LLB Degree in Scots Law
Most people who wish to become solicitors in Scotland begin by studying a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in Scots law. Applications to university are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and there are 10 universities in Scotland accredited by the Society - details can be downloaded from the related files listed on the right. Prospective students should note that a law degree from an English university will not form part of the qualification process in Scotland. Nor will a Scottish law degree be recognised by the Law Society of England and Wales as part of their qualification process.
The LLB degree in Scotland can be studied as an Ordinary degree over three years or as an Honours degree over four years.
Admission requirements to the LLB degree are high, typically four A grades and one B at Higher. The only preferred subject is English. Students with a background in science and those who have studied modern languages and/or history, geography and modern studies are equally acceptable.
At each university there are compulsory professional subjects for anybody who wishes to enter the legal profession. These subjects reflect the requirements of the syllabus for the Society’s professional exams.
It is important that students are aware that from the first day of their LL.B. degree studies exam grades will count. Entry to the later stage of training (the Diploma in Legal Practice) is based on performance in the first sitting of the 'core' or 'professional' subjects studied at the LL.B. (usually taken in the first two years of undergraduate study).
It should also be noted that gaining a place on, or successful completion of, an LL.B. degree does NOT guarantee a place on the Diploma in Legal Practice course, a training contract, or future employment in the legal profession in Scotland.
More detailed information about the content of the LLB degree is available from the law schools, details of which can be downloaded from the related files listed on the right.
