University of Law

The University of Law is one of the UK’s longest-established and most respected providers of specialist legal education. Its history dates back to 1876 with the formation of the tutorial firm Gibson & Weldon. Over the years, the institution evolved through the merger with The Law Society School of Law, later becoming The College of Law in 1962. In 2006, it became the first independent institution in the UK to receive degree-awarding powers, and in 2012 it achieved full university status.

Today, the University of Law is recognised as the largest provider of legal education in the UK, with more law students choosing the institution than any other UK university in 2023, according to HESA 2022/23 data. The university has built a strong reputation for delivering professionally focused education designed to prepare students for successful careers in law, business, and related professional sectors.

Students benefit from extensive study options through 19 campuses across the UK, alongside international locations in Hong Kong and Hamburg. This wide network allows students to study in major academic and professional centres while gaining exposure to diverse legal and business environments. The university also maintains a global alumni network of more than 100,000 graduates, offering students valuable professional connections, career support, and exclusive alumni benefits.

Teaching quality remains a major strength of the University of Law. In the National Student Survey 2024, the university was ranked among the top 10 UK universities for teaching quality and placed 7th in England. In the Office for Students Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, the university received an overall Silver rating, alongside a Gold rating for Student Experience and a Silver rating for Student Outcomes.

The university’s academic approach is highly practical and career-oriented. More than 250 lecturers are qualified lawyers and business professionals with extensive industry experience. Their professional expertise helps students develop practical legal knowledge, commercial awareness, and real-world skills required in today’s competitive job market.

The University of Law also has strong partnerships within the legal industry. It provides legal training for 90 of the top 100 law firms in the UK and exclusively delivers SQE training for more than 65 leading UK and US law firms. The university is particularly well known for programmes such as the Legal Practice Course (LPC), Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), and a wide range of LL.M. degrees designed to support professional advancement and specialised legal expertise.

The University of Law provides a comprehensive range of student services designed to support academic success, personal well-being, and long-term career development. The university focuses on creating a supportive learning environment where students receive practical guidance throughout every stage of their academic journey.

Student well-being is a central part of the university experience at the University of Law. Dedicated Student Support and Wellbeing Services help students manage personal, academic, financial, and emotional challenges while encouraging positive mental, physical, and financial wellbeing. Students have access to specialist support teams, including Student Wellbeing Advisors, Money and Housing Advisors, and Disability and Inclusion Advisors. In addition, the university offers a 24/7 Student Assistance Programme, ensuring support is available whenever students need it.

The university also delivers specialist mental health and counselling support through its Wellbeing Support Services. Students can benefit from the ULaw Wellbeing app, which provides practical tools, wellbeing resources, healthy habit strategies, and progress monitoring features to help students maintain balance during their studies. The Disability and Inclusion Service offers confidential and accessible assistance for students with disabilities or those requiring additional adjustments, ensuring an inclusive learning environment across all campuses.

Academic support services are equally extensive. The university’s librarians and student learning developers assist students in building strong research, writing, and study skills essential for legal and business education. Self-paced learning materials are available through the ULaw Skills Academy, alongside webinars, workshops, and one-to-one academic guidance. The library system includes both online and campus-based collections covering law, business, and related subject areas, providing students with reliable academic resources throughout their studies. Leisure reading collections are also available to encourage relaxation and personal well-being.

Career development and employability remain key strengths of the University of Law. The university’s Employability Service supports students from their first day, helping them develop professional skills, improve CVs, prepare for interviews, and plan future careers. Students benefit from one-to-one guidance delivered by specialist careers advisors, practising solicitors, and business professionals. The university’s strong relationships with leading legal and business employers provide valuable insight into recruitment expectations and career opportunities.

Students can also participate in work placements, mentoring opportunities, and professional development programmes that strengthen workplace readiness. The Professional Employability Programme helps students understand workplace challenges and develop strategies for professional success. In addition, the Work Ready Award recognises students’ commitment to employability development through Bronze, Silver, and Gold achievement levels based on participation in university events and activities.

For international students, the university also provides visa guidance, immigration support, and English language assistance to help students successfully adapt to academic life in the UK.

The University of Law has established a strong reputation for teaching quality, employability, and professional legal training. While the university does not typically appear in traditional global academic rankings such as QS World University Rankings or Times Higher Education league tables, it is widely recognised for its practical approach to education and outstanding student career outcomes.

The University of Law is the largest provider of legal education in the UK, with more law students choosing the institution than any other UK university in 2023. Its reputation is built on delivering education within a realistic, professional, and contemporary learning environment that combines academic study with practical experience, interactive teaching, and personalised student support.

A major recognition of the university’s quality came in June 2021, when global higher education analysts QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) awarded the University of Law an overall 5-Star QS rating. The university also received a 5-Star rating specifically for the Law subject area, highlighting its strength as a specialist legal education provider. In addition, the institution achieved 5-Star ratings in several important areas, including Teaching, Employability, Online Learning, Academic Development, and Inclusiveness. The university also earned 4 Stars for Global Engagement and 3 Stars for Social Impact, reflecting its commitment to both international education and student development.

The university’s teaching standards have also received national recognition. In the 2024 National Student Survey (NSS), the University of Law ranked among the Top 10 universities in the UK for teaching quality. Furthermore, in the Office for Students (OfS) Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, the university achieved an overall Silver rating, alongside a Gold rating for Student Experience and a Silver rating for Student Outcomes.

Graduate employability remains one of the university’s strongest achievements. According to 2022/23 Graduate Outcomes data, 91% of postgraduate students in employment secured highly skilled roles within 15 months of graduation. The university’s extensive careers service, one of the largest in the UK, provides students with career guidance, professional mentoring, employability training, and access to industry opportunities.

The University of Law also demonstrates exceptional performance in Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) results. In January 2025, 75% of students passed the SQE1 assessment on their first attempt, outperforming the industry average of 60%. Performance improved further in January 2026, when 76% of University of Law students passed SQE1 compared to the national first-time pass rate of 58%. In SQE2, 91% of students passed the October 2025 assessment on their first attempt, significantly higher than the industry average of 79%.

These achievements highlight the university’s strong standing among employers and its position as a leading destination for aspiring legal professionals.

TStudent life at the University of Law combines academic excellence with a vibrant and supportive campus experience. The university encourages students to actively participate in social, professional, and extracurricular activities, creating a balanced environment that supports both personal growth and career development.

Students across all campuses automatically become members of the Students’ Union, which plays a central role in enhancing the overall student experience. The Students’ Union represents student interests at every level of the university through a strong representative structure that includes a dedicated Students’ Union President, Student Parliament, and student representatives. This system ensures that students have a voice within the university community and are actively involved in shaping campus life.

The university offers a wide range of clubs and societies designed to help students connect with others who share similar interests. Students are encouraged to create and manage their own societies with support from dedicated university staff. Activities range from sports clubs such as football and netball to interest-based societies, including debate groups and even themed communities like the Harry Potter society. These opportunities allow students to build friendships, strengthen leadership skills, and become part of a welcoming student network.

Welcome Week marks the beginning of university life and helps new students settle into their surroundings. Events such as quizzes, comedy nights, city tours, and the Freshers’ Fair give students the chance to meet classmates and explore campus life in a relaxed environment. Throughout the academic year, additional activities, including networking evenings, guest lectures, staff versus student pub quizzes, and end-of-year celebrations, help maintain a strong and engaging student community.

The University of Law has campuses in major UK cities, including Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London, Manchester, and Nottingham. These locations place students close to leading law firms, chambers, commercial centres, and excellent transport links. Studying in these key urban centres provides valuable exposure to professional legal and business environments while allowing students to experience life in some of the UK’s most dynamic cities.

The practical nature of the university’s courses also contributes significantly to student life. Students regularly participate in moot court competitions, legal debates, and professional development activities that simulate real-world legal practice. Pro bono initiatives further allow students to contribute to the community while gaining practical legal experience.

Strong teaching by experienced practitioners, combined with excellent student support services and close industry connections, creates an environment where students can develop academically, professionally, and personally. The University of Law offers a student experience focused not only on education, but also on confidence, networking, and career readiness.

The University of Law provides a wide range of accommodation support services to help students find safe, comfortable, and convenient housing during their studies. Understanding that finding suitable accommodation can feel both exciting and challenging, the university offers dedicated guidance and trusted housing partnerships across its major campus locations. The University of Law works in partnership with Studentpad, a specialist accommodation platform available to all students studying at its campuses and satellite locations. Studentpad allows students to search for purpose-built student accommodation, private halls of residence, shared student houses, flats, and lodgings within their chosen city. The platform also provides practical guidance on housing rights and responsibilities, helping students make informed decisions about renting accommodation in the UK. In addition, students can register for property alerts to stay updated on available housing options.

The university has established accommodation partnerships with several leading student housing providers across major UK cities. These partnerships provide reserved rooms specifically for University of Law students, ensuring access to quality accommodation close to campus. In Birmingham, the university offers reserved en-suite rooms at Mary Sturge, operated by Unite Students. Located within Aston University’s Student Village, the residence is approximately 1.3 miles from the University of Law campus. In Bristol, Hotwells House provides accommodation near Bristol Harbour and around 25–30 minutes from campus via public transport, with easy access to the city centre.

Students studying in Leeds can access deluxe en-suite rooms at The Terry Frost Building, managed by Prestige Student Living. Situated in Sheepscar, the accommodation is located less than a mile from the university campus. In London, reserved en-suite rooms are available at Will Wyatt Court through iQ Student Accommodation. Located in Zone 1 near Hoxton and Shoreditch, the residence is approximately a 20-minute walk from the Moorgate campus and within convenient travelling distance of the Bloomsbury campus.

Manchester Student Village South, operated by Dwell Student Living, offers en-suite accommodation in Manchester city centre, located around 25 minutes from campus by public transport. In Nottingham, students can choose between en-suite and non-en-suite rooms at Castle Gate Haus, another Dwell Student Living property.

The University of Law also guarantees accommodation for first-year undergraduate LL.B students and international postgraduate LL.M students who meet the application deadlines. Both domestic and international students can apply for university-supported housing once they have accepted an offer to study.

Accommodation options include fully furnished rooms at select campus residences, alongside support for students seeking private rentals or shared housing near campus. For international students studying in London, the university also provides accommodation options designed to offer convenient access to campus and affordable city living.