Universities don’t usually require law applicants to have studied particular subjects. If applying to study law then it’s a good idea to choose at least one subject which involves essay-writing, as universities will be looking for evidence of strong writing skills such as English literature, history or government and politics.
• Some law courses require applicants to take an admissions test:
o There are 8 universities which require applicants to take the LNAT. The LNAT is an aptitude test, designed to test not your educational achievement but to test relevant skills. Although it is an aptitude test it is still helpful to practice. Practice tests can be found at: http://www.lnat.ac.uk/lnat-preparation/practice-tests.aspx. You cannot register for the LNAT until you’ve completed your UCAS application. You should check with universities to find out their individual LNAT deadlines, and then register for the LNAT as soon as possible
o Cambridge university requires prospective law students to sit the Cambridge Law Test. Specimen questions can be found on the website: http://www.law.cam.ac.uk/admissions/cambridge-law-test-specimen-questions.php
How can I start making sure I'm prepared to make an application for law?
• Spend a morning or day at the local Magistrates’ Court
• Visit the Old Bailey
• Get work experience with a solicitor and/or barrister if you can
• Get involved in public speaking & debating and mock trial competitions such as MUN.
• There are 2 radio programmes that are very good & and available as podcasts on iPlayer –Law in Action & Unreliable Evidence.
• Suggested (non-exhaustive) reading list:
o The Justice Game - Robertson
o Getting into Law - Lygo(ed.)
o The Search for Justice - Rozenburg
o Understanding Law - Adams & Brownsword
o Law & Modern Society - Atiyah
o On Evidence - Murphy
o The Rule of Law - Bingham
o Bonfire of the Liberties : New Labour, Human Rights - Ewing
Interviews for Law
• Most universities don’t interview for law, although a few do. If you do have to attend an interview as part of the application process then it is likely to be a competency-based interview. This means that it won’t be aiming to assess your legal knowledge, but rather the skills needed to study law (such as your analytical skills and your ability to reason)
Want to find out some more?
• www.lawstudent.tv
• www.lawcom.gov.uk
• There are some great TED videos on law: http://www.ted.com/topics/law