Why study law?

To study a law degree is more than just preparing for a legal career; studying law will encourage you to learn and interrogate the relationship between individuals and The State. Whether you end up in a career in law or use the transferable skills you’ll develop in another industry, studying law at university makes you desirable to employers in industries such as media, politics, education and commerce. With the critical thinking and analytical skills you’ll gain, you’ll be able to make a difference in whatever your future career.

Fields of law

• Criminal law – A system of law centring on the punishment of offenders.
• Constitutional law – The body of law setting out the fundamental principles as to how a state is governed.
• Commercial law – Concerned with the rights and conduct of people and businesses engaged in trade and commerce.
• Human rights law – Determines how society ensures the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world.

Benefits of studying law

There are a number of benefits to studying law at undergraduate level:

Become a more confident communicator

Learn to make compelling arguments and counter-arguments. Improve your reasoning by being able to see both sides of a story.

Career flexibility

A Law degree does not mean you have to work in Law. Law graduates are in demand in a number of sectors, due to their transferrable skills. Law graduates excel in areas such as problem-solving, reasoning, communication and analysis.

Prestigious careers

Law graduates can go on to change the world. They make meaningful and lasting impact as barristers, human rights lawyers and in environmental policy.

Why study law at Durham University?

Durham Law School is a world-leading department. Its award-winning academic staff inspire the next generation to go on to meaningful careers. It offers a truly global education, with students and staff coming together from all over the world.

A research-led curriculum and small group teaching give students a solid grounding in law and its global implications. The School’s student satisfaction and employability rates speak for themselves. Durham Law School graduates make an impact.

You will be also benefit from extracurricular activities while studying at Durham. There are a number of student-run societies that can boost your learning outside of the classroom. These include Durham University Law Society and the Mooting Society.

Studying law at Durham will give you access to superb facilities such as a moot (mock) court, Harvard-style lecture theatre and work rooms.

Key skills from studying law

A law degree is respected by employers because it equips graduates with a broad range of transferable skills. You will gain a variety of skills that provide excellent preparation for law and non-law careers, including:

• Research
• Critical analysis
• Writing
• Presenting
• Communication
• Problem solving
• Ability to work under pressure
• Conflict resolution
• Time management

What law degree can I study at Durham University?

Durham's LLB is fully approved as a Qualifying Law Degree for careers as a barrister or solicitor. The LLB is a three-year degree giving students an understanding of the law of England and Wales. Students can choose many of their own modules to specialise in areas of interest.

Degree preparation at the International Study Centre

Our International Foundation Year in Humanities, Law and Social Science is the perfect preparation for international students who want to study a law degree at Durham.

You will be taught academic English, as well as developing your research skills and studying core modules in social sciences. This will give you a solid background in research and essay writing, which are key for studying a degree in law.

Law degree jobs

Durham Law School is one of the UK’s most respected law schools. Its graduates are not just confined to legal jobs. They are in high demand in transferable sectors for their communication skills and breadth of knowledge.

The University's talented alumni have gone on to roles at the UK Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, Government and at the Bar or as solicitors.

Some common jobs for law graduates include:

• Solicitor
• Barrister
• Paralegal
• Legal Executive
• Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
• Tax Consultant
• Management Consultant
• Company Secretary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is studying law difficult?

While studying law presents its challenges, it offers a very rewarding professional journey that involves engaging with complex legal concepts and developing critical thinking skills. 

How does it take to get a degree in law?

In the UK, a law degree typically takes three years to complete at the undergraduate level (LLB).

Is studying law a good career choice?

Studying law can lead to a rewarding and versatile career with opportunities in various sectors such as law firms, corporations, government, academia, or public interest organizations. However, you should consider personal interests, skills before deciding on a legal career specialisation.