Key Summary
FAQs
Which UK universities rank lowest for law?
The latest Complete University Guide 2027 law table places the University of the West of Scotland 113th, Buckinghamshire New University 112th, Wrexham University 111th, the University of Bedfordshire 110th and Middlesex University 109th. This differs from the older 2026 ordering on the page, so treat law rankings as dated snapshots rather than permanent labels.
What are the bottom 10 universities for law in the 2027 rankings?
In the Complete University Guide 2027 law table, positions 104 to 113 are Cardiff Metropolitan University, University of West London, University of Northampton, University of Roehampton, Birmingham Newman University, Middlesex University, University of Bedfordshire, Wrexham University, Buckinghamshire New University and University of the West of Scotland.
Why has the worst universities for law list changed since 2026?
University rankings change when newer data is added and institutions move on measures such as student satisfaction, entry standards, research and graduate prospects. The Complete University Guide 2027 table was published in June 2026, after the ranking originally used by this article. A university moving several places does not necessarily mean its course changed dramatically overnight.
How are UK universities ranked for law?
The Complete University Guide combines several measures rather than judging law schools on reputation alone. Its subject table includes entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality and graduate prospects, with further measures available in the full table. A different league table can produce a different order because its data and weighting may not be the same.
Does a low law ranking mean the degree is bad?
No. A low overall position means the university scored less strongly across that ranking's chosen measures, not that every student receives a poor education. Course modules, optional subjects, teaching style, legal clinics, placement opportunities and local employer links can still suit you. Compare the underlying scores instead of judging a course from one number.
Can I become a solicitor after studying at a lower-ranked law university?
Yes. Under the current route in England and Wales, the Solicitors Regulation Authority requires candidates to meet the SQE qualification requirements, including a degree or equivalent qualification or experience, passing SQE1 and SQE2, completing qualifying work experience and meeting suitability requirements. Your university's league-table position is not itself a qualification requirement.
Can I become a barrister after attending a lower-ranked university?
Yes, provided you complete the required training route. The Bar Standards Board sets academic, vocational and work-based learning requirements. A lower league-table position does not automatically block entry, although academic results, competitive applications, relevant experience and securing pupillage can all matter significantly.
Can a low-ranked law university still have strong graduate prospects?
Yes. The Complete University Guide highlights the University of Greater Manchester as a useful example: it ranks 93rd overall for law in the 2027 table but performs much more strongly on graduate prospects. This is why students should open the full league table and compare individual measures instead of assuming overall rank tells the complete story.
How should I choose the best law university for me?
Compare the exact modules, assessment style, optional subjects, legal clinics, placement opportunities, graduate prospects, entry requirements, cost and location. Think about whether you currently want to qualify as a solicitor, barrister or pursue a non-legal career, while keeping room to change direction. Visit open days and ask where recent graduates actually go.
Curious about the worst universities for law in the UK in 2026? Based on recent rankings that factor in student satisfaction, graduate prospects, and course quality, institutions like the University of West of Scotland and Wrexham University consistently rank near the bottom for law degrees – although they aren’t the worst! Typically, these universities may offer smaller cohorts and practical opportunities, they tend to underperform in areas such as academic reputation and employment outcomes
The worst universities for law in 2026
- University of Northampton
- University of East London
- Teesside University
- Buckinghamshire New University
- University of Wales Trinity St David
- Birmingham Newman University
- University of Bedfordshire
- Wrexham University
- University of the West of Scotland
- University of Greater Manchester
10. University of Northampton
Coming in as the tenth worst university for law in the UK is the University of Northampton, established in 1999. This university scores particularly low on student satisfaction, scoring just 2.97 out of 5. However, graduate outcomes are rated quite highly at 73 out of 100, making Northampton a potentially good choice if you’re looking to go straight into the world of work after studying an undergraduate degree in law, rather than continuing your studies to become a lawyer.
9. University of East London
The ninth worst university in the UK for law is the University of East London. The university has three campuses located in Stratford and Docklands, making it a good choice if you want to study in London. Wicked star Cynthia Erivo also did the first year of their degree at this university! However, it’s worth noting that graduate outcomes score lowly here at just 55 out of 100.
8. Teesside University
The eight worst university for law in the UK is Teesside University, located in Middlesbrough in North Yorkshire. Teesside is fairly easy to get into, with new students having an average number of 108 UCAS points. It also scores fairly highly in terms of student satisfaction at 3.02 out of 5. This university is known for providing high quality courses in fields like computing, animation and computer games design. According to University Alliance, Teesside University is also highly regarded for its diverse courses in forensics and policing, making it a good choice if you don’t have your heart set on studying law.
7. Buckinghamshire New University
Coming in at seventh worst in the UK for law is Buckinghamshire New University. It’s located in the town of High Wycombe, making it worth considering if you don’t want to go to university in a larger city. The university has also moved up a couple of places in the rankings since last year, showing that the law course is important to the university! Graduate prospects also score highly at 76 out of 100, making Buckinghamshire New University a good candidate if you’re looking for a more careers-orientated law education.
6. University of Wales Trinity St. David
Hailing from Wales is the sixth worst university for law in the UK, the University of Wales Trinity St. David. The law courses here are based at the Swansea campus, meaning you’d get a wonderful waterfront view to go with your studying! However, graduate prospects are slightly lower than some of the other universities on this list, scoring 70 out of 100.
5. Birmingham Newman University
The fifth worst university in the UK for law is Birmingham Newman University. This university is located in Bartley Green, near to Birmingham city centre, so it’s perfect if you want to live and study somewhere quieter but still have a bustling city within arms reach. However, you should definitely keep in mind that student satisfaction is low, scoring just 2.70 out of 5 and there’s no data on graduate outcomes available. The reviews describe the staff as helpful and friendly though, so this university shouldn’t be discounted entirely.
4. University of Bedfordshire
Coming up next is the University of Bedfordshire, the fourth worst university in the UK to study law! Previously known as the University of Luton, this university scores pretty highly in terms of student satisfaction at 3.21 out of 5. On the other hand, graduate outcomes are pretty low at 64.00 out of 100. However, if you’re looking to study to become a lawyer, don’t discount the University of Bedfordshire as students are clearly pretty happy with the teaching.
3. Wrexham University
The third worst university for law in the UK is Wrexham University, located in North Wales. It’s quite a small university, compared to others, with just over six thousand students in the 2023/24 academic year, so it’s worth putting Wrexham on your list if you prefer a slightly quieter life! Student satisfaction here is scored highly at 3.40 out of 5 – that’s higher than many universities in the top 20! However, graduate outcomes are scored pretty low at 64 out of 100, which is worth keeping in mind.
2. University of the West of Scotland
The penultimate university on this list is the University of the West of Scotland, which ranks as the second worst place in the UK to study law. Like Wrexham, student satisfaction is quite highly regarded, scoring 3 out of 5. However, it’s surprisingly difficult to get into this university compared to others in this article, as new students have an average score of 131 UCAS points.
1. University of Greater Manchester
Drum roll please! Coming in as the worst university in the UK for law is the University of Greater Manchester. Unlike its fellow, the University of Manchester (which is ranked number 24th in the UK for law), the University of Greater Manchester ranks low in many factors, like student satisfaction, research quality, and graduate outcomes. However, it is important to note that it’s overall ranking is pretty decent at 72 out of 100, so the University of Greater Manchester shouldn’t be discounted if you’re interested in studying there!
Overall…
These universities have been ranked based on various factors such as student satisfaction, employability of graduates, and more. By highlighting these universities, we aim to provide prospective law students with valuable information that will help them make an informed decision when choosing a university to attend. It’s important to note that this ranking is not meant to discredit the universities listed, but rather to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the current state of law education in the UK.
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