Subject area: Law

Introducing Law

Our Law School has a strong international reputation for research and our teaching staff offer expertise across a wide range of legal fields. There is also a vibrant law student community, which organises many social, career and other law-related events.

Our Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programmes will teach you the general principles of law and how to apply them to specific situations and cases. You will develop analytical skills and legal research skills and learn how to present an argument clearly, accurately and persuasively.

There are two facets to the study of law. First, it is an academic discipline, which is studied to further modern understanding of its origins and growth, and its interaction with related disciplines including:

• economics
• politics
• sociology
• history

Concepts such as the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession, and access to justice for all, are at the heart of legal study.

Secondly, the law has a practical aspect which is studied to enable you to become a practising solicitor or advocate. Accurate problem-solving and understanding of the structures of our society, which result from the study of law, are highly valued skills.

As a law student, you will learn about the formal structures of our society and the role of law in shaping society.

Accreditation

Our LLB programmes* are accredited by the Law Society of Scotland. You will be required to study certain courses to graduate with a fully qualifying degree.

*excludes the LLB Global Law

Scots law

At Edinburgh you will study Scots law. Students interested in practising law in England or Wales need to be aware that there are significant differences between Scots and English law.

A number of our graduates also go on to qualify and practise as a lawyer in other jurisdictions in the UK, Europe, and elsewhere. To do this you must meet the relevant local conversion requirements and any further study required in the non-Scottish destination jurisdiction.

International students who wish to complete the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, to qualify as a solicitor in Scotland, should be aware of the need to meet the appropriate visa requirements.

For further advice, please see the Law Society of Scotland's guidance.

Guidance for foreign students

Global Law

Students in the LLB Global Law will study the general principles and techniques of global law. You will learn to think about legal frameworks, structures and problems beyond the boundaries of any particular legal system, and you will focus on solving global legal problems and benefit from a particularly strong focus on comparative and transnational legal methods.

The LLB Global Law does not provide you with a qualification to practice law in Scotland. Instead, the degree will provide you with skills to adapt, innovate and succeed in a globally oriented legal career.

Joint honours programmes

Law is offered as a joint honours programme with a range of other subjects. If you intend to proceed to qualification as a lawyer in Scotland, please contact the school to check if your chosen joint honours programme allows you to cover all required courses for progression to practise.