Top Law Colleges & Universities in the UK Requiring LNAT – Programmes Offered 2023

This article provides an overview of the various UK universities and colleges that require the LNAT for admission into their LLB and undergraduate law degree programs. These institutions rank highly in numerous UK and global law school rankings.

During each admission cycle, these institutions attract a large number of applicants for their LLB and BA Law programs, in some cases, reaching an applicant to offer ratio of up to 15:1.

The LNAT serves as one of the essential tools for evaluating applicants’ aptitude for studying law, in addition to other existing assessments, such as the A-levels, personal statement and interview.

The LNAT often distinguishes between applicants who possess comparable scholastic achievements. In our college and university specific articles, we will discuss how each institution shortlists and selects students from the applicant pool.

The Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) evaluates an individual’s suitability for pursuing a law degree by assessing verbal reasoning, deductive logic, basic data interpretation, and command of written English – essential qualities and attributes for successfully completing the law degree programs.

Currently, there are nine institutions in the UK which make use of the LNAT. All of them are reputed institutions, which consistently rank among the top in various UK and global rankings.

University of Oxford

Oxford University’s BA in Jurisprudence is a regular, full-time three year undergraduate law degree.

The BA in Jurisprudence with Senior Status is a shortened version of the regular law degree available only to those who already have at least one other university degree.

The BA in Law with Law Studies in Europe is an extended version of the BA Law programme including an extra year spent at one of our partner universities in continental Europe.

All the three programmes are equivalent to an LLB. They are qualifying law degrees for the purpose of practice as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.

Backed by the academic provenance of the university, the BA in Jurisprudence is one of the most highly regarded undergraduate law degrees in the UK.

Oxford law graduates are in high demand both in the legal professions and in other fields where law related qualification is required.

BA (Hons) Jurisprudence Law
Programme duration : 3 or 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

BA (Hons) Jurisprudence Law with European Law
Programme duration : 3 or 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M190

BA (Hons) Jurisprudence Law with French Law
Programme duration : 3 or 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M191

BA (Hons) Jurisprudence Law with German Law
Programme duration : 3 or 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M192

BA (Hons) Jurisprudence Law with Italian Law
Programme duration : 3 or 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M193

BA (Hons) Jurisprudence Law with Spanish Law
Programme duration : 3 or 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M194

As part of the process to decide which applicants are called to interview, an initial shortlist is drawn up by giving equal weighting to three factors:

• contextualized GCSE score
• score on the LNAT Multiple Choice Test (MCT)
• score for the LNAT essay

University of Cambridge

Cambridge university consistently ranks among the top academic institutions not only in the UK, but in various global rankings also. While their BA (Hons) course (equivalent to an LLB degree) is primarily concerned with English law, there are opportunities to study other legal systems, including civil (Roman) law, EU law and international law.

Students can also study theoretical and sociological aspects of law such as jurisprudence or parts of criminology.

The popularity of Cambridge university’s law program can be guaged from the fact that in 2022, around 1950+ candidates applied and 217 were accepted.

BA (Hons) Law
Programme duration : 3 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

All applicants for Law are required to take the National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT).

University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow offers a range of LLB programmes in Common Law and Scots Law. The regular programmes require LNAT scores for admission.

Common Law LLB – designed for students who plan to practise law in common law jurisdictions in countries such as England and Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Canada and India. It is not suitable for those who may wish to enter the legal profession in Scotland.

Scots Law LLB – the required degree for those planning to enter the Scottish legal profession.

Common Law (graduate entry) LLB – an accelerated undergraduate degree, which is available to graduates of any discipline, including Law. The programme is a foundational training in law and satisfies the Bar Standard Board requirements for the academic stage of legal training.

Scots Law (graduate entry) LLB – a fast-track undergraduate degree, which is available to graduates of any discipline, including Law. The programme is fully accredited by the Law Society of Scotland for entry into the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.

LLB (Hons) Scots Law
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M114

LLB (Hons) Scots Law with French Language
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M1R1

LLB (Hons) Scots Law with French Legal Studies
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M121

LLB (Hons) Scots Law with German Language
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M1R2

LLB (Hons) Scots Law with German Legal Studies
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M122

LLB (Hons) Scots Law with Italian Language
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M1R3

LLB (Hons) Scots Law with Italian Legal Studies
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M1M9

LLB (Hons) Scots Law with Portuguese Language
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M1R5

LLB (Hons) Scots Law with Spanish Language
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M1R4

LLB (Hons) Scots Law with Spanish Legal Studies
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M123

LLB (Hons) Scots Law/Business & Management
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : MN12

LLB (Hons) Scots Law/English Literature
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : MQ13

LLB (Hons) Scots Law/History
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : MV11

LLB (Hons) Scots Law/Philosophy
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : MV15

LLB (Hons) Scots Law/Politics
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : ML12

LLB (Hons) Scots Law/Social & Public Policy
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : ML14

LLB (Hons) Common Law
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

LLB (Hons) Common Law with French Language
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M9R1

LLB (Hons) Common Law with German Language
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M9R2

LLB (Hons) Common Law with Italian Language
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M9R3

LLB (Hons) Common Law with Spanish Language
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M9R4

LLB (Hons) Common Law/Business & Management
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : MN19

LLB (Hons) Common Law/Economic & Social History
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : ML13

LLB (Hons) Common Law/English Literature
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : MQ93

LLB (Hons) Common Law/History
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : MV91

LLB (Hons) Common Law/Philosophy
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : MV95

LLB (Hons) Common Law/Politics
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : ML92

The University of Glasgow uses the LNAT along with other admissions criteria, including academic qualifications in school and other exams and the personal statement and other information included in the UCAS application. The two-year graduate entry programmes do not require LNAT scores.

SOAS – School of Oriental and African Studies

As the name itself suggests, SOAS – School of Oriental and African Studies is an institution whose law programmes offer additional focus on the legal systems and legal challenges of the developing world.

The law school offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes, such as the BA Law and Combined Honours degree, LLB single honors and LLB with year abroad.

BA (Hons) Law and Arabic
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : MT16

BA (Hons) Law and Chinese
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : MT11

BA (Hons) Law and Economics
Programme duration : 3 years
UCAS Course Code : LM11

BA (Hons) Law and History
Programme duration : 3 years
UCAS Course Code : MV11

BA (Hons) Law and Korean
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : MTDL

LLB (Hons) Single Honors
Programme duration : 3 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

BA (Hons) Politics and Law
Programme duration : 3 years
UCAS Course Code : LM21

BA (Hons) International Relations and Law
Programme duration : 3 years
UCAS Course Code : LMF1

BA (Hons) Law and Global Development
Programme duration : 3 years
UCAS Course Code : LM91

BA (Hons) Social Anthropology and Law
Programme duration : 3 years
UCAS Course Code : LM61

LLB (Hons) with year abroad
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M104

SOAS law school encourages applicants with non-standard qualifications (including Access to Higher Education Diploma and Foundation courses) all of whom are required to take the LNAT. They also encourage students taking the SOAS Foundation Courses at IFCELS to apply. Students offering level 3 BTEC qualifications either on their own or in combination will be required to take the LNAT.

University of Bristol

Bristol University is a leading center for law in the UK. The University of Bristol is ranked third in the UK for excellence in legal research according to THE analysis and ranks within the top ten in the UK in various other university or law school rankings.

Bristol University combines excellence in teaching, research, and employability, which means that their students graduate with excellent legal, analytical, and reasoning skills – well-equipped for careers in both legal and non-legal sectors.

LLB Law and French
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : MR11

LLB Law and German
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : MR12

LLB Law and Spanish
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : MR13

LLB Law
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

LLB Law with Study Abroad
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

LLB Law with Study in Continental Europe
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

The University of Bristol selects successful applicants based on the UCAS application and the LNAT. Applications are scored and ranked based on their academic record, according to their achieved or predicted results with the following weightings: GCSE 20%, A-Level 40%, and LNAT 40%.

King’s College London

King’s college London – Dickson Poon School of Law is recognized as one of the UK’s premier law schools. All of their programmes are distinguished by an international outlook and have established partnerships with universities in Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Australia, giving their students opportunities to study abroad.

All University of Bristol Law School undergraduate courses satisfy the degree requirements laid down by the Bar Standards Board and the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

LLB and LLM English Law with Hong Kong Law
Programme duration : 3 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

LLB and JD English Law & American Law
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

LLB Law with North American Legal Studies
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

LLB Law with Transnational Legal Studies
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

LLB Law with European Legal Studies
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

LLB English Law with Australasian Law
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

LLB Law with a Year on Exchange in Singapore
Programme duration : 3 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

LLB Politics, Philosophy & Law (single Honours)
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : LM21

LLB English Law & French Law and Maitrise en droit (French equivalent of LLB)
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M121

LLB and LLM English Law & German Law LLB and LLM or First State Exam (erste juristische Staatspriifung)
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M122

LLB English Law & Spanish Law and Grado en Derecho (Spanish equivalent of LLB)
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M123

LLB and JD English Law & Hong Kong Law
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M190

LLB Single Honors
Programme duration : 3 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

All applicants to the King’s college London – Dickson Poon School of Law are required to take the National Admissions Test for Law, preferably by early December; or latest by mid January. Refer to the official prospectus for the exact cut off dates.

Durham University

Durham Law School is a world leader in legal education and research. The law school has a diverse community of students from across the world. With a focus on preparing students for life after law school – the university offers access to a wide range of resources to help students stand out in the employment market.

The Durham Law School is based in Durham University’s flagship Palatine Centre; and offers interactive Harvard-style lecture theatre, moot court, pro bono room, workrooms and one-to-one support.

LLB Law
Programme duration : 3 or 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M101

LLB Law with Foundation
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M102

Durham Law School uses the National Aptitude Test for Law (LNAT) to assist in selecting applicants for admission. Both parts of the LNAT examination – the multiple choice score and the essay – are considered by the Durham admissions selectors when assessing an application.

University College London

UCL – University College London – Faculty of Laws is rated as one of the top law schools for research excellence in the UK.

The law school offers a range of law programs, including LLB programs with French, German or Hispanic law, Law with Another Legal System (Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong) or Dual Degree programs.

LLB Law
Programme duration : 3 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

LLB English and German Law Dual Degree
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M146

LLB Law with French Law
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M141

LLB Law with German Law
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M142

LLB Law with Hispanic Law
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M144

BL LLB Bachelor of Laws (UCL) and Bachelor of Laws (HKU) LLB
Programme duration : 4 years
UCAS Course Code : M103

All applicants to undergraduate degree programmes at UCL Laws must take the LNAT. UCL Laws does not have a fixed benchmark or minimum score required for the LNAT. Applications are considered on the basis of all the information provided (including the academic profile, personal statement, reference, LNAT score and essay.

LSE – London School of Economics and Political Science

London School of Economics and Political Science – More commonly known as the LSE offers a world class three year LLB degree. The LSE Law School also offers a double degree programme with Columbia University Law School in New York.

This LSE LLB/JD (juris doctor) dual degree programme is open to a limited number of LLB students and applications are invited during the second year of study.

LLB Bachelor of Laws
Programme duration : 3 years
UCAS Course Code : M100

LSE only uses the multiple-choice score it its assessment of applicants; the essay is not considered for most applicants. If you are an applicant who would have otherwise been identified as having to sit the UGGA, the selector may wish to consider your LNAT essay.