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LLB Law at Edinburgh: Ordinary and Honours
The LLB programme at the University of Edinburgh is designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and skills required for a career in the Scottish legal profession. Whether aspiring to become a solicitor or an advocate, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of Scots law, in alignment with the requirements set by the Law Society of Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates. The programme provides a strong academic foundation for those pursuing further professional study and legal qualification.
Beyond the Legal Profession
The LLB is not solely a pathway to practising law; it also serves as a highly respected qualification for various career fields. Many graduates choose to pursue careers in areas such as financial services, politics, journalism, public policy, and government roles. The analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills developed through legal studies are highly valued across multiple industries.
Learning Outcomes
Students enrolled in the LLB programme will develop critical skills in logic, reasoning, and rhetoric, applicable to both legal practice and other professional fields. The course fosters a deep understanding of legal theory, principles, and rules within their broader socioeconomic, institutional, and historical contexts.
While the curriculum is primarily based on Scots law and the Scottish legal system, students will also explore legal frameworks from other jurisdictions, including the rest of the United Kingdom, the European Union, and international legal systems. This broad perspective ensures graduates are well-prepared for both domestic and global legal careers.
Edinburgh Law School Legal Skills Course
In your first year, you’ll take part in the Legal Skills and Methods course, which introduces you to case analysis, legal writing, argument construction, and legal research—foundational tools for hands-on legal work.
Mooting and Advocacy Competitions
The Edinburgh Law School Mooting Society offers regular practice and competitions, including intra- and inter-university moots. These simulate real court cases, helping students sharpen their public speaking, legal reasoning, and advocacy skills.
Pro Bono and Legal Clinic Opportunities
Students can volunteer with Free Legal Advice Clinics or join Pro Bono projects supported by the Edinburgh Law School and organisations like the Edinburgh Centre for Legal Theory or the Student Law Society.
Internships and Placements
Through the Edinburgh Careers Service, students gain access to internships in law firms, barristers' chambers, NGOs, and government departments, often over the summer. Some opportunities include legal research roles or shadowing professionals.
Edinburgh Law Review and Academic Research
Students can contribute to the Edinburgh Student Law Review or assist faculty members in academic research projects in areas like constitutional law, criminal justice, or European law.
Study Abroad Programme
Edinburgh offers a year abroad for selected LLB students, where you can study law at partner universities across Europe, Australia, North America, and Asia, gaining international legal perspectives.
Legal Technology & Innovation Projects
The School collaborates with tech and law firms to expose students to legal tech innovations, preparing them for modern legal practice. Workshops and digital law challenges are part of the experience.
Law Society & Student-Led Initiatives
The Edinburgh University Law Society (EULS) hosts networking events, firm presentations, debates, and skills workshops with leading legal professionals and alumni.
Criminal Justice and Human Rights Projects
Students can work with academic centres such as the Centre for Legal History, Global Justice Academy, or Centre for Law and Society, contributing to policy reports or justice reform projects.
Access and Outreach Volunteering
Law students also engage in widening participation and outreach, delivering sessions to school students or mentoring prospective applicants—gaining leadership, communication, and legal education experience.
Postgraduate Study: Edinburgh law graduates often pursue further academic qualifications, such as the LLM in areas like European law, commercial law, and human rights. Many continue to doctoral studies with a PhD in Law, or obtain diplomas in arbitration, intellectual property, or environmental law to specialise in niche sectors.
Graduates are well-prepared for careers as Solicitors or Advocates, particularly in Scotland and across the UK, with opportunities at leading firms such as CMS, Pinsent Masons, and Shepherd and Wedderburn.
Strong prospects in corporate law, dispute resolution, banking law, and public sector legal roles.
Academic training supports entry into judicial clerkships, legal academia, and public international law positions.
Many graduates pursue careers in European institutions, international courts, or NGOs focused on human rights and international development.
Transferable skills lead to careers in consulting, financial services, and public policy.
Opportunities also exist in regulatory bodies, charities, and environmental agencies.
Edinburgh’s global outlook and strong alumni network support international legal careers in cities such as Brussels, London, New York, and Geneva.
Law graduates can specialise through an LLM or postgraduate studies in fields like International Law, Human Rights Law, Corporate Law, Intellectual Property, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Cyber Law, Tax Law, Health Law, and Maritime Law. Interdisciplinary options include an MBA, MPP, IR, Criminology, or Human Rights, expanding career opportunities. s. Applying for an LLB in the UK requires strong A-levels (AAB–BBB) or equivalent, a UCAS personal statement, a reference, and possibly the LNAT. IELTS 6.5–7.0 is needed for international studentPathway to the Scottish Legal Profession – The LLB at Edinburgh is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, providing the essential foundation for becoming a solicitor or advocate in Scotland. Versatile Career Prospects – Beyond legal practice, the LLB equips graduates for careers in financial services, politics, journalism, public policy, and government work.Comprehensive Legal Education – The programme covers Scots law, as well as legal systems in the UK, EU, and beyond, ensuring a broad and comparative legal understanding. Flexible Study Options – Students can choose between the Ordinary (3-year) or Honours (4-year) LLB, with specialist modules in areas like commercial law, criminology, and international law.Study Abroad Opportunities – Students have the option to study law abroad, especially for those combining law with a language, enhancing global legal knowledge and cultural experience. Practical Legal Training – Engage in mooting competitions, legal writing exercises, and advanced legal research, developing crucial oral advocacy and analytical skills.Final-Year Dissertation – The Honours programme includes a dissertation, allowing students to specialise in a legal topic and refine research and critical thinking skills. Direct Progression to Professional Practice – Graduates aiming for the Scottish legal profession can seamlessly transition to the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, the next step toward qualifying as a lawyer.Solicitor – Requires passing the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and a two-year Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)Barrister – Requires completing the Bar Course (BTC/BPC) and a one-year pupillage in chambersLegal Executive – Qualify via CILEx (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives)Paralegal – Assisting lawyers without full solicitor/barrister qualificationJudge – Requires years of legal practice before applying to the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC)Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Lawyer – Prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the governmentIn-House Legal Counsel – Providing legal advice to businesses banks or NGOsGovernment Legal Service (GLS) Lawyer – Advising UK government departmentsHuman Rights Lawyer – Specializing in cases related to justice equality and freedomCriminal Lawyer – Defending or prosecuting in criminal casesCorporate Lawyer – Handling mergers & acquisitions and company law mattersIntellectual Property Lawyer – Advising on trademarks patents and copyrightsFamily Lawyer – Specializing in divorce or child custody and domestic disputesEmployment Lawyer – Advising on workplace disputes and contractsImmigration Lawyer – Helping clients with visas or asylum and citizenship issuesReal Estate Lawyer – Handling property transactions and disputes
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University of Edinburgh
