LAW DEGREE

The Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) is a law degree generally offered after three or more years of college, and then three years of law school. This degree originated in England and is traditionally offered in most common law countries as the primary law degree.

In the United States, the degree has been replaced by the JD (Juris Doctor), and many common law countries have or are in the process of phasing out their LL.B. in favor of the JD

The “LL”. The abbreviation for the degree is from the plural genitive legum (de lex, legis f., law), therefore “LL.B.” means Legum Baccalaureus in Latin.

There are many different types of law degrees available, which vary depending on where you study.

In most countries, law degrees take the form of an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) which allows you to pass the national bar or law qualification examinations to become a practising lawyer.

In some countries, there is a Bachelor of Law (BL) or similar degree in place. Often, these alternative names are used interchangeably. However, some universities differentiate between LLB and BA programs, with the former focusing exclusively on law and the latter allowing students to take course modules in other subjects, with a focus on the humanities.

Some universities offer both courses, and you will see in the details of their courses that they share many similar modules. The main difference is that generally the law degree will not qualify you as a lawyer.

Occasionally it is possible to do a ‘qualified’ BA, which would allow you to avoid the GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law). You would have to do all seven of the main LLB modules to follow this route, and most universities do not offer this option.

In a sense, doing a BA is the same as choosing to do a law degree before moving on to GDL, allowing you to expand your interests before settling into a career.

However, you are accumulating your legal knowledge while learning about other things. By taking modules on topics such as business, economics or politics, you will develop your business awareness, which could put you at an advantage when applying for a training contract or vacation plan.

Studies in Different Academic Levels