Common Law LLB
Note: the Common Law LLB is not accredited by the Law Society of Scotland and is therefore not suitable for any applicant who wishes to have the option of practising law in Scotland.
The Common Law degree is designed for those who plan to practise law in common law jurisdictions such as England & Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Canada. It is not suitable if you wish to enter the legal profession in Scotland. The Common Law curriculum offers intellectual depth and has a range of flexible options.
For 2026, Law at Glasgow is ranked in the top 10 in the UK (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide).
- September start
- Session dates
- Common Law LLB (Hons): M100 4 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Degree options
- Study abroad available
Law at Glasgow
Which law degree is right for me?
The School of Law offers:
- Scots Law LLB: If you intend to practice in Scotland as a solicitor or advocate you should apply for the Scots Law LLB.
- Common Law LLB: If you intend to practice law in a Common Law jurisdiction such as England & Wales, Northern Ireland, Canada, or India you should apply for the Common Law LLB.
Why study Law?
Law is a subject that is relevant to everyone because it affects all our daily lives. It is an academic discipline that attracts students who are interested in how society is regulated, what the aims of regulation should be and how successful it is in achieving them.
The University of Glasgow prides itself on developing world changers and a knowledge and understanding of law and legal systems is one of the important ways in which people can seek to make a difference. This might be through changes to legal policy or practice, or in helping people to solve everyday problems or avoid future disputes.
What kinds of skills do I need to study law?
You will need to be prepared to read a lot of material. Studying law involves reading cases, legislation, official reports and academic opinion about them. This will require you to be able to find relevant information quickly, to pick out what is important and to remember it.
Studying law is not, however, just about gathering information. It is also about analysing facts and putting them into context to be able to provide a reasoned argument about what the law is on a matter. Solving a legal problem requires close attention to detail, an excellent grasp of legal principles and appropriate legal authority, clarity of thought and the ability to think logically and communicate effectively.
Throughout our law degrees you will develop skills in research, managing information, writing, oral presentation, providing critical analysis of law and legal policy, problem solving and working independently and with others.
What kinds of opportunities does the Law School offer?
As well as benefiting from excellent teaching, our law students are able to take advantage of many other opportunities to widen their skills and experiences.These include study abroad for the whole or part of third year. We have strong links with employers and offer a number of events involving law firms and other organisations who are invited to provide information and advice. It is also possible to take part in voluntary placement schemes in the community such as in the Citizens Advice Bureau and Law Centres. We have a very long and successful tradition of competitive mooting (presenting arguments in mock trials), nationally and internationally.
About the Law School
The Law School is located in the Stair Building on the main University Campus on University Avenue, where you will find academic and administrative staff. Some classes are held here, although a wide range of teaching rooms is used across the campus. The Stair Building also houses the Sir Alexander Stone Court Room (which is used for mooting) and the Law Workshop (a study space and an additional library resource to the main library).
Programme structure
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Common Law programme is an exacting intellectual discipline and offers a thorough grounding in key areas of the law. The degree can be studied to Ordinary level, requiring three years of full-time study, or to Honours level in four years of full-time study.
Year 1*
You may study foundational courses, including:
- Common Law System & Method
- Constitutional Law
- Law of Torts
- Criminal Law of England & Wales
- Law of Contract.
Year 2*
In the following year, you may study core courses in:
- European Union Law
- Jurisprudence
- Law & Government
- Land Law
- Equity & Trusts.
You can take optional courses in years 1 and 2, covering topics such as:
- Public International Law
- Roman Law of Property and Obligations
- Commercial Law
- Business Organisations
- >Foundations of Evidence Law.
- Family Law.
In addition, there is a range of optional courses to choose from, covering topics such as Canadian Constitutional Law, Civil Law Tradition, International Private Law, Environmental Law, Labour Law and Advanced International Law.
* Joint degree/Law with Languages will cover some of the core courses at different stages of their degrees. There may be in some limited cases timetable clashes. We nevertheless endeavour, where we can, to avoid these or if possible, provide alternatives.
Years 3 and 4
Admission to Honours takes place at the end of year 2. If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you can choose from over fifty courses each year and you will have the opportunity to specialise in a chosen area of law.
Law with Languages
There are many opportunities for you to study law with languages. Language study is an integrated part of the degree, with your language skills carefully developed during your first two years of study. This assists to prepare you for year 3, where you will study law in a partner university abroad, where teaching and learning take place in your chosen language (French, German, Italian or Spanish).
In the fourth year, you may continue to study language as an Honours subject and will graduate with a Law with Languages degree, or you may opt to focus on Law courses, and will graduate with a Law with European Legal Studies degree.
Two-year Common Law LLB (Accelerated)
The Common Law LLB two-year Ordinary degree is designed for graduates who plan to practise law in a jurisdiction beyond Scotland. The Accelerated LLB allows graduates in other disciplines to obtain a Common Law Ordinary degree in two years rather than four years.
Course details
Year 1
Initially you will study:
- Common Law System and Method
- Constitutional Law 1
- Law of Torts
- Criminal Law of England and Wales
- Law of Contract
Year 2
In the following year, you will study:
Students can take optional courses in Years 1 and 2 covering topics such as:
- Public International Law
- Roman Law Of Property & Obligations 1
- Commercial Law (Common Law)
- Business Organisations
- Foundations of Evidence Law
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Our international links
We have an extremely successful and popular study abroad programme. Traditionally, more than 40% of our Honours students in a normal year take the opportunity to spend all or part of the third year studying law in another country. Many others participate in a summer school or other academic activity abroad. In all cases, study abroad is integrated into the degree and does not involve an additional year of study.
These exchange and short-term mobility options are available through our Law with Languages or Legal Studies programmes or at English-speaking institutions across Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2027
You should refer to the entry requirements for both subjects and the degree award when applying for a joint honours degree programme. The higher entry requirement (where applicable) and additional requirements must be met for both subjects.
Summary of entry requirements for Common Law
Scottish Higher entry requirements
- AAAAB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
- Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
- Typically offers will be made at Higher AAAAA plus Advanced Higher B by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
- Additional requirements Higher English at A plus either Advanced Higher English B or Humanities subject B
- Satisfactory completion of LNAT.
Scottish Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)
- MD20: ABBBB (also other target groups*)
- MD40: AAABB (ABB S5 minimum for consideration)*
- Additional requirements: Higher English
- Successful completion of Reach or Top-Up
- Satisfactory completion of LNAT.
* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.
A-level standard entry requirements
- AAA
- Additional requirements: A-Level English or Humanities subject. Plus either GCSE English Language at B/5 or GCSE English Literature at B/5
- Satisfactory completion of LNAT.
IB standard entry requirements
- 38 (6,6,6)
- Additional requirements: HL Humanities and SL English at 6
- Satisfactory completion of LNAT.
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: English for Academic Study
Careers and future opportunities
Graduate destinations
The following are examples of roles that graduates are in 15 months after completing their programme:
- Paralegal
- Trainee Solicitor
- Quality Officer
- Credit Risk Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Primary Teacher
- HR Case Manager
- Legal Analyst
- Legal Research Assistant
- Legal Tech Analyst.
Example job titles are taken from responses received through the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduates surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 93.3% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 75.4% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,161.
This university-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2023–24 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Skills development
As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:
- Interpreting and applying legal sources with accuracy, using cases, legislation and commentary to understand legal rules and explain how they operate.
- Building clear legal arguments, selecting relevant authorities, comparing viewpoints and expressing your reasoning in a structured and persuasive way.
- Analysing legal problems step by step, identifying issues, weighing options and reaching conclusions supported by evidence.
- Communicating legal ideas clearly in writing, in presentations and in discussion, adapting your message for academic, professional and public audiences.
- Researching legal information effectively, finding reliable sources, evaluating their relevance and using them to support well‑reasoned conclusions.
Careers & employability support
Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.
You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.
Studying a degree programme in the College of Social Sciences will also give you access to the College Employability Programme. This consists of a suite of professional skills workshops, online modules, skills days and 1-1 appointments. These are designed to help you develop and communicate your key experiences and the transferable skills you need, to succeed in your studies and in your future careers.
Prince Sarao, Trainee Solicitor, LLB, 2023
My degree provided more than substantive legal knowledge, it developed essential professional skills, particularly time management and prioritisation. Balancing multiple modules, assignments and exams required me to manage competing deadlines and perform consistently under pressure. In practice, these skills are crucial when handling multiple transactions, progressing matters efficiently and responding to clients promptly.
It also strengthened my written communication and research abilities. Delivering presentations, drafting essays and answers to problem-scenarios taught me to analyse complex information and present it clearly and concisely, which are skills I now apply daily.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
LLB (Hons)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Applicants should apply for either the Common Law LLB or the Scots Law LLB, not both. We will only make an offer of a place on one LLB degree. Students wishing to practise law in Scotland (or Scotland and elsewhere) are expected to apply for the Scots Law LLB. Once admitted, transfer between programmes is not permitted by the College of Social Science regulations.
With the exception of applicants to the LLB (Accelerated), applicants to all LLB degrees who do not already hold an undergraduate degree are required to take the Law National Admissions test (LNAT).
The LNAT results of students will be taken into account in deciding whether to make offers of places on the Common Law LLB along with the entry requirements.
The LNAT is run by a consortium of UK universities and comprises an on-screen test (95 minutes) and essay questions (40 minutes). It is designed to assess verbal reasoning skills and command of written English. The test can be taken by applicants at centres throughout the UK and overseas.
For information on how and when to sit the test, together with practice papers, see lnat.ac.uk.
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 13 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
Subject league tables
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Law]
Guardian University Guide [Law]
Complete University Guide [Law]
Times Higher Education World University Rankings [Law]
QS World University Rankings [Law & Legal Studies]
