Law and Social Policy LLB (Hons)

What makes studying Law and Social Policy at Edinburgh so special is that your learning goes far beyond textbooks. From day one, you’ll be based in Old College, right in the heart of the city, surrounded by Scotland’s courts, Parliament, and government offices. This means you won’t just study how law and policy work in theory—you’ll see it in action. Alongside expert teaching, you’ll also have access to one of the UK’s largest Law Libraries, bright seminar spaces, and social study areas that make it easy to collaborate and exchange ideas.

And because Edinburgh is deeply connected with Scotland’s legal and policy community, you’ll gain practical insights and professional exposure throughout your degree. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Learning in the heart of Scotland’s legal world – Just steps away from the Supreme Courts, the Sheriff Court, and the Scottish Parliament, so you can connect your studies directly with real institutions.

• Outstanding library and study spaces – The Law Library gives you access to an unrivalled collection of legal and policy resources, while modern seminar rooms and study hubs make group learning enjoyable.

• LawPALS peer mentoring – A unique support network where older law students guide you through coursework, study strategies, and adapting to university life.

• Career Opportunities Programme – Regular events, workshops, and employer visits that bring you face-to-face with solicitors, policymakers, and organisations shaping social change.

• Interdisciplinary learning – Because this is a joint degree, you’ll benefit from resources across both the School of Law and the School of Social and Political Science, giving your studies a broader perspective.

At Edinburgh, experiential learning means you’re not just a student—you’re part of a vibrant legal and policy community. You’ll graduate with not only academic knowledge, but also the confidence and practical insight to step into real-world careers.

A degree in Law and Social Policy from Edinburgh sets you up for a career where you can really make an impact. Many graduates go on to become solicitors, policy analysts, advisors in NGOs or charities, or move into research and consultancy roles. Because the programme combines two powerful disciplines, you’ll leave with a unique skill set that employers genuinely value.

Here’s why your career prospects are so strong:

• Dedicated support from the Careers Service – You’ll have access to one-to-one career guidance, application feedback, employer networking events, and tailored resources for law and social policy careers.

• Excellent graduate outcomes – 96% of Law graduates are in work or further study soon after leaving Edinburgh, and over 80% secure professional-level jobs.

• Competitive salaries – Average earnings for law graduates are around £26,000 just 15 months after graduation, rising to nearly £40,000 within five years.

• Employer recognition – Edinburgh is ranked in the UK’s top 10 for graduate employability and 24th worldwide by employers, reflecting the high demand for its graduates.

• Professional accreditation – The degree is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, giving you a clear pathway if you want to qualify as a solicitor here.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue studying, you’ll have great options. Many students choose to pursue an LLM in areas like Human Rights or Public Law, a Masters in Social Policy, or even a PhD. Edinburgh’s reputation as a world-leading research university means you’ll be supported at every step if you want to stay in academia.