Studying law abroad

What is law?

Law is the system of rules that govern society, shape justice, rights, and responsibilities. Studying law at university will involve analysing legal principles, case law, and legislation across various areas like criminal, contract and constitutional law.

During your legal studies, you should expect to use your critical thinking, debate, and problem solving skills through case studies and legal writing assignments.

In your law degree, you will develop your analytical and research abilities, which will prepare you for a career in legal practice, policymaking, or business.

A law degree can be challenging but rewarding, particularly if you have an interest in justice and governance.

Why study law abroad?

Studying law abroad will expose you to different legal systems, broadening your perspective on global justice and how it is delivered. Your career opportunities will be enhanced, cross-cultural skills developed, and networking opportunities increased.

Having access to top universities and international law expertise will prepare you for a career in global legal practice and policymaking.

How long is a law degree?

The amount of time you will need to complete a law degree depends on where you choose to study. In the USA, a law degree usually takes seven years: four years for a bachelor’s degree followed by three years for a Juris Doctor (JD).

In Australia, a law degree typically takes five years for a combined undergraduate degree, or three years for a postgraduate JD.

In Italy, you will study for five years to complete the Laurea Magistrale in Giurisprudenza.

In France, a law degree takes three years for a Bachelor (Licence) and two years for a master’s.

In India, you typically study for five years for an integrated LLB program or three years for a postgraduate LLB (a conversion style course).

What you will study

A law program at university typically covers:

• Legal Systems & Methods – Foundations of law, case analysis, and legal reasoning.
• Contract Law – Rules governing agreements and obligations.
• Criminal Law – Legal principles related to crimes and justice.
• Constitutional & Administrative Law – Government structure, rights, and public law.
• Tort Law – Civil wrongs, negligence, and liability.
• Property Law – Ownership, land law, and intellectual property.
• International & Human Rights Law – Global legal frameworks and protections.
• Legal Research & Advocacy – Skills in argumentation, writing, and case analysis.

Accreditation

On graduating your law degree, you are normally awarded a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a BSc/BA in Law, depending on your university. This is the primary qualification required for a legal career.

A masters degree, such as a Master of Laws (LLM), provides you with advanced specialisation but does not usually qualify you for legal practice. Some universities offer JD (Juris Doctor) programs instead of LLBs, particularly in the USA. Both types of degree are a good foundation for your future career prospects.

In most countries, you will need to gain professional accreditation once you have graduated.

Here is a summary of the professional accreditation requirements for practicing law in the USA, Australia, Italy, France, India, and China, as just a few examples of global requirements.

USA:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Pass the state bar exam and MPRE.
• Meet Character and Fitness requirements.

Australia:

• Law degree (LLB or JD).
• Complete Practical Legal Training (PLT).
• Apply for admission and obtain a practicing certificate.

Italy:

• Law degree (Laurea Magistrale).
• Complete an apprenticeship.
• Pass the Bar exam and register with the Bar Association.

France:

• Law degree (Licence de Droit and LLM).
• Pass EDA entrance exam and complete 18-month training.
• Pass the CAPA exam and register with the CNB.

India:

• Law degree (LLB).
• Register with the State Bar Council and pass the All India Bar Exam (AIBE).

China:

• Law degree.
• Pass the National Legal Professional Qualification Exam.
• Complete an internship and register with the Ministry of Justice.

Careers

Once you have graduated from your law degree you will have diverse career opportunities across various sectors.

You can become a legal practitioner and work as a lawyer or solicitor who represents clients in courts or provides legal advice.

You could also choose to pursue a career as a corporate lawyer, advising businesses on legal matters, mergers, and contracts.

Judges and magistrates oversee court proceedings, while legal consultants provide specialised advice to organisations.

Other options for you include working as policy advisors in government roles, in-house counsel for businesses, or in nonprofit organisations, advocating for social justice and legal reforms.

You could also choose to work in academia, teaching law or conducting research.