Introduction to the LNAT – All About the LNAT – Part 1

The LNAT is an important test for those planning to study law at some of the top Law universities in the UK.

This eight part series will help you understand all about the LNAT – covering some of the frequently asked ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘why’, ‘when’, ‘which’ and ‘how to’ questions about the LNAT.

What is the LNAT?

The LNAT is a computer-based test for those who want to study law at the undergraduate level in the UK.

It is currently a mandatory requirement for admissions in 9 UK-based universities. Most of which rank among the the best Law universities in UK and global rankings.

What does the LNAT assess?

The test assesses some of the key skills required for success in legal studies – such as:

• verbal reasoning,
• information understanding and interpretation,
• and problem-solving abilities.

The LNAT does not test your general knowledge or your knowledge of law. All the answers to the LNAT MCQ questions are based on the given passages only.

Structure of the LNAT

The LNAT has two sections:

1. Section A has 42 multiple-choice questions based on 12 passages. This section is automatically marked by the system. Your score in section-A counts towards your final LNAT score.
2. Section B consists of three essay questions, out of which you must answer one. The essay is not marked by the system. The essay is transmitted ‘as is’ to the universities you apply to.

The LNAT is 2 hours and 15 minutes long (135 minutes), with 95 minutes for Section A and 40 minutes for Section B.

Why do some universities require the LNAT?

The Universities that require the LNAT are some of the top ranked institutions in the UK. They routinely receive hundreds or even thousands of applications every year for their LLB or BA LLB programs.

Universities use the LNAT to help select from among applicants with similar grades or similar accomplishments.

As a standardized test, which is subject agnostic, the LNAT helps compare applicants with diverse backgrounds.

Who should take the LNAT?

You need to take the LNAT if you’re applying for a law degree that requires it as an entry condition. Currently, nine universities in the UK require the LNAT.

Which universities require the LNAT?

There are nine LNAT universities in the UK. Eight of these UK-based universities are part of the Russell Group.

• Durham University
• King’s College, London (KCL)
• London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
• SOAS University of London
• University College London (UCL)
• University of Bristol
• University of Cambridge
• University of Glasgow
• University of Oxford

LNAT scores explained

Your LNAT score is based on your performance in the multiple-choice question based Section A.

There are 42 questions, each carrying one mark for a correct answer – so the maximum possible score is 42 out of 42.

There is no formal score for Section B, since the essay is not marked by the system. The essay is sent ‘as is’ to the university, who will then evaluate it as per their own internal criteria.

In these series of articles (see links below), we have covered each university in depth. How do they use the LNAT scores? Do they consider the LNAT Essay? What was the minimum and average LNAT scores from among recent offer holders.

• University College London
• Durham University
• Kings College London
• University of Bristol
• University of Glasgow
• Oxford University
• Cambridge University
• London School of Economics

How to prepare for the LNAT?

We will discuss this at length in the subsequent parts of this series. To start preparing for the LNAT, first get familiar with the test format.

Practice both multiple-choice questions and the essay writing parts of the test.

Use LawMint’s LNAT Practice Tests to improve your skills under timed conditions.