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It may seem obvious, but what is law. Law, or legal studies, comes into contact with almost every area of human life, touching upon issues relating to business, economics, politics, the environment, human rights, international relations and trade. It is telling that the first academic degrees developed were all related to law. As a law student, you can expect to learn how to tackle some of the most problematic – indeed, often seemingly irresolvable – conflicts and issues in modern society and morality. In providing a framework through which to examine and understand different societies and cultures, law degrees are a useful way to prepare not only for specific legal careers, but for a broad range of professional roles – and indeed, for life in general.

There are lots of different types of law degrees  available, varying according to where you study. In most countries, law degrees take the form of an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) which allows you to go on to take the national Bar or Law Society qualifying examinations, in order to becoming a practicing lawyer. In some countries, a BA in Law (BL) or a BSc in Law is in place instead. Often, these alternative names are used interchangeably. However, some universities differentiate between LLB and BA Law programs, with the former focusing exclusively on law and the latter allowing students to take course modules in other subjects, with a focus on humanities.

The US and Japan offer a Juris Doctor (JD), which is also offered in Canada, Australia and Hong Kong. In such countries, legal studies are focused at graduate level (after completion of a bachelor’s degree in a different discipline) with students earning their JD in order to practice. The JD will typically take three years to complete. There is also an option to earn a one year Master of Laws (LLM) degree in area of specialization (such as tax law) after earning a JD. Foreign lawyers can also study to receive an LLM in order to practice in countries which require a JD. In order to qualify for a postgraduate degree in law, undergraduate students in the US must take and pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

While most LLM and JD programs are primarily aimed at preparing students for legal careers, it’s also possible to take graduate-level law degrees with a greater focus on academic research. These may be referred to either as a PhD in Law, Doctor of Laws, or Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD). It is also possible to do an intensive two-year law course, or vocational courses of varying length.

Like most academic degrees, law programs start with compulsory core courses, and more opportunities to choose law topics tailored to a particular career path later on. Teaching is through a combination of lectures, seminars, group work, presentations, class debates and ‘mooting sessions’ – practical law training in a courtroom setting to help students master important legal skills such as research and analysis, public speaking and argument formation.

Some institutions allow law students to spend a year studying abroad, particularly if they are combining law with a foreign language. Some may also provide students with the chance to work pro bono (voluntarily) with real-life clients, as a way to gain invaluable experience and gaining legal skills that will help when applying for positions later on.

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