mooting competitions, where you’ll step into the shoes of an advocate, building your confidence in public speaking, legal reasoning, and courtroom skills.
Work on an independent dissertation in your final year, giving you the chance to explore a legal topic you’re passionate about and sharpen your research and analytical abilities.
Spend your third year studying abroad at one of Edinburgh’s prestigious partner universities, gaining global perspectives on law and experiencing different legal systems first-hand.
Benefit from field visits and guest sessions with legal professionals, including trips to Scottish courts and talks from practising lawyers, judges, and policymakers.
Engage deeply in small-group tutorials and seminars, where you’ll debate real cases, challenge ideas, and develop critical thinking skills alongside your peers.
Access one of the largest law libraries in the UK, packed with legal databases, journals, and case law resources to support your studies and research.
Learn and collaborate in the beautifully renovated Old College, equipped with modern teaching spaces and located just minutes from the Scottish Parliament and major legal institutions.
Get support from LawPALS, a peer-assisted learning programme where senior students guide you through your first year and help you master key legal concepts.
Prepare for your career through the university’s Careers Service and legal employer network, which connects you to internships, vacation schemes, and graduate opportunities with top firms and organisations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A law degree from the University of Edinburgh opens doors to a wide range of prestigious and impactful careers. Many graduates go on to become solicitors, advocates (the Scottish equivalent of barristers), or legal advisors, while others use their legal training to build successful careers in government, finance, policy, or corporate sectors. Because this LLB is a fully accredited qualifying law degree, it gives you the essential foundation you need to enter the legal profession both in Scotland and internationally.

Typical roles you could pursue include:

Solicitor or legal practitioner
Advocate or barrister
In-house legal counsel or corporate lawyer
Policy advisor or compliance officer

Your path to a successful career is strengthened by a wide range of university support and industry connections:

Specialist career services: Edinburgh’s dedicated Careers Service works closely with law students, helping you prepare for interviews, secure internships, and connect with employers. You’ll also benefit from initiatives like LawPALS, a peer-mentoring scheme, and the Law Career Opportunities Programme, which connects students with leading practitioners and firms.
Professional exposure: The Law School’s strong links with organisations such as the Law Society of Scotland, the Faculty of Advocates, and the Scottish courts give you access to real-world legal settings and valuable networking opportunities right on your doorstep.
Prime location: Studying just minutes away from the Scottish Parliament and top law firms means you’ll be at the heart of Scotland’s legal community, with direct access to placements, guest lectures, and career events.
Accredited and respected: This programme is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, ensuring you meet the academic requirements for professional practice. It’s widely recognised by employers and legal bodies around the world, which can help you requalify in other jurisdictions.
Outstanding outcomes: After graduation, most students progress to the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, followed by a traineeship (for solicitors) or a devilling period (for advocates). Others branch out into roles in public policy, finance, media, and regulatory affairs, where a legal background is highly valued.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, you’ll have excellent options. Many graduates choose to specialise with a Master of Laws (LLM) in areas like commercial law, human rights, or international law. Others pursue postgraduate diplomas in niche legal fields or even go on to doctoral research. Joint programmes, such as law combined with business or public policy, are also popular choices for broadening career prospects.