Common Law

Common law is the legal tradition that developed in England and spread through the British Empire, becoming the foundation of legal systems across the English-speaking world and beyond. Studying common law at degree level develops deep understanding of how legal principles are formed through precedent, how courts reason, and how the doctrines of contract, tort, property, equity and public law have evolved across centuries of judicial decision-making. It is a tradition that differs fundamentally from civil law systems, and understanding those differences is increasingly valuable in a world where legal practice regularly crosses jurisdictions.

At the University of Glasgow, this four-year full-time LLB programme includes a year abroad and approaches common law in a comparative and international context. Unlike a Scots law degree, this programme is not accredited by the Law Society of Scotland and is designed for students who intend to practise outside Scotland or who want to understand common law in its broader international dimensions. The year abroad gives you direct exposure to how common law operates in a different jurisdiction, deepening your understanding of the tradition as a living, evolving system.

You will develop skills in legal research, analysis, argument and writing alongside substantive knowledge of the major areas of common law.

Graduates of common law programmes are well prepared for legal practice in England and Wales, and in common law jurisdictions internationally including the United States, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong, following the relevant professional training requirements in each jurisdiction. The degree also opens paths in international legal roles, arbitration and dispute resolution, compliance, corporate legal departments with cross-border operations, academic law and roles in government and international organisations where legal understanding is valuable. Further study at master's level in law, international law or a specialist legal field is an option for those who want to deepen their expertise.