If you pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in the United Kingdom, it will be a significant step towards a legal career. However, the LLB course fees vary significantly across universities, making it an essential step for you to compare your options before making a decision. This guide ranks LLB course fees in the UK from the most to the least affordable, thus helping you navigate the financial aspects of your legal education in the UK.

Most Affordable LLB Programs in the UK

University of Westminster

The University of Westminster offers one of the most affordable and comprehensive LLB programs in all of the UK. The annual LLB course fees for international students usually range between £14,000 and £16,500 per year. The university is also known for its diverse student body and strong employability rates, making it a great option for international students. 

City, University of London

City, University of London, has a reputation for its prestigious law school. The City Law School charges international students £19,950 pounds annually. While this is slightly higher than the University of Westminster’s fee range, it is still among the more affordable options available in the UK to study law. The university also has strong industry connections, making it a great choice if you are looking for networking opportunities as well as boosting your employment chances. 

BPP University

BPP University, which specializes in professional education, offers an LLB program for £14,000-16,500 per year for international students. This private institution is an excellent choice if you are looking for a university with minimal LLB course fees. BPP will provide you with a practice-focused education, with many courses designed to prepare students directly for careers in law firms.

Mid-Range LLB Programs

University of Law

The University of Law has 2 LLB course fee structures depending on the campus location and duration of your program:

• Non-London Campuses: The two-year LLB (Hons) Senior Status program costs £16,700 per year.
• London Campuses: The same program costs £17,550 per year.

The University of Law  is one of the UK’s most well-known law schools, with a strong emphasis on practical training and professional development. It also makes a great choice for international students as it offers guaranteed work experience placements for eligible students, which can give you an edge in the competitive job market of the UK. 

University of London (Distance Learning)

The University of London offers an LLB program via distance learning, which allows you to study flexibly while working or managing other commitments. The total cost of the program will depend on the duration and your pace of study, but it will be more affordable in comparison to traditional on-campus programs. This is an excellent option for you if you prefer a flexible schedule or for those who are already working in a relevant field and want to get an LLB as well. 

Higher-End LLB Programs

University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most highly ranking institutions and offers an LLB degree at £21,200 per year for international students. The law school at Edinburgh has a prestigious reputation in legal research and it will provide you with access to numerous legal societies and networking events to boost your connections. 

King’s College London

King’s College London, known for its prestigious Dickson Poon School of Law, has higher tuition fees compared to many other universities. International students’ LLB course fees will fall between £22,500 and £29,000 per year. King’s College also has a global reputation and strong links to legal institutions in London, making it a fantastic choice for you, if you want a high-profile legal career. These institutions then in turn also offer highly competitive salaries.  

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge, one of the world’s most prestigious universities, offers an LLB-equivalent BA Law degree. The LLB course fees at Cambridge for International Students is about £26,200 per year. Although the fees are high, Cambridge’s reputation and the career prospects for graduates make this an attractive option for many law students. The university also has a rigorous selection process, ensuring a competitive environment. 

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford, like Cambridge, offers a BA in Jurisprudence, which is the equivalent of an LLB degree. The tuition fee for international Students in Oxford is £28,950 per year.

Oxford is one of the top law colleges globally. The curriculum at Oxford is highly extensive and rigorous. 

Costs Beyond Tuition

While LLB course fees are a major expense, you should also consider these additional costs associated with studying law in the UK. These will include:

• Living Expenses: Rent, food, transport, and personal expenses vary depending on the location of your university. However, one certainty is that London is significantly more expensive than other cities, from student accommodation to groceries, transport, and more.
• Books and Materials: Law textbooks are costly, ranging from £500 to £1,000 per year. You can search for cheaper alternatives through second-hand stores or former students willing to hand down or re-sell their textbooks. 
• Examination Fees: Some universities will charge you extra fees for your exams or professional certification assessments.
• Student Visa Fees (for international students): The cost of a UK student visa is approximately £490, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £776 per year.
• Mooting and Extra-Curricular Activities: Many law schools encourage students to participate in moot court competitions, which can involve extra costs such as travel and accommodation costs.

Points to Remember 

• If you are looking for an affordable LLB program, universities such as Westminster, BPP, and City, University of London offer lower LLB course fees.
• If you prefer mid-range options, institutions such as The University of Law and the University of London (distance learning) provide flexible and comprehensive programs.
• If you want to aim for top-tier law schools, be ready for higher tuition fees at universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and King’s College London, which are highly competitive and have very selective application processes.

Concluding Remarks

When choosing an LLB program in the UK, you should consider the LLB course fees as well as the value the program offers. While affordability is a key factor, reputation, teaching quality, and career prospects are equally important. The UK is a great place to study and practice law. Be sure to plan extensively and in advance before taking a final decision on where to study. Take heed of all the pointers we  discuss above to make well-informed decisions.