Overview

Course overview

  • Join a globally recognised institution that brings together research-informed study and practice-led approaches to law.
  • Gain hands-on experience by volunteering with professionals in our Justice Hub and Legal Advice Centre or through applied law options.
  • Our degree supports you in entering the legal profession as a barrister through an award recognised by the Bar Standards Board, or in taking your first steps towards qualification as a solicitor through our collaboration with BARBRI to prepare you for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam after you graduate.
  • Learn how the world of legal services is changing through courses focusing on Law in Practice, Law in Action and LegalTech.
  • Study at a UK Top 10 university for Law (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).

Open days

Join us on campus to learn more about your course, grab a chat with current students and academics, and explore our campus with its fantastic facilities.

It’s an invaluable opportunity to explore, discover, and enjoy some of the vibes that attract so many students to Manchester.

Find out more about our upcoming open days .

Not in the UK or can’t make it? Not a problem. Check out our virtual open day content.

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Social Sciences
Contact name
School of Social Sciences
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 306 0100
Email
Website
https://www.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/law/
School/Faculty overview

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Compare this course

Entry requirements

A-level

A*AA, including at least one of the following A-Level subjects (preference will be given to applicants studying two of these subjects):

Law, Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages.

We accept native language A Levels providing they are taken in the same sitting as your other subjects. We will not accept thecombination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.

We accept the WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology as equivalent to an A-level if taken alongside two full A-levels (one of which must be grade A*) from the list of acceptable subjects above

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

A-level contextual offer

AAB, including at least one of the following A-Level subjects (preference will be given to applicants studying two of these subjects):

Law, Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages.

We accept native language A Levels providing they are taken in the same sitting as your other subjects. We will not accept thecombination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

Contextual offers are available for applicants who:

  • live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
  • live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
  • have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

UK refugee/care-experienced offer

ABB, including at least one of the following A-Level subjects (preference will be given to applicants studying two of these subjects):

Law, Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages.

We accept native language A Levels providing they are taken in the same sitting as your other subjects. We will not accept thecombination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:

  • have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
  • have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

International Baccalaureate

37 points overall. 7,6,6 in Higher Level subjects

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

GCSE/IGCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School for clarification.

Other entry requirements

Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.

Country-specific entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For detailed information please refer to our country-specific requirements and requirements for foundation years .

For general requirements not listed above see Accepted entry qualifications from your country .

Still need help? Email us at ug-law@manchester.ac.uk

English language requirements

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

  • IELTS 7 with a minimum 6.5 in each subtest or equivalent
  • An acceptable equivalent qualification.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page .

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2026 will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £28,400 for the 2026/27 academic year. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap, which the Government has announced will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year and £10,050 for the 2027/28 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval).

The Government has also announced that the fee cap will then increase on an annual basis to reflect inflation (i.e. increasing costs), and the tuition fee you pay in subsequent academic years will reflect any increases in the Government fee cap (which we will communicate to you as soon as we can in advance of the relevant academic year).

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about student finance options for UK students.

Learn more about fees and finance for international students.

As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships . This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

Advice to applicants

Any exceptional circumstances (eg illness prior, ongoing or at the time of your exams) surrounding your application should be included in your personal statement and backed up in your academic reference or the Law School should be informed in writing prior to your examination results.

Home-schooled applicants

If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines

How your application is considered

Your UCAS application is always considered as a whole; taking into account your qualifications, personal statement and reference.

We consider the Widening Participation status of applicants while assessing applications; borderline candidates holding a WP or WP Plus flag are given further consideration.

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are normally considered. The admissions tutor will be looking for valid reasons for deferral (eg financial, relevant work experience, charity work).

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Transfers

We do not consider applications for the second or third year of the course.  No credit will be given for prior learning.

Course details

Course description

Photo of a man smiling

The University of Manchester was, for me, a wonderful foundation for my legal career

"I am immensely proud of being a graduate of Manchester University. Currently I have the privilege of being unique in that I am the only Supreme Court Justice who was educated outside of Oxbridge. I hope we will see other graduates of Manchester University on the Supreme Court bench. The University of Manchester provided me with a wonderful legal education. I had the great privilege of being taught by leading academics who were authors of authoritative textbooks. Attending the Law School at The University of Manchester was, for me, a wonderful foundation for my legal career and I am enormously grateful for the time I spent there."

Lord Stephens / Justice of the Supreme Court

Law is at the heart of our society, informing and governing our everyday actions.

Our LLB Law course offers you a distinctive approach to legal education from a globally recognised institution that brings together research- informed study and practice- led approaches to law.

You will study the foundations of English and Welsh law, then have the freedom to follow your own interests from a broad range of optional units offered by our diverse team of academics. You will be challenged to analyse and critique the law, and understand the social, economic, ethical and political contexts in which it operates.

Career opportunities are embedded throughout this course, allowing you to put the theory into practice from day one. Our Justice Hub is a centre for excellence in clinical legal education and offers free legal advice to members of the public. Through volunteering at our Justice Hub, you can help to provide access to justice for some of the most vulnerable, marginalised and disadvantaged in society. You will contribute to our partnerships with the public, charitable and private sectors and play your part in our commitment to social responsibility.

Studying at one of the UK's most globally connected universities means you gain a global perspective on law, reflected in our teaching and your experience as a member of our academic community.

You will develop the essential skills, knowledge and experience to be highly employable, giving you the confidence to start a career both within and outside of the legal sector.

Special features

Study at one of the leading Law Schools in Europe

Our Law School is an outstanding centre for research in all areas of the discipline, including family law, business law and criminal law. Our graduates include Dame Christabel Pankhurst and Lord Stephens, current Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.

Gain a head start on your future legal career

Our Law School can help you gain recognition from the Bar Standards Board or prepare you for the Solicitor’s Qualifying Exam, depending on your professional ambitions.

We’ve partnered with global legal education provider BARBRI on preparation courses to support your development for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam you will take after you graduate. You will also be able to study courses that prepare you for recognition by the Bar Standards Board, a step towards becoming a barrister.

Volunteer at our Justice Hub

Get involved with our Justice Hub , comprising of the Legal Advice Centre, Manchester Free Legal Help, the Manchester Innocence Project and the Dementia Law Clinic.

It is a centre for excellence in clinical legal education and offers free legal advice to the public. You raise awareness of issues of access to justice, while empowering individuals to take control of their legal problems.

Shape the future through LegalTech

Engage with LegalTech throughout your studies, exploring cutting- edge digital futures to gain a greater understanding of this new area of legal practice.

Broaden your horizons with a Year Abroad

Immerse yourself in a new culture and spend an unforgettable year studying at one of our international partner universities.

You will apply in Year 2 to spend Year 3 abroad, extending your programme of study to four years. You will then come back to Manchester for your fourth year and graduate with a degree title including 'with International Study'.

Take advantage of a paid placement opportunity

Apply for a paid summer Q- Step internship between Years 2 and 3 which promotes quantitative skills in the social sciences. This is an excellent opportunity to gain work experience and network, while putting the skills you learn into practice. Recent placements include the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, and the College of Policing

Teaching and learning

Our teaching is driven by active and innovative approaches to learning, aimed at inspiring and supporting you as you develop throughout your degree.

You will be challenged to reflect on what you are taught to develop intellectual independence and graduate skills.

Contact time of lectures, seminars, and workshops amount to a minimum of 10 hours per week.

In total, you will spend about 40 hours per week studying, comprised of taught sessions and guided independent learning.

Lectures are delivered to a large cohort of students, covering an overview of a particular subject.

Workshops and seminars are integral to our active learning and research-oriented approach.

In small groups, you discuss, present, and apply the law based on what you have learnt.

Our teaching is enhanced by our virtual learning environment which enables you to engage with peers, academics and interactive content to further your studies.

You will develop independent and teamworking skills, furthering your knowledge through research and learning to communicate complex concepts to a range of audiences.

You will be encouraged to respond to feedback from peers and staff to apply your understanding of the law in your academic work.

Your experience and wellbeing are an integral aspect of our teaching and learning.

To ensure that you feel supported, we provide you with an Academic Advisor, a Peer Mentor, and a student representative to present student views and experiences in regular staff and student committee meetings.

Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning .

Coursework and assessment

Through your assessments, you will demonstrate graduate skills that prepare you for a range of careers. Methods of assessments include:

  • exams;
  • coursework;
  • short exercises or written pieces such as case reports and reflective diaries;
  • problem-based multiple choice questions;
  • oral presentations;
  • portfolios and project work.

We will support you through detailed feedback to help you improve and progress in your studies.

Course content for year 1

Year 1 provides you with the foundation of your legal studies.

You will study four full-year 30 credit subjects:

  • Introduction to Law and Legal Skills;
  • Contract Law;
  • Criminal Law;
  • Public Law.

Course units for year 1

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
LAWS10160 30 Mandatory
LAWS10210 30 Mandatory
LAWS10320 30 Mandatory
LAWS10530 30 Mandatory

Course content for year 2

In Year 2, you will study two more full-year foundational subjects that build upon concepts and skills from Year 1:
  • Land Law (30 credits);
  • Law of Torts (30 credits).

You will also select three 20-credit subjects from a range of specially designed units which develop your foundational studies. The current units offered are:

  • Human Rights
  • Law in a Global Context
  • Principles and Practice of Commercial Law
  • Law in Practice (simulated)

You will continue to develop legal and academic skills that will enable you to reach your full potential in your final year.

Course units for year 2

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
LAWS20250 30 Mandatory
LAWS20760 30 Mandatory
LAWS20880 20 Optional
LAWS21020 20 Optional
LAWS22040 20 Optional
LAWS23050 20 Optional

Course content for year 3

In your final year, you will select six 20-credit subjects which consider specialised and in-depth areas of law and legal practice. Our optional subjects give you the opportunity to engage with our world-leading research specialisms.

You also have a choice to write a dissertation in place of one of these courses and to take options from elsewhere in the Faculty of Humanities and the University College for Interdisciplinary Learning.

Please note that course units available are subject to change annually.

Students wishing to satisfy the professional requirements for the academic stage of training for the Bar Standards Board must take certain course units.

Course units for year 3

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
LAWS30001 20 Optional
LAWS30012 20 Optional
LAWS30081 20 Optional
LAWS30121 20 Optional
LAWS30201 20 Optional
LAWS30251 20 Optional
LAWS30292 20 Optional
LAWS30322 20 Optional
LAWS30382 20 Optional
LAWS30451 20 Optional
LAWS30492 20 Optional
LAWS30702 20 Optional
LAWS30731 20 Optional
LAWS31191 20 Optional
LAWS31201 20 Optional
LAWS31202 20 Optional
LAWS31301 20 Optional
LAWS31302 20 Optional
LAWS32401 20 Optional
LAWS32502 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 20 course units for year 3

What our students say

Read profiles of our students to find out about their experiences of studying at Manchester.

Facilities

You will have access to first-class facilities to learn and practice your skills, both independently and with other students.

Moot court

Our moot court allows you to enhance your practical application of the law in a simulated court environment alongside your peers and legal experts.

Library

You can access our specialist law library, in addition to one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the UK

Justice Hub

Get the best possible start to your legal career with our Justice Hub network. Develop your values, ethics and civic engagement in:

You can also choose to study Law in Practice and Law in Action, and apply take part in the Justice Hub Vacation Scheme.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

The University of Manchester has an excellent reputation for employability. For the past 6 years, we have been in the UK's Top Two most targeted universities by the UK's top 100 employers (High Fliers Graduate Market Report, 2020- 2026).

We embed employability across our courses and have excellent links with legal professions, business and the public sector. Our graduates have an impressive record of securing employment.

You will have access to specialist law careers events , giving you the opportunity to meet employers and attend workshops delivered by in- house specialists. You will benefit from unique training, networking and skills development opportunities.

You will also benefit from optional personal development schemes, such as The Stellify Award or Manchester Leadership Programme.

Solicitors Qualifying Exam preparation

We have collaborated with global legal education provider BARBRI to offer you a comprehensive preparation programme for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). This collaboration creates a pathway to qualify as a solicitor, learning from BARBRI's industry- leading legal education to prepare for the SQE. Prep courses are offered least twice per year on a full- time and part- time basis.

Recognition by the Bar Standards Board

You will have the opportunity to study courses that cover the foundations of legal knowledge, which are necessary to satisfy the academic component of training to become a barrister in England and Wales.

Careers Service

The University has its own dedicated, award- winning Careers Service where you can benefit from tailored careers support, practice interviews, CV and application support, job listings for Manchester students, and much more. Better yet, you will have access to our Careers Service both during your course and for two years after you graduate, so we know you’re on the right path.

Ready to shape your future at one of the UK’s most employable universities? Your journey starts here.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.