Differences in studying Law in the UK versus studying in Canada
Canadian students who study Law in the UK are eligible to come back to Canada and practice Law after a short period of study in Canadian Law.
There are many advantages of studying Law in the UK from shorter degree courses to more intensive teaching and learning. Some of the differences between studying Law in the UK and Canada are considered below. You can also learn more on our Benefits of Studying Law in the UK article.
Canadian students with good grades in their high school diploma are eligible for three-year LLB undergraduate Law courses in the UK. Students with a prior first degree can study a two-year Law program. No matter what your grades we can find a route to Law school in the UK for you!
In the UK, students applying to undergraduate programs must apply through UCAS, a system where a single application is prepared and sent to up to five universities. Each university considers the application individually and will often respond within a couple of weeks to a month.
Gaining a practicing Law degree can take seven years in Canada, but just three years in the UK. A quicker qualification means lower total costs for your degree and a quicker route into paid work. Students who have already completed a first degree can do an undergraduate Law degree in just two years.
UK Law degree tuition fees generally vary between £12,000-£18,000 per year (around $21,000-32,000 CAD). Living costs are around £10,000-£13,000 ($17,500-23,000 CAD) depending on location and lifestyle. Although annual tuition fees may be slightly higher than Canadian universities, the shorter period of study means that the cost of studying in the UK is comparable to that of studying in Canada. Click here to learn about 2023's most affordable UK student cities.
Most UK students study at one university for the duration of their degree, not transferring between institutions. It is not usual for UK universities to accept international transfer students either, meaning credits earnt at a Canadian degree can usually not be counted towards a UK qualification.
School – In Canada, ‘school’ usually refers to universities or higher education establishments, whereas in the UK school is generally only used for lower-level education institutions for children aged 4-16. At universities, certain departments may be called schools, such as a Law School or School of Law.
Course – This term in the UK refers to the full degree programme. The series of teaching sessions that Canadian students may be familiar with as a course is referred to as a module in the UK.
When studying Law in the UK, students will have core modules covering the foundations of law. These are compulsory lessons that everyone on the course takes.
Some optional modules also related to law may be available, particularly after the first year of studies. Each module is worth a set number of credits (normally 15, 30 or 60), and students must study 120 credits per year at undergraduate level, and 180 credits at postgraduate level (this can vary between universities). This system varies from the Canadian system where students will often study a major and make up their credits with lessons in different subjects.
Students studying in the UK will be expected to spend time reading about their subject and researching outside of set lectures and tutorials.
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Studying Law in the UK also means you'll be part of a thriving legal community. UK universities have a long and prestigious history of producing top-quality lawyers, judges, and legal scholars. You'll have access to some of the best legal minds in the world and be able to participate in legal debates, mock trials, and other extracurricular activities that can help you build a strong network and gain practical experience.
Furthermore, studying Law at a UK university can open up a world of career opportunities. Whether you want to work in a Law firm, a multinational corporation, a government agency, or a non-profit organization, a UK Law degree can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. And with many UK universities offering practical training and work experience opportunities, you'll be well-prepared for whatever career path you choose.
If you have any more questions about studying Law in the UK then reach out to an SI-UK Consultant who will be able to provide you with the answers and assist you with your application.