LLB Law and Politics

At Edinburgh, studying Law and Politics isn’t just about sitting in lectures—it’s about living the subject every day. You’ll be based in the historic Old College, right in the middle of Scotland’s legal and political heart. With the Scottish Parliament, courts, and major political institutions only a short walk away, your classroom often extends into the real world. Add to that the University’s modern law library, inspiring study spaces, and a buzzing student community, and you’ll see why students love learning here.

Here’s how you’ll put theory into practice:

• Learning in the heart of Edinburgh – Visit the Scottish Parliament and nearby courts as part of your studies, bringing politics and law to life.

• World-class facilities – Study in one of the UK’s largest law libraries, with dedicated seminar rooms and social areas designed for group learning and debate.

• Peer-to-peer support – Join LawPALS, where older students mentor first-years, helping you settle in and succeed.

• Practical legal skills – Take part in the Mooting Society to practise real courtroom skills like advocacy and argumentation.

• Study abroad – Spend your third year at a partner university overseas, gaining an international perspective on law and politics.

• Career connections – The Career Opportunities Programme links you to top law firms through workshops, insight events, and vacation schemes. Firms such as Turcan Connell, Thorntons, and Dickson Minto regularly take Edinburgh students for internships and placements.

• Summer internships – Apply for hands-on summer placements, such as Turcan Connell’s six-week internship, which can even fast-track you to trainee interviews.

• Research and networking – Benefit from guest lectures, specialist research centres, and the Europa Institute, giving you exposure to current global legal and political debates.

• University-wide support – Beyond Law, you’ll have full access to the University’s Careers Service, wellbeing support, and student societies to shape your future.

Studying Law and Politics at Edinburgh opens doors to exciting and influential careers. Many graduates go on to become solicitors, policy researchers, civil servants, or corporate lawyers, while others use their skills in areas like consultancy, public affairs, or international organisations. Because this joint degree blends legal training with political insight, it gives you the versatility to stand out in competitive career markets.

Here’s how the University will support your journey:

• Specialist career support – Edinburgh’s Careers Service helps you plan your next steps with tailored advice, internship opportunities, and guidance on graduate schemes.

• Direct law firm connections – Through the Career Opportunities Programme, you’ll meet leading firms such as Addleshaw Goddard and Brodies LLP, gaining insight into real legal practice.

• Exclusive employer events – At Career Insight Events, top firms like Eversheds Sutherland, Thorntons, and Slaughter and May come to campus to share tips on vacation schemes, traineeships, and career pathways.

• Strong graduate outcomes – Law School graduates find roles with employers like PwC, Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP, Aberdn, and the University of Edinburgh itself, with competitive salaries reflecting the value of the degree.

• Global reputation – Edinburgh Law School is ranked among the top 20 worldwide, adding prestige to your qualification and giving you a long-term edge in your career.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies, you’ll have several options. You could move on to the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice and a two-year traineeship to qualify as a solicitor or advocate in Scotland. Many graduates also choose postgraduate study, such as an LLM in International Law, Legal Theory, or Public Policy, or even pursue a PhD in law or politics.