Law

Law is the framework of rules, principles and institutions through which societies regulate conduct, resolve disputes and organise the exercise of public power. A qualifying law degree provides the intellectual foundation for legal practice and also develops a way of thinking, precise, analytical, attentive to argument and evidence, that is widely valued beyond the legal profession. Durham's law school is among the most prestigious in the UK, combining rigorous academic teaching with strong professional connections and consistent excellence in graduate outcomes.

At Durham, this three-year programme covers the core subjects of the qualifying law degree, including contract law, tort, criminal law, public law, land law, equity and trusts, and EU and international dimensions of law, alongside a range of optional subjects that allow you to develop specialist interests. The programme includes a foundation year option for students requiring additional preparation, alongside a sandwich year, year abroad and work placement opportunities, which together provide significant professional and international experience within the degree structure. Durham's tutorial and small-group teaching approach develops the capacity for rigorous legal reasoning that the profession and postgraduate study require.

The typical entry tariff is 184 UCAS points.

Durham law graduates pursue careers as solicitors, barristers, legal academics, civil servants, in financial services and compliance, in policy organisations, international institutions, journalism and many other fields where legal training is valuable. Those who wish to enter private legal practice proceed to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination or the Bar Training Course. The prestige of a Durham law degree and the depth of analytical training it provides are consistently recognised by leading law firms and chambers.

Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study in law, legal research or specialist legal disciplines.