Funding the LLB

Jan 25, 2023

Written By Annika De Lathauwer

The LLB is a highly popular starting point to becoming a lawyer. However, having to fund the course and the cost of living can make the course out of reach for many. Luckily, there are a number of options that can be pursued to help with finances.

What is the LLB?

The LLB is a three- or four-year undergraduate degree. It is a qualifying law degree, unlike a law BA, which must be followed up with a conversion course. The LLB is followed by the LPC (now SQE) for solicitors and the BPTC for barristers.

LLB compulsory modules include:

- Constitutional law

- Criminal law

- Contract law

- Property/Land law

- Equity & trusts

- EU law

- Tort law.

This degree is ordinarily three years long but may be four if you choose to do a year abroad or study a different jurisdiction.

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Costs of the LLB

Home students pay £9,250 per year for a law course. International students (including those from the EU) can expect to pay around £27,540 annually, but this differs depending on the university. Part-time course fees will vary, but will typically be the same cost over more time. Other expenses can include: rent, food, transportation, stationery and textbooks.

Government Student Loans

The first, and probably the most widely used, method is to take out a government student loan. If you are a home student studying an undergraduate full-time or part-time degree, you will likely be eligible for a government funded student loan. The UK government provides a tuition fee loan, as well as a maintenance loan for eligible students.

You can check the UK government website to figure out whether you are eligible for loans and if so, how much. Student loans vary depending on your parent’s income and where you’re living and studying, so be sure to check how much you would be receiving. You may need to find other ways to fund your time while taking the LLB. The student loan will need to be paid back after you have completed your degree, but you’ll only need to pay in small instalments, and once you’re earning above a certain amount.

Private Student Loans

A private student loan is the same thing as a commercial personal loan and may be taken out if you are unable to access a government student loan, or if the latter is not sufficient to cover your costs.

However, it is more complicated to apply for and the disadvantage is that, unlike a government student loan, a private student loan will have to be paid off while you are still at university. Therefore, it is advised to only be taken as an option if you know you can repay it.

Grants, Scholarships and Bursaries

Grants, scholarships, and bursaries are available from a wide range of institutions, such as councils, charities, and universities. Unlike loans, these do not need to be paid back. An example of a bursary is the Bird & Bird Bursary, which provides £2,500 a year to certain first-generation students planning on studying law in the UK.

An example of a scholarship is the Freshfields Scholarship, which is given out to first year law students and aims to target the under-representation of black men in city law firms. Many individual universities offer grants, scholarships, and bursaries to students from underprivileged backgrounds and those doing exceptionally well in their studies. A simple google search will reveal a range of sites highlighting the many funding opportunities.

Self-Funding

Another option is to work a part-time job alongside your studies. However, do bear in mind that it can be difficult to balance work as well. A part-time course allows you to work and study simultaneously, although this option takes longer.

Student Bank Account

It would also be a good idea at this point to look into getting a student bank account to help with living costs. This will unlock additional features such as retail offers, and many banks offer rewards for signing up.

University Funding