Why Study Law in the UK?

Why should you, as a Canadian, study law in the UK? We'll give you three reasons!
 

1. You do NOT need to write the dreaded LSAT

There are different entry requirements for law school in Canada and in the UK. In Canada applicants are required to write the Law School Admission Test, which is also commonly referred to as the LSAT. Generally, the LSAT requires intense study and preparation including attending LSAT preparation courses which can be costly. When adding on the costs of the test, the Credential Assembly Service fee, and study materials, the LSAT is not only a financial burden but it can be psychologically straining, as it can take months to prepare for the test. If the applicant is in their final year of their undergraduate studies, the LSAT may not be a feasible option as the majority of time is already being devoted to maintaining a strong GPA, preparing personal statements or even part-time work. 

In the UK, however, there is no need to write the LSAT. The application process to law school in the UK is straightforward: you need to submit your academic transcripts from high school and any formal education completed after high school (including any university or college), an academic reference letter, and a personal statement. Applications are made via the University College Application Service (UCAS) which has one application fee and gives students up to 5 university choices in their one application. 
 

2. Save your time and money

At first glance, tuition for law school in the UK may appear high compared to Canadian tuition, but it is important to remember that a UK law degree is normally shorter than a Canadian law degree. This means that not only do students spend less time getting their degree, but can save on tuition fees and living expenses. Tuition costs for overseas students can vary quite significantly from one university to the next (and even from one year to the next), but you can speak to your Canada Law From Abroad advisor to explore universities and their tuition fees for the year you're looking to apply. 

In Canada, law school is a minimum of three years and can cost over $100,000 CAD. By comparison, in the UK if a student opts to take the 2 year accelerated LLB programme, the entire tuition for two years can be less or comparable in cost depending on the university. Add on the time and cost of four years of undergraduate studies required before being admitted to law school in Canada, and studying law in the UK can be both a fast and cost efficient route to becoming a lawyer.
 

3. Gain international experience

The UK attracts top students from around the world because studying law in the UK is a wonderful opportunity to gain international experience. Not only is it the motherland of Common Law, but it is just a short train ride away to the continent where civil law reigns supreme. Moreover, future employers find individuals with experience studying and working in a different country than the one they originated from attractive, as it demonstrates initiative and a willingness to adapt to changing situations.