Explore the Scottish legal system and the building blocks of Scots law - work placements and overseas study options. TOP in Scotland and No. 3 UK Modern for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025).
Study law at Abertay and learn how to shine in the prestigious and rewarding legal profession. Build a deep understanding of how the law and legal processes actually operate. TOP in Scotland and No. 3 UK Modern for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025).
You'll explore the Scottish legal system and the building blocks of Scots law, complemented by subjects from other disciplines. You'll learn to present legal arguments during debates in mock court appearances and be actively encouraged to enhance your CV with extracurricular activities like pro-bono work.
Work placements and study abroad options
You'll use the university's moot room (see 'What is mooting?' below) for debates and other exercises where you'll present legal arguments. Work placements and overseas study options all help to broaden your knowledge of the law and how legal systems operate. This degree:
Enables you to become a Scottish solicitor, assuming you successfully complete a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice and a traineeship.
Is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates.
Offers CV-enhancing extracurricular activities such as work placements, Moot clubs and pro-bono work.
You'll graduate with excellent employment prospects. Many of our graduates become solicitors* or advocates*, barristers*, paralegals or legal academics*.
This course ranks TOP in Scotland and No. 3 in the UK for Student Satisfaction. It's also the TOP UK Modern for Graduate Prospects, according to the 2025 Complete University Guide.
I consider my Abertay experience (to be) the most important of my life.
You can go out and follow solicitors at law firms on a work placement. This is where you discover what it really means be part of the legal work environment, and get your degree at the same time.
Your first module is 'Legal Systems and Methods'. This gives you an overview of what Scots Law is all about - we want you to have a clear understanding of what you'll be studying from the very start.
Potential legal careers
You’ll graduate with excellent employment prospects. Many graduates become solicitors and barristers, paralegals or legal academics. Others move into areas such as:
The court service.
The police.
The civil service.
Law centres or advice bureaus.
Banks and financial services.
Journalism.
And some use their legal knowledge to set up their own businesses. The transferable skills gained during your degree will make you highly sought-after by employers.
What is mooting?
A moot court competition is a mock court hearing (usually an appeal against a final decision). It's an essential part of your learning experience.
You'll regularly take part in internal mooting competitions and friendly moots with other institutions from your first year.
We hosted the inaugural Dundee Moot Cup in 2024 (which will run annually). The final was held at Dundee Sheriff Court.
In 2024 an Abertay team made it to the quarter finals of the Lord Jones National Moot Competition and the semi-finals in 2023.
Building key skills
Advocacy skills are central to being a good lawyer.
This involves critical thinking, problem-solving and the ability to explain complex concepts in a simple way. Being part of a Moot Club helps to build your confidence, enhance your public speaking skills and learn about court etiquette.
Doing pro bono work is a great addition to your CV. We encourage you to get involved with organisations like The Tayside & Perthshire Law Project (Tayper). Tayper gives the local community greater access to legal help and enhances your CV at the same time.
Scotland's first Adobe Creative Campus
All Abertay students have access to Adobe Express, empowering you to enhance digital skills with industry-leading tools.
In late 2024, Abertay proudly became the first institution in Scotland to achieve the designation of Adobe Creative Campus.
The Adobe Creative Campus programme is an initiative involving a select group of colleges and universities dedicated to empowering staff and students across all disciplines with essential digital skills for success in both the workplace and the classroom.
A blend of exams, class tests, coursework, presentations, mooting and a range of practical oral and written assessments combine together to develop your ability to present sophisticated arguments and complex information.
We recognise that our students have different learning styles and different skills when they start their studies. Our aim is to ensure that we nurture and reinforce understanding of the subjects studied, together with the research and employability skills required in a constantly changing world.
Please note: All applicants must have passes in English and Maths - National 5 English grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent. National 5 ESOL is accepted in lieu of National 5 English. National 4 Maths or National 5 Maths/Lifeskill Maths grade C. You may be eligible to take ABE111: Numbers for Everyday Life in lieu of a National 5 Maths qualification at grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or an acceptable equivalent.
Higher Application of Maths at grade C accepted.
Below are the literate subjects we accept for entry on this course:
One of the following: Business Management; Classical Studies; Economics; English; ESOL; Geography; History; Media Studies; Modern Studies; Philosophy; Politics; Psychology; Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies; Sociology
If there is a subject that does not appear, please contact our Admissions Office (admissions@abertay.ac.uk) who will be able to confirm whether or not it would be considered for entry.
If you have the potential and motivation to study at university, regardless of your background or personal circumstances, we welcome your application.
We understand some people have faced extra challenges before applying to university, which is why we consider the background in which your academic grades have been achieved when making an offer.
If you expect to receive passes in three Scottish Highers (grades A–C) and have...
been in care, or are a young carer yourself
attended a school or lived in an area where not many people go to university
are eligible for free school meals
are a young person estranged from your family
are a government-recognised refugee or have asylum seeker status
are a registered pupil with sustained engagement in a targeted aspiration-raising programme such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West or Aspire North
... we encourage you to submit an application.
Qualification Type
Grade Requirements
Essential Subjects
Higher (standard entry)
BBBB
Literate subject at Grade B
Higher (minimum entry) We may make you an offer at the minimum entry grades if you meet the criteria. Find out if you're eligible for minimum entry (see below).
ABB or BBBB
Literate subject at Grade B
A-Level
CCC
Literate subject at Grade C
T Level
C or higher
in Core Component in one of the following:- Legal Services or Management & Administration
Irish Highers
H3H3H3H3
Literate subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma Based Programme (IBDP)
28 Points
Literate subject at S5 or H4
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP)
We encourage applications with the IBCP but understand that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
We accept the International Baccalaureate Careers-related Programme (IBCP). Any subject requirements must be met as per our published IB Diploma requirements.
The tuition fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you're studying. If you’re studying a full-time undergraduate degree, your fee status will be classed as one of the following:
Scotland
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland
International
Fee Status
Your fee status is typically based on the country where you've lived on a regular, non-temporary basis for the three years prior to the start of your course.
We’ll confirm your tuition fees once you’ve applied.
International
International includes applicants from EU countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled Status in the UK. (Students from the Republic of Ireland are not included.)
We offer a range of scholarships to help support your studies with us.
As well as Abertay scholarships for English, Welsh, Northern Irish and international students, there are a range of corporate and philanthropic scholarships available. Some are course specific, many are not. There are some listed below or you can visit the Undergraduate scholarship pages.
The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats) is an official source of information about higher education. It collates comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study.
We're keen to offer help to Ukrainian students who may wish to transfer from their existing institution in Ukraine or to register with us as new students for intake in September. There will be no tuition fees charged for the duration of the degree programme, as those with refugee status are treated as ‘Home/Scottish’ students and will also have access to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland bursary and student loans. Our Recruitment Team can help guide applicants.