Law (graduate programme)

Ready for a career change? This two‑year course transforms an undergraduate degree background into a strong foundation in law.
This two‑year course is for graduates from non‑law backgrounds who want to transition into a legal career. You’ll learn about how and why law is created and changed, and how it operates as a social institution. You’ll develop your understanding in core legal subjects, and choose optional modules in areas such as company, healthcare, cyber, environmental, media, or family law, as well as topics in criminal justice and criminology.
Throughout the course, you’ll develop key skills in analysis, research, and argument — useful both within and beyond the legal profession. You’ll learn from experts linked to our research centres in Business Law, Criminal Justice, Legal Education, and Social Justice. You’ll also have opportunities to gain practical experience through our award‑winning pro bono work.
The course meets the academic requirements for those aiming to qualify as a barrister in England and Wales. You can visit the Bar Standards Board website for more information. 
If you plan to become a solicitor in England and Wales, you will need to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and have two years of full-time equivalent work experience. You can find out more from the Solicitors Regulation Authority. While a law degree isn’t required for qualification, it is one of the most effective ways to gain the knowledge and skills needed for SQE1 and for professional practice.
Student profile: Dayna Myers
“I really enjoy the seminars for all the modules I am taking. The prep work for each seminar has helped me tremendously in grasping topics discussed in class and for examination preparation.”
Dayna Myers, Law LLB (Graduate programme)

Why study at Leeds:

• Accelerate your legal career: Take on a two‑year course designed specifically for graduates from non‑law backgrounds.

• Learn from experts: Connect with four world‑leading research centres in Business Law, Criminal Justice, Legal Education and Social Justice.

• Tailor your studies: Choose specialist optional modules in areas like cyberlaw, environmental law, media law, family law, company law and more.

• Build valuable, transferable skills: Sharpen your analysis, research, communication and critical thinking — useful across a wide range of careers.

• Gain real-world experience: Learn through Leeds’ award‑winning Community Engagement (pro bono) opportunities.

• Meet professional requirements: Depending on your preferred career pathway, prepare for qualification as a barrister and develop strong foundations for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE).

• Join a supportive academic community: Teaching is informed by cutting‑edge research and real‑world practice.

Rankings and awards
Top 15 in the UK for Law, Times Higher Education 2025
Top 20 in the UK for Law, The Complete University Guide 2026
Top 15 in the UK for Law, The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
86th in the world, QS World Rankings 2026

Where this degree could take you
Here’s an insight into the legal areas some of our Law (Graduate Programme) graduates have found work in:

• Major international firms

• High‑street practices

• In‑house legal teams

• Chambers across the UK and abroad

Career support
10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

Visit our website for the latest information on which modules we offer. https://courses.leeds.ac.uk/j771/law-graduate-programme-llb