If you want to master important legal skills, public speaking and argument formation, Law could be the course for you…
There are very few areas in life that are untouched by law in some way. This is why a degree in law has always been one of the most sought-after, as well as one of the most highly respected. A degree in law can be the first step to a career in the legal sector for many, but because of its complex and challenging nature, there are a number of choices that will be open to you should you choose to study it.
Course Requirements
Most are often surprised at how flexible the entry requirements are for studying law at degree level. History, politics maths and English are all useful, and although many courses do not have specific A level subject requirements, they do ask that your grades are outstanding – offers tend to range from A*AA to AAA.
A total of nine universities including Oxford, Birmingham and Bristol require applicants to take the National Admission Test for Law, but should you wish to apply to Cambridge, you will be required to take a test that is specifically designed for them.
What to expect
First and foremost, you should expect to work hard. You will be challenged a great deal, and if this is something that you are not entirely comfortable with, law may not be the choice for you.
Although it is classed as an academic subject, creativity will also go a long way, as studying law requires originality and passion, in addition to a love for information and accuracy. You will be pushed to develop your problem solving skills and you’ll be expected to learn how to argue effectively. If you have an analytical brain and a good memory for cases, you will be right at home studying law, which is taught through a combination of class debates, seminars and lectures, amongst other methods.
Some institutions give you the opportunity to take part in practical workshops, which can be beneficial if you are the kind of student that thrives on having a more hands on experience. As with most academic degrees, you will start with the core fundamentals of the course, with the opportunity to choose topics more suited to your chosen career path later on.
Ordinarily, your course will last 3 years. But should you wish to combine it with a language, spend a year abroad or study in Scotland, you can expect to spend 4 years doing a law degree.
What next?
When you have finished your degree, and once you have completed the Legal Practice Course or Bar Vocational Course, you can expect nothing less than fantastic job prospects.