Overview
Law is the language for how rules govern society, business and human interaction. It needs graduates who have intellectual resilience, practical skills and a desire to advocate for justice. The Scottish law sector has seen unprecedented growth since 2021 (Source: Law Society of Scotland, 2024).
Our LLB course will give you the critical thinking, confidence and communication skills to thrive in law. You will develop advanced skills in legal reasoning, statutory interpretation and case analysis.
The course is shaped by current professional practice and strong links with the profession. This ensures that our graduates meet the latest industry and employer expectations.
The perfect law degree for a career in Scotland
The LLB degree is your first major step towards practising law in Scotland. Upon completion, you can apply for the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. This a requirement for becoming a solicitor in Scotland.
We’re accredited by the Law Society of Scotland and recognised by the Faculty of Advocates. Students can gain exemptions from the exams required by the Faculty of Advocates.
Practical experience beyond the classroom
Sharpen your advocacy skills in simulated court proceedings (mooting competitions). You can also access work placements that provide valuable hands-on experience. Previous students have gained experience at leading law firms such as Thorntons, Brodies and Pollock Ross. They have also worked in Citizens Advice Bureaux across Scotland.
Our student Law Society organises social events, networking opportunities, and skills workshops.
Guest lectures and events
Guest speakers and expert lecturers share insights on current legal issues. You'll benefit from their experiences and enjoy the chance to network. 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. The Law Society organises events at Stirling to share career journeys and advice. We also hosted the Scottish International Law Conference.
Top reasons to study with us
Professional accreditation
The Stirling LLB is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland and recognised by the Faculty of Advocates, which are the professional bodies for Scots lawyers. This means that LLB graduates do not need to take any Law Society of Scotland exams to become a solicitor in Scotland and that we can prepare graduates to become an advocate in Scotland.
Prizes or awards
The Law School offers several academic prizes at undergraduate and graduate level.
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
Highers
AAAB
A-levels
ABB
IB Diploma
32
BTEC (Level 3)
DDD
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.
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC / HND
Year one minimum entry - A in all graded units
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 60% 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 access course
Access to Higher Education Diploma - 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3. Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Advanced entry is not available for this course.
Additional information
In addition to academic qualifications, personal statements and references will also be considered. The Faculty of Arts and Humanities is committed to widening access to Higher Education, and to the legal profession.
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
For the first two years of this Law degree, you’ll focus on Scots law, including criminal law, contract law, and property law.
As you progress, you’ll be able to choose from a range of specialist subjects such as commercial law, family law, international law and sports law. You can tailor your degree to your interests and career goals.
Modules
Course details
Teaching
Modules are delivered by face to face lectures and seminars, supplemented by podcasts. Throughout your degree you will be expected to spend a significant proportion of your week reading the material required for seminars and tutorials. 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 is by examination and coursework.
Work placement opportunities
A popular feature of our LLB course is the opportunity to study a work placement module in Year 3 or 4. You’ll be placed with a prestigious law practice or law-related organisation, giving you a chance to link learning to practice and thought to action.
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.
Contact
Dr Craig Anderson, Course Director
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
Our LLB graduates have built successful careers across the legal profession. Many have secured positions at leading law firms, including:
- Pinsent Masons LLP
- Brodies LLP
- DWF
- CMS Cameron McKenna
The degree also offers a path to careers in government, policy and business.
This qualification is for practising in Scotland only. Students who want to practise law in England and Wales will have to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Exam.
For up-to-date advice on the route to qualification in Scotland, visit the Law Society of Scotland’s website.
