A law degree is a gateway to a career as a solicitor or barrister, but it's not the only path you can choose. Many options are available to you beyond the legal profession.
Academic Law Programmes at The City Law School
Studying law opens doors to a wide range of careers, both within and beyond the legal profession. At The City Law School, we offer a full suite of academic programmes designed to prepare you for the evolving legal landscape, whether you aim to become a solicitor, barrister, or pursue a career in policy, business, or social justice.
Typical Law career pathway
Our LLB (Hons) degree is a qualifying law degree that enables direct progression to professional training: the Solicitors’ Practice Programme (SPP) for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), or Bar Vocational Studies (BVS) for aspiring barristers.
Graduates also find roles in:
- Legal services and regulatory bodies
- Government departments and the Civil Service
- NGOs and international organisations
- Law reform agencies such as the Law Commission
The transferable skills developed (critical thinking, advocacy, research and analysis) are highly valued across sectors including finance, consultancy, publishing, and technology.
Undergraduate Law Degrees
Our LLB (Hons) programme provides a strong foundation in legal knowledge and practical skills. You’ll engage in mooting, mock trials, and pro bono work through our multi award-winning Community Legal Advice Centre (CLAC). The curriculum includes opportunities to specialise in areas such as Commercial Law, Human Rights, or Technology.
We also offer the LLB Law and Criminology, combining legal studies with criminological theory and social justice, ideal for those interested in criminal law or broader socio-legal careers.
Law Conversion Courses
If you hold a non-law undergraduate degree, our Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Graduate Entry LLB (GE LLB) offer accessible routes into the legal profession. Both courses prepare students for the next stage of legal training for intended solicitors or barristers, and are taught by experienced academics and practitioners.
Graduate Diploma in Law
A one-year conversion course covering the seven foundations of legal knowledge, with added modules in legal technology and advocacy.
Graduate Entry LLB
A two-year fast-track qualifying law degree for graduates, offering a wide range of electives and the option to complete a dissertation.
Postgraduate Law study
After completing your undergraduate or conversion course, you can progress to professional training to start your career in legal practice or deepen your expertise through postgraduate taught programme.
Professional Law Programmes
We deliver world-renowned, professionally accredited postgraduate professional courses, combining academic rigour and practical training to prepare future solicitors and barristers.
Master of Laws LLM
Choose from general or specialist pathways in areas such as International Commercial Law, Criminal Justice, or Technology and AI. Flexible study options include full-time, part-time, and online learning and a September or January start.
Law career pathways
New dedicated facilities
This is an exciting time to enrol at The City Law School as you will be joining us in our brand new, dedicated seven-storey facilities designed specifically for law education.
The £63 million Law School Building features a dedicated library, 160-seat lecture theatre, modern study space, staff offices, restaurant and central atrium with a glazed roof.
