Applying to a law degree at UCL or another top UK university is competitive. If you’re applying to UCL, you will need to take the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT). Many other universities require LNA
On this page:
- routes in Law from the UPCH
- the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT)
- LNAT preparation classes on the UPCH
- other challenges of applying to Law.
Routes into Law from the UPCH
Students on the Undergraduate Preparatory Certificate for Humanities (UPCH) course have two possible routes to get a Law degree.
Direct progression to undergraduate Law degrees
The majority of UPCH students applying to LLB Law degrees progress directly to an undergraduate degree in Law.
You can see which universities UPCH students have gone on to study law at on our previous students page.
Applications to UCL LLB Law are very competitive. For more information on applying to an undergraduate programme at the UCL Faculty of Law, please see UCL Law’s applying and entry requirements.
Applying to law as a graduate student
You could take a different relevant undergraduate degree at UCL and then take the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
Many UK students study an undergraduate degree in humanities, such as English or history, before studying law.
There are some advantages of taking this route. For example, improving your written English skills throughout the course and developing knowledge in your chosen subject. This will prepare you to study law at postgraduate level.Recommended pre-SQE undergraduate degrees at UCL include:
- English
- International/European Social and Political Studies (I/ESPS)
- History
- Philosophy
- Classics
- Politics, Philosophy and Economics
- Economics
- Business, Politics and Sociology.
For further information on becoming a solicitor (lawyer) as a non-law graduate, you should research the SQE.
The LNAT exam
What is the LNAT and what’s involved?
LNAT is the Law National Aptitude Test.
Information on what the LNAT is for, whether and when you need to sit it, the test format and getting the results, is available on the LNAT website.
Applying to universities that require LNAT
There are some challenges in only applying to universities that require the LNAT:
- You must meet LNAT deadlines which can be very early at the beginning of the UPC.
- You need an advanced level of English, especially for the LNAT essay element, in which you must demonstrate excellent English and a confident knowledge of contemporary issues.
Therefore, you should also consider applying to other universities as well.
When does the exam take place?
There are multiple dates available to take the exam. You would need to take the exam early in the UPC course and it can only be taken once.
Oxbridge applicants would need to sit their LNAT test before the earlier mid-October UCAS deadline.
You can check the LNAT website for the most up-to-date information on when exams take place.
LNAT preparation classes on the UPCH
All UPCH law applicants will take the compulsory eight-week online summer programme (between July-September, before arrival in London).
You’ll have a weekly two-hour online personal tutorial.
In addition, each week you'll practise exercises in speed-reading and write one essay, for which you’ll receive written feedback.
On arrival in London, in the First Term, you'll have a weekly two-hour LNAT preparation class. You will also have practise timed reading and write an essay each week.
It is compulsory to attend these classes, and your commitment to and attainment in these classes will be mentioned in your UCAS reference specifically.
Your dedicated tutor will assist you in preparing a UCAS personal statement focusing on Law.
Why do we offer preparation support for this exam?
Speed is essential in the LNAT exam. You likely won’t have tackled 12 complex reading passages and 42 questions in 95 minutes before. Therefore, preparation is vital for a successful result.
You'll need plenty of practice to build up your reading speed and learn effective strategies. We recommend studying the typical question types and how to analyse arguments quickly and effectively.
You'll receive up-to-date information on recurring LNAT essay topics as well as detailed feedback on your weekly essays.
Other challenges of applying to Law
There are other challenges to tackle to get a law degree. As well as taking the LNAT, you’ll have to demonstrate academic excellence in several areas.
An advanced level of English
You must show that your spoken and written English meets the demands of a law degree.
You can check the English language requirements for UCL Law LLB in the online prospectus.
You need to meet these requirements at the time of applying to the UPC.
Interest in ideas, contemporary affairs, philosophical, political and social issues
You need to demonstrate relevant interests when applying for a law degree. This isn’t an assessment of how much you know about law, but instead your ability to reason about abstract topics and discuss current affairs.
Therefore, you must be up to date with and understand recent political and social issues.
Relevant previous experience
UCL Laws has a very active student community and your general achievements are an important part of your application.
You need to show how you could contribute towards the extra-curricular life of the faculty and UCL overall.
This includes any activities that have broadened your general education, such as music, travel or sports. We’ll also look at evidence of teamwork, leadership and communication skills.
These activities can be gained through volunteering, personal and work experience.
Excellent marks in your past school(s) and predicted and final UPCH grades
UCL Laws will consider you if you have excellent marks in high school or high predicted UPCH grades when you apply (A/A*).
They will also consider you for entry to the following year’s undergraduate course if you’re awarded the UPCH certificate with all the following marks:
- an overall mark of 70%
- 76% (A*) in one subject
- 70% (A) in a second subject.