UCL Law Entry Requirements (LLB)

UCL Law Entry Requirements (LLB)  

UCL’s undergraduate Law programme (LLB) is one of the most competitive law degrees in the UK. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of UCL Law entry requirements for 2025 entry, including academic qualifications (A-levels, IB, and international equivalents), contextual offers (Access UCL), English language standards, LNAT admissions test details, and the application process. We also cover what UCL looks for in your personal statement (since UCL Law does not interview standard LLB applicants) and how competitive admissions are in terms of offer rates. A brief section on postgraduate LLM entry requirements is included at the end.

Prospective students should use this guide to ensure they meet or exceed the requirements and understand how to maximise their chances of admission to UCL’s prestigious Faculty of Laws.

A-Level Requirements for UCL Law (LLB)

Typical A-level offer

UCL’s standard offer for the LLB (Bachelor of Laws) is A*AA at A-level​. Importantly, UCL does not require specific subjects – you can theoretically be admitted with any subjects, as long as the grades are high. However, at least two of your A-levels must come from UCL’s list of “preferred” subjects​. UCL’s preferred subjects list includes most traditional academic subjects (sciences, maths, languages, humanities, etc.) and excludes general or vocational A-levels. For example, A-levels such as History, English, languages, Maths, sciences, Economics or Politics are preferred, whereas General Studies, Critical Thinking or Global Perspectives are not accepted and won’t count toward the offer​.

In practice, nearly all successful applicants offer strong traditional subjects that develop skills in analysis and writing – common choices include English Literature, History, languages, Economics or Maths.

Grades and conditions

An offer of AAA means you need one A and two A grades at A-level. These grades must be achieved in the same exam sitting; you cannot combine grades from different years to meet the offer​. UCL also does not generally accept A-level resits for entry to Law – if you missed the grades on your first attempt, you’re unlikely to be considered unless there were serious extenuating circumstances​. In addition, UCL requires at least a Grade 6 (equivalent to B) in GCSE English Language and Mathematics​. (For contextual offers via Access UCL, the GCSE requirement is lowered to Grade 5/C​.) These GCSE benchmarks ensure all Law students have a solid foundation in English and maths skills.

Preferred subjects

While UCL Law does not mandate particular A-level subjects, choosing rigorous, essay-based subjects can strengthen your application. Top law applicants typically have at least one humanities or social science A-level (e.g. English, History) to demonstrate critical reading and writing skills, which are crucial for law​. UCL’s own guidance notes that if you take a less essay-focused profile (say, mostly science/maths), you should still show evidence of strong literacy and argumentation skills elsewhere in your application​. In short, no specific A-levels are “required” for UCL Law, but a combination that shows breadth and analytical skill is recommended. Subjects like English or History can highlight your ability to construct arguments, whereas an A-level in Mathematics or Sciences can showcase logical reasoning – both skill sets are useful in legal studies​. Critical Thinking or General Studies A-levels will not count (offers would be based on your other subjects)​

Summary of academic requirements (UK qualifications):

Table: UCL Law undergraduate entry requirements for common UK qualifications (standard vs contextual offers).

Contextual offers (Access UCL)

UCL participates in a widening access scheme called Access UCL, which can result in a lower grade offer if you meet certain eligibility criteria. For Law, the contextual offer is typically AAB at A-level (instead of A*AA)​, or 36 points IB (instead of 39)​. The course requirements (like preferred subjects) remain the same, but the grade threshold is relaxed by about two grades. To qualify, applicants usually must be UK-domiciled and come from an underrepresented background – for example, attending a low-performing state school, living in an area with low progression to higher education, or having been in care​. UCL automatically flags applicants who might be eligible based on the information in the UCAS form (school and postcode data, etc.), so no separate application is needed for Access UCL​. Being eligible does not guarantee an offer, but if you are selected, you will receive the lower conditional offer. If you think you might qualify for a contextual offer, check UCL’s Access UCL page for detailed criteria.

International Qualifications Accepted

UCL welcomes applicants from around the world, and the entry requirements for UCL Law are correspondingly high across various qualifications. Below, we outline the typical standards for some common international qualifications. Note that all international applicants must also satisfy English language requirements (covered in the next section). UCL publishes detailed country-by-country equivalencies; generally, the expectation is to be in the top tier of your cohort, comparable to the A*AA A-level standard.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

As shown above, the standard offer is 39 points overall in the IB Diploma, with at least 19 points from three Higher Level subjects​. This typically implies scores like 7,6,6 at HL (totaling 19). There is no specific HL subject requirement for Law, but taking subjects that demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills is advantageous. You must also have no score lower than 5 in any Higher Level subject​. The contextual IB offer (for Access UCL-eligible students) is 36 points with 17 across three HLs​. An IB score of 39 is quite demanding – it’s roughly equivalent to A*AA at A-level in terms of selectivity​. Successful IB applicants to top law programmes often have a mix of humanities and other subjects at HL (for example, History, English, Economics HL). Standard Level subjects are also considered, but the focus is on the HL performance. If you are taking the IB, aim for a mix of 6s and 7s at HL, and ensure your total points (including Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay bonus points) reach or exceed 39.

United States (Advanced Placement and SAT/ACT)

UCL will consider applications from US high school students who have taken Advanced Placement (AP) exams (usually alongside a high school diploma). For an A*AA-equivalent course like Law, the typical requirement would be 5 AP exams with scores of 5 (with one score of 4 allowed). In practice, this could be interpreted as 4 AP scores of 5 and 1 of 4 (if five APs are taken). Alternatively, UCL can accept a combination of 4 AP exams (all score 5) plus a standardized test: either an SAT score of at least 1280 or an ACT score of 27​. For example, an applicant might present 5s in AP US History, AP English, AP Calculus, and AP Government, and an SAT of 1300. UCL also mentions that between three to five APs in total are expected, so a very strong student might apply with just 4 APs if they also have a qualifying SAT/ACT. If you have fewer APs, you’ll need higher test scores – but to be competitive for Law, it’s recommended to have multiple APs in relevant subjects (e.g. AP English Language or Literature, AP US History or World History, etc. to demonstrate essay skills). UCL does not use GPA on its own; if you’re coming from the US system, high school GPA should be strong, but admissions will focus on AP and SAT/ACT benchmarks​. In summary, a US applicant should aim for AP scores of 5 in several subjects and a solid SAT/ACT. It’s also possible to apply after one year of college/university in the US (with a GPA around 3.3 or higher), but most will apply direct from high school with the credentials above​

Other European and International Qualifications

UCL accepts a wide array of country-specific qualifications. If you have taken the European Baccalaureate (EB), a score of around 85% overall is typically needed for an AAA course. Below is a summary table for a few international benchmarks:

Table: Indicative entry standards for some international qualifications (equivalent to AAA standard). Always check UCL’s official country requirements for the most accurate information, as specific conditions may apply.*

If your country or qualification isn’t listed above, UCL likely has a published equivalency (e.g. for Canadian curriculums, Australian ATAR, etc.). Generally, you will need excellent final grades – typically within the top 5-10% of your graduating cohort. Note: All students, whether domestic or international, must also take the LNAT test and meet English language requirements, which we discuss next.

English Language Proficiency

Because the LLB is taught in English and involves complex comprehension and writing, UCL has a strict English language requirement for Law. For 2025 entry, Law is classified under Level 4 (Advanced) English requirement​. This corresponds to a high standard on recognized English tests. For example:

• IELTS Academic: 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each subtest (reading, writing, speaking, listening)​
• TOEFL iBT: 109 overall, with minimum 27 in Reading & Writing and 23 in Speaking & Listening​
• Cambridge English Advanced/Proficiency: 191 overall, minimum 180 in each component​
• Pearson PTE Academic: around 75 overall, with at least 70 in each communicative skill​

These scores are quite high, reflecting the expectation that law students can read dense texts and articulate complex arguments in English. If you are not from a majority English-speaking country (as defined by UK Visas and Immigration), you will need to provide a valid English test unless you have studied in English for at least 12 months in a recent period​. UCL accepts a variety of tests (IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson, Cambridge, etc.), and even newer options like IELTS Indicator or TOEFL Home Edition (with the same score requirements)​.

It’s worth noting that 7.5 IELTS is higher than many other courses (many UCL degrees ask for 6.5 or 7.0). Law, however, involves a lot of precise reading and writing, hence the bar is raised. If you fall slightly short (say 7.0 overall), UCL may require you to take an approved English course or retake the test as a condition. UCL does offer pre-sessional English programmes for admitted students who need to improve to meet Level 4, but ideally you should meet the requirement before starting the course.

Exemptions

If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, etc.), or if you completed at least 12 months of academic education in such a country recently, you may not need to submit a test score​. For example, a student who did A-levels in the UK or an IB in an English-medium international school might be exempt. However, UCL reserves the right to ask for proof of English in borderline cases. All offers to non-native speakers will state the English condition and the deadline to meet it (usually over the summer before enrolment).

In summary, unless you’ve studied in English already, plan to sit an English proficiency test and meet the Level 4 standard (IELTS 7.5 or equivalent). Strong communication is essential for law studies, and UCL wants to ensure you’ll be able to keep up with the fast-paced lectures, readings, and write excellent essays from day one​

LNAT – Law National Aptitude Test

All applicants to UCL’s LLB programme are required to take the LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test). The LNAT is an admissions test used by UCL and many other top law schools in the UK to assess candidates’ aptitude for legal study. You must take the LNAT in the admissions cycle for which you are applying, ideally by the UCAS application deadline (for UCL, this is in January) – otherwise your application will not be considered​.

 What is the LNAT?

It’s a 2-hour standardised test divided into two parts: a multiple-choice section (42 questions assessing reading comprehension and logical reasoning) and an essay section (one essay from a choice of three prompts)​. The multiple-choice questions test your ability to read complex passages and deduce answers (skills of interpretation, analysis, inference), and you get a score out of 42. The essay tests your ability to form a coherent argument in clear English. There is no “pass” mark per se, but universities use the LNAT score as an additional metric in admissions​. UCL will receive both your LNAT score and your essay. They use these to “supplement your university application and demonstrate your aptitude for studying law”​. In other words, LNAT helps differentiate among many academically qualified applicants.

When and how to take it

The LNAT is administered at Pearson VUE test centres worldwide, and you register via the official LNAT website. Testing begins in September each year. If you’re applying to Oxford, you must take it by mid-October; for UCL and others, you should aim to sit it by mid-January (UCL’s equal consideration deadline is 31 January, and LNAT testing for that cycle usually closes by then). Always check the LNAT official site for the exact final test date for your year. Plan early, as slots fill up. It’s recommended to prepare by practicing comprehension questions and writing timed essays. The LNAT consortium provides a question bank and sample tests​, and preparation books or courses like Dukes Plus’ LNAT guide can be helpful.

How UCL uses LNAT

 UCL does not declare a cutoff score – they consider your LNAT in context with your grades, personal statement, etc. For instance, a “high score” might boost an application, but a low score won’t automatically disqualify you if other elements are outstanding. In recent data, competitive LNAT scores for top law schools often fall in the high twenties out of 42 (the average for LNAT takers is usually ~22). While UCL doesn’t publicize an average, a score significantly above the average (say 27-30+) would make you a strong candidate. Remember: the essay is also read by UCL’s admissions tutors, and they will assess your writing ability and reasoning from it – so treat the essay seriously. According to UCL, all parts of the UCAS form plus LNAT are reviewed holistically

Application Process and Competitiveness

UCL, being a part of University of London and a top-ranked university, uses the standard UCAS application process for undergraduate admissions. Here’s an overview of how to apply to UCL Law and what to expect:

Applying through UCAS

All applications are made via the UCAS system by the deadline (for 2025 entry, 15 January 2025 for most applicants). The course code for UCL Law is M100​. In your UCAS form, you’ll include your personal details, academic qualifications (achieved and pending), a teacher reference, and the all-important personal statement. Make sure to list all qualifications you’ve taken or are taking (e.g. any AS levels, or EPQ) – UCL expects full transparency​. Once you’ve submitted UCAS and registered for LNAT, there’s no additional application form for UCL.

Personal Statement

Your UCAS personal statement is especially significant for UCL Law because, unlike some courses, there is no interview for the 3-year LLB. (The only exception is if you apply to a Law with Language program, you might be interviewed to assess language ability​.) This means your written application carries all the weight. In your statement, you should convey why you want to study law, and demonstrate skills and experiences that make you well-suited to it. UCL will be looking for a genuine interest in legal issues, evidence of analytical thinking, and good communication skills. They also value non-academic achievements if they illustrate qualities relevant to university success (leadership, resilience, etc.), though keep the focus on law as much as possible. Since there is no interview, the personal statement is your voice – be reflective and substantive. UCL’s review process is holistic: they consider your academic record, LNAT scores, reference, and personal statement together​. A compelling personal statement can sometimes tip the balance if your grades are borderline, and it certainly helps confirm your enthusiasm and suitability for the course​.

Reference

Your teacher or counsellor’s reference will also be read. Ensure your referees know you well and can speak to your analytical skills, writing ability, and character. If there were any extenuating circumstances affecting your academics, they should mention those. UCL may very exceptionally consider near-miss grades if there were serious documented issues, but as a rule, you should be meeting the stated requirements.

Competition and offer rates

Getting into UCL Law is highly competitive. UCL receives thousands of applications for Law every year and has relatively limited places (a couple hundred at most). In 2022, for example, there were about 4,626 applicants for Law, and only 421 offers were made​. That’s an offer rate of roughly 9%. In recent cycles, the offer rate has fluctuated between about 9–13%, but it remains low. An admissions report covering 2013–2023 shows LLB Law had an acceptance (offer) rate of around 9.1% on average​. This makes it one of the most competitive courses at UCL. In fact, by number of applicants, Law is often the single most applied-to course: one recent statistic noted UCL Law saw 4,189 applicants in one cycle, the highest of any UCL programme​. The intake (number who end up enrolling) is smaller – UCL Laws typically has in the low hundreds of first-year seats. For example, around 195 students were admitted in one year​. This means roughly 20+ applicants compete for each place in the LLB. Consequently, meeting the minimum grades and LNAT does not guarantee an offer​. The majority of applicants will have stellar predicted grades; UCL will look to your LNAT and personal statement, and other differentiators to decide whom to offer.

Timeline

UCL does not rush to send decisions – after the January deadline, most Law applications are reviewed in batches. You might hear back as early as February, but it could be as late as March or even April. Don’t panic if others have heard back and you haven’t; the process can take time given the volume. All offers/rejections will come through UCAS Track with a reason (if unsuccessful, usually a generic high-competition reason). Because UCL Law is so selective, they unfortunately cannot give individualized feedback on rejections​.

After an Offer

If you receive an offer (congratulations!), you will need to firm or insure it on UCAS and then achieve the conditions by the summer. Offer-holders usually are invited to offer-holder days or given information about the programme. If you narrowly miss your grades, UCL may still confirm your place if spots are available and your LNAT/overall application was strong, but this is not guaranteed. As noted, resits are not generally accepted, so plan to meet conditions in one sitting.

Deferred entry and gap years

UCL does allow deferrals in some cases, but because Law is competitive, deferral requests are carefully considered. They may ask why you want to defer. If you plan a gap year, it’s often better to apply during your gap year with achieved grades (which can strengthen your application). They have stated that due to competition, they exercise discretion with deferrals – compelling reasons like planned meaningful activities might be considered​.

Transfers and graduate entry

UCL generally does not allow transfers into Year 2 of Law from other universities. If you’ve started elsewhere and want to come to UCL, you usually have to apply to Year 1 again (and take LNAT again)​. There is a separate Graduate Law (Senior Status) LLB program (a 2-year LLB for those who already have a degree), but standard applicants will all be applying for the 3-year undergraduate LLB.

Finally, keep in mind UCL’s global reputation and location in London attract candidates worldwide. The cohort will be extremely accomplished. To join them, show not just that you have top grades, but that you are a future law student who will contribute intellectually and thrive in UCL’s environment. If you do that, you stand a good chance in this competitive process.

Postgraduate Law (LLM) Entry Requirements

For those interested in postgraduate law at UCL (Master of Laws, LLM), the admissions criteria are also very selective, though different from the undergraduate process. Entrants to the UCL LLM programme must have a strong upper second-class undergraduate degree in Law (LLB or equivalent) – in UCL’s words, “a good 2:1 with evidence of first-class ability”​. Practically, this means you should have around 65% or above overall in your law degree, and at least one or two marks in the first-class range (70+%) during your studies​. UCL often interprets “good 2:1” as an average of 65% with some first-class scores, which signals you have the capability to perform at distinction level in some modules. Applicants with borderline grades (e.g. 62-64%) may be considered if they have other strengths – such as outstanding relevant work experience or a stellar research proposal – but below 62% it’s unlikely. You need a prior law qualification to apply (an LLB or equivalent; or a GDL for non-law graduates)​.

In rare cases, UCL might consider a non-law graduate with extensive professional legal experience (5+ years)​, but this is an uncommon exception. The LLM application is made directly to UCL (via the graduate application portal) and requires a personal statement and likely an academic writing sample. You’ll want to demonstrate clear motivation for the specific LLM specialisms you’re interested in, as well as strong analytical and communication skills – similar to the undergraduate statement but at a more advanced, focused level​. The English requirement for the LLM is the same as for undergrad (IELTS 7.5 with 7.0+ in each component, or equivalent)​. In summary, to get into UCL’s LLM, aim for a high 2:1 or first-class law degree, prepare a compelling application highlighting your legal reasoning skills and academic achievements, and ensure your English proficiency meets the required standard. Competition for the LLM is intense as well – UCL is a top global law school – but meeting these requirements will give you a strong chance at a place in the programme.

How can Duke Plus help your University College London Application Succeed? 

At Dukes, we provide support for applications to various universities across the world, including UCL. Our programmes offer personalised guidance and strategic advice to strengthen your UCL application. 

Our application guidance and personal statement support can help you to identify and showcase your unique strengths, align your application with UCL’s values, and effectively communicate your accomplishments and potential contributions to the admissions committee. 

Conclusion: Is It Hard to Get Into UCL?

UCL is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with a rigorous application process and high standards. While it is not quite as competitive for most degrees at Oxford, Cambridge, or Ivy League institutions, it is still very hard to get into UCL. Applicants need an excellent academic background, a compelling personal statement, and a strong performance in admissions tests to receive an offer.