Your Ultimate Guide to Studying Law
A law degree is one of the most prestigious and competitive qualifications worldwide, offering students the opportunity to pursue careers in legal practice, business, policymaking, and beyond. However, where you study law matters—your choice of country, university, and degree pathway can significantly impact your career prospects and ability to practice law internationally.
At MCC Global Education, we specialize in law school applications, helping students navigate the complex admission process for top law universities in Singapore, the UK, the US, and Australia. If you’re an ambitious student—or a parent looking to secure your child’s future in the legal profession—this guide will help you make an informed decision about where to study law.
Why Study Law?
A law degree is much more than just a stepping stone to becoming a lawyer—it teaches critical thinking, negotiation, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are highly valued in government, corporate sectors, and international organizations.
Here’s why pursuing a law degree is an excellent choice:
📌 Global Career Opportunities – Law graduates can work in legal practice, corporate law, public policy, international relations, or academia.
📌 Prestigious and High-Earning Career – The legal profession is known for its financial rewards, stability, and social prestige.
📌 Strong Intellectual Development – Law degrees train students to analyze complex issues, think strategically, and communicate persuasively.
📌 Pathways to Other Professions – Law graduates often transition into business, finance, consulting, or government due to their expertise in contracts, regulations, and negotiation.
Where Should You Study Law?
Each country has different legal education pathways, and choosing the right jurisdiction depends on:
✔ Your long-term career goals (Where do you want to practice law?)
✔ Entry requirements and competitiveness (Are you qualified for admission?)
✔ Duration and cost of studies (How long and expensive is the degree?)
Let’s break down the top destinations for law studies and what you need to know.
1️⃣ Studying Law in the UK 🇬🇧
Best For: Students who want to study in a common law country with globally recognized degrees and return to practice in Singapore.
📌 Degree Type: LLB (Bachelor of Laws) – 3 years
📌 Entry Requirements: A-Level AAA, IB 38+ points, and LNAT for top schools
📌 Legal Pathway:
✔ Complete LLB (3 years)
✔ Pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) to become a solicitor OR the Bar Course to become a barrister
✔ Complete 2 years of training before qualification
📌 Top UK Law Schools Recognized in Singapore:
University of Oxford (Jurisprudence)
University of Cambridge (BA Law)
London School of Economics (LSE)
King’s College London (KCL)
University College London (UCL)
📌 Pros:
✅ Shorter study duration (3 years)
✅ Globally recognized law degrees
✅ Direct admission after A-Levels or IB
✅ Strong networking and career opportunities
📌 Cons:
❌ Highly competitive admissions
❌ Expensive tuition for international students
❌ Requires LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test) for top schools
💡 Best for students aiming to practice in Singapore, Hong Kong, or the UK.
2️⃣ Studying Law in the US 🇺🇸
Best For: Students who want a broader education before specializing in law and practice in the US legal system.
📌 Degree Type: Juris Doctor (JD) – 3 years (postgraduate degree)
📌 Entry Requirements: Any undergraduate degree + LSAT exam
📌 Legal Pathway:
✔ Complete any undergraduate degree (4 years)
✔ Take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
✔ Apply to law school for JD (3 years)
✔ Pass the State Bar Exam to practice law
📌 Top US Law Schools:
Harvard Law School
Yale Law School
Stanford Law School
Columbia Law School
University of Chicago Law School
📌 Pros:
✅ Flexible undergraduate pathway – No need to decide on law immediately
✅ US law schools rank among the world’s best
✅ Strong career prospects in corporate law and international firms
📌 Cons:
❌ Takes longer – minimum 7 years (4 years undergrad + 3 years JD)
❌ High tuition fees – up to USD $60,000/year
❌ Limited recognition outside the US unless you pass another country’s bar exam
💡 Best for students interested in working in the US or multinational firms.
3️⃣ Studying Law in Australia 🇦🇺
Best For: Students who want a flexible legal education and practice in Singapore or Australia.
📌 Degree Type: LLB (Bachelor of Laws) – 3-4 years
📌 Entry Requirements: ATAR 97+, IB 38+ points, or LAT (Law Admissions Test)
📌 Legal Pathway:
✔ Complete LLB (3-4 years)
✔ Pass the Practical Legal Training (PLT)
✔ Get admitted as a lawyer in Australia or Singapore
📌 Top Australian Law Schools:
University of Sydney
University of Melbourne
Australian National University (ANU)
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
📌 Pros:
✅ Recognized in Singapore with additional requirements
✅ Direct law degree from high school
✅ Opportunity to work in Australia or return to Singapore
📌 Cons:
❌ Requires high ATAR scores for admission
❌ Not all Australian law degrees are recognized in Singapore
❌ Additional training needed before practicing in Singapore
💡 Best for students considering both Singapore and Australia for legal practice.
4️⃣ Studying Law in Singapore (NUS or SMU) 🇸🇬
Best For: Students who want a direct path to practice law in Singapore.
📌 Degree Type: LLB (Bachelor of Laws) – 4 years
📌 Entry Requirements: A-Level AAA/AAB, IB 38+ points
📌 Legal Pathway:
✔ Complete LLB (4 years) at NUS or SMU
✔ Pass the Singapore Bar Exams (Part A & Part B)
✔ Complete 6 months of Practice Training
📌 Top Singapore Law Schools:
National University of Singapore (NUS) Law
Singapore Management University (SMU) Law
📌 Pros:
✅ Most direct path to practice in Singapore
✅ Lower tuition fees than overseas options
✅ Strong career placement in Singapore’s legal industry
📌 Cons:
❌ Highly competitive admissions (only ~250 spots/year)
❌ Limited international exposure compared to UK/US law schools
💡 Best for students committed to practicing law in Singapore.
Which Law Pathway Is Right for You?
🔹 Choose the UK if you want a prestigious degree in 3 years with opportunities to work in Singapore, UK, and Asia.
🔹 Choose the US if you prefer a broader education before specializing and want to practice in the United States.
🔹 Choose Australia if you want a flexible degree that can lead to legal careers in both Singapore and Australia.
🔹 Choose Singapore (NUS/SMU) if you want a direct and efficient path to practicing law in Singapore.
How MCC Global Education Helps You Succeed
At MCC Global Education, we provide:
✔ Personalized law school application coaching
✔ Expert guidance for LNAT, LSAT, and law interviews
✔ Winning personal statement strategies
✔ Tailored application support for top law schools worldwide
📩 Maximize your chances of getting into a top law school! Contact MCC Global Education today.
📧 Email: admin@mccglobaleducation.com
📱 WhatsApp: +65 81812406
🌐 Visit: www.mccglobaleducation.com
