Overview
Law underpins every area of society. Our BA Law degree does full justice to exploring this diverse and fascinating subject. From Scottish law to international human rights, from family law to environmental law, we cover the full range.
If you want to qualify as a solicitor in Scotland, you will need to study our LLB (Hons) Law. But this course is ideal for a broader academic experience. We look at law in a wider social and economic context.
What you’ll study
From day one, you’ll develop key legal skills. You’ll learn how to interpret legislation, use case law, and analyse legal problems. You'll gain the confidence to to analyse complex issues and communicate clear, well‑reasoned arguments.
You’ll study:
- Public Law and Human Rights
- Criminal Law
- Family Law
- Business Law
In your final years, the course aligns closely with our LLB with a range of optional law modules available. Select from topics such as environmental law, labour law, sports law and others. You can also access international options on commercial law as well as human rights. Our approach equips our graduates to enter diverse careers in public, private and third sectors.
Essential basics to specialist interest
You can study a range of subjects that reflect the importance of law in every area of society. You’ll cover essential basic law and can choose to specialise in areas that interest you most. You can broaden your career possibilities by combining Law with courses such Politics or Business Studies.
Practical experience in law
Our BA in Law will give you the essential legal practical skills and knowledge for your career. In Year 3 or 4, you can choose an optional work placement with a law firm or law-related organisation. It’s a chance to put your knowledge into practice, gain real-world experience and boost your employability.
Some of the companies we work with for placements include:
- Royal Bank of Scotland Plc
- Standard Life
- Scottish Power
- Equality Council
- Glasgow City Council
- CAB Stirling
You’ll also undertake a law dissertation which will give you skills in research and project management.
Guest lectures and events: bringing law to life
Guest speakers and expert lecturers share insights on current legal issues. Past guests include:
- Chris Bevan, Professor of Property Law, talking on homelessness;
- a UN expert on human rights and migration.
You can connect with employers and explore opportunities at our annual careers events. We also hosted the Scottish International Law Conference.
The Law Society organises events with Stirling law graduates sharing career journeys and advice for current students.
Top reasons to study with us
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
Highers
ABBB
A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP Access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Year 2 entry
Entry into Year 2 may be possible depending on your HNC/HND course. To find out more go to our articulation pages.
Other qualifications
Advanced entry may be possible depending on your qualifications. For more information, contact our Admissions Team at admissions@stir.ac.uk.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the routes available.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- TOEFL exams taken before 21 January 2026: 80 overall with 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking.
- TOEFL exams taken from 21 January 2026: 4 overall with no less than 4 in any band.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
BA (Hons) Law
This degree provides a broad university education in law in a wide range of areas, such as crime, the family, business, and government.
You may pursue a Bachelor's degree, General degree or Honours degree in Law.
Semesters 1–4
You are introduced to the fundamentals of law in Scotland.
Semesters 5–8
You will select advanced modules from a range of specialist legal topics. These are shared with the LLB.
Modules
Course details
Teaching
Teaching is delivered via in-person lectures and seminars. You’ll also undertake independent research supervised by a member of staff, presenting a dissertation on a legal topic of your own choice in your final year.
Assessment
Assessment for this Bachelor in Law is by examination and coursework.
Classroom hours
In first and second year, the Law courses are typically taught with two hours of lectures per week and one hour of tutorial per fortnight. In third and fourth year, the typical teaching pattern in Law Honours courses is one two hour seminar per week.
Work placement opportunities
Our BA Law degree programmes give you the opportunity to participate in an elective work placement module in Year 3 or 4 depending on how well you have done in your studies as places are limited.
You’ll gain frontline experience within a busy law practice or law-related organisation – putting your studies into practice, and picking up valuable insights into the working world. It’s an opportunity that can boost your employability after graduation, with prospective recruiters looking for evidence you have the real-world skills they need.
Study abroad
As a University of Stirling student, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your horizons and study abroad through our well-established connections with several international universities..
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Funding
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will receive our Stirling Success Scholarship which is worth £5,000.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
This Bachelor of Law prioritises breadth and choice, preparing you for careers across all sectors. Our graduates have gone on to work with leading organisations such as:
- Aviva
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- FIFA
- NHS
- Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
BA Law is aimed primarily at those not wishing to become practising lawyers or solicitors. If you want to qualify as a solicitor in Scotland, you can build on your BA Law by taking a two-year accelerated LLB. In England, you would need to sit additional exams in English law.
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