After Cambridge and Oxford, which universities are best ranked for law studies in UK/Scotland?
After Oxford and Cambridge, the strongest law universities are University College London, the London School of Economics, and Kings College London in England, along with Durham and Bristol among other Russell Group institutions, while the University of Edinburgh and University of Glasgow lead the rankings for law studies in Scotland.
Once you look past Oxford and Cambridge, a clear tier of universities consistently leads UK and Scottish law rankings, and each brings its own strength. Whether you want central London connections or a strong Scots law pathway, you have excellent options here. Use the table below to compare them at a glance.
Top Ranked Law Universities After Oxbridge
| University | Region | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| University College London | London | Legal innovation and commercial links, ranked right alongside Oxbridge |
| London School of Economics | London | Corporate, commercial, and international law |
| Kings College London | London | Strong ties to the legal sector and rigorous entry requirements |
| Durham University | England | Traditional collegiate law experience, strong in commercial law |
| University of Bristol | England | Top 10 nationally, targeted heavily by top tier legal employers |
| University of Edinburgh | Scotland | Top ranked in Scotland, ideal for Scots law or dual qualifying pathways |
| University of Glasgow | Scotland | Strong in both Scots law and common law systems |
How to Choose Between Them
- Pick UCL, LSE, or Kings College if you want to be close to major London law firms and chambers during your studies.
- Pick Durham or Bristol if you want a strong Russell Group reputation valued by top employers outside London.
- Pick Edinburgh or Glasgow if you specifically want to study Scots law or a dual qualifying pathway.
My Advice
Shortlist two London options and one Scottish option so you can compare entry requirements and course structure side by side, since Scots law differs meaningfully from English law. Look closely at each university's graduate employment outcomes for law before you finalise your choice.
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