Law

Learning takes the form of lectures, tutorials and seminars. We place great emphasis on high-quality small-group teaching. The small-group teaching format and one-on-one attention from a personal academic advisor are embedded into the learning experience to help you get more out of your studies. You’ll also benefit from one-to-one support and self-directed learning to develop your critical thinking skills.

As you progress through the course there’s an increased focus on self-directed learning and independent research, particularly around the dissertation, as you begin to prepare for professional or postgraduate life.

Specialist facilities in the Law School include an interactive Harvard-style lecture theatre and academic workrooms. The moot court and pro bono room give you the space to develop your skills in a simulated legal environment.

Assessment

We use an array of assessment methods including essays, oral presentations and written examinations completed throughout the year.

You will also complete a 12,000-word dissertation, which makes up one-third of your final-year marks.

Completion of the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) is required.

A level offer – A*AA.

Contextual offer – AAB.

We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*DD.

IB Diploma score – 38 with 666 in higher level subjects.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their studies. Please contact Admissions for further information.

• If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Programmes offers multidisciplinary degrees to prepare you for a range of specified degree courses. 

• If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

• We do not interview candidates for the LLB degree.

LNAT: National Aptitude Test for Law

Durham Law School uses the National Aptitude Test for Law (LNAT) to assist in selecting applicants for admission. The LNAT is used by several Law schools at universities in the UK and is a uniform test for admission to their undergraduate Law degrees. Anybody who wishes to be admitted to an undergraduate Law degree at one of the participating universities must sit the LNAT as well as applying through UCAS.

Performance in the LNAT is one of a number of grounds on which admissions selectors determine the relative merit and potential of applicants. As a part of this process, performance in the LNAT may be used to distinguish between otherwise similar candidates, alongside the other evidence available to admissions selectors from a candidate's UCAS application.

It is important to note the following:

• Both parts of the LNAT examination – the multiple choice score and the essay – are always considered by admissions selectors when assessing an application.

• No minimum score is required for the multiple choice part of the LNAT.

In our assessment of an LNAT essay, admissions selectors look – in particular – for evidence of the following positive attributes:

• Focus on the particular question
• Clarity of expression and fluency of prose
• A logical progression and structure
• Reference(s) to relevant evidence
• An ability to recognise, and address, counter-arguments
• A concise and effective conclusion.

For further details, including registration instructions, deadlines and timescales, sample test papers and details of test centres worldwide, see the LNAT website at: www.lnat.ac.uk

Applications for deferred entry may be considered in special circumstances. Please contact us using durham.ac.uk/study/askus/

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications 

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.

The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

Preparing our students for life after university is a key priority for the Law School, so during your time with us you will have access to a wide range of resources to help you stand out in the employment market.

We offer the Durham Employability and Legal Skills Award (DELSA), an online award designed to test and hone your skills in readiness for a career in or out of the legal profession. We also provide detailed information about the steps involved in becoming a solicitor or barrister, and guidance on preparing for interviews and assessment days.

Leading law firms regularly visit Durham or offer online events to promote career opportunities and vacation opportunities.

Our graduates enjoy highly successful careers across a diverse range of sectors with many employed in the legal profession as solicitors, barristers, consultants and more. Current graduates work in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and have taken up legal roles with leading national and international organisations. Others have pursued careers outside of the law profession including the UK Government, the Civil Service, charitable organisations and financial institutions.

Of those students who graduated in 2020-21:

• 91% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

• 91% are in high skilled employment
• With an average salary of £28,000.

(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)

More information on Employability and Careers Opportunities can be found here.

Develop an understanding of the law and how it is shaped, learning from a supportive and enthusiastic team who have real-world impact.

Durham Law School is a world leader in legal education and research. Home to a diverse community of students from across the world, it’s a great place to become proficient in law. We take pride in our cutting-edge research-led education which is delivered by academic staff who work at the forefront of their field.

Law at Durham is diverse and forward-thinking in terms of both content and teaching methods. Much of the teaching takes place in small groups which increases the level of discussion and collaboration. By actively involving you in the teaching-learning process you will develop a deeper understanding of the subject and be equipped with the legal and practical skills that are highly valued by employers. Alongside your studies, you will have the opportunity to engage in a growing number of extra-curricular activities - including mooting and working on a range of pro bono activities which will give you first-hand experience of law in practice. You can also apply to add a year abroad to your degree, studying at one of our overseas partner universities.

We are proud to deliver some of the best results for student satisfaction and employability – and our graduates include some of law’s leading figures, such as current or former members of the UK Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, MPs and political advisors.

For more information visit our department pages.

Rankings

• World Top 50 in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2023

• 6th in The Complete University Guide 2024

• 7thin The Guardian University Guide 2024

• 8th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the Law School pages.

Research Excellence Framework

• 100% of our research impact and environment was rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 21).

Facilities

The Law School is based in Durham University’s flagship Palatine Centre. Part of a sustainable development, the purpose-built building provides a first-class learning environment in which diverse and innovative teaching methods can be put into practice. Students benefit from an interactive Harvard-style lecture theatre, moot court, pro bono room, workrooms and one-to-one support.

The Law School is situated close to several academic departments and services, within easy access of the historic centre of Durham.

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