Common Law/History

Common Law and History at the University of Glasgow is an intellectually distinctive combination that joins the comparative study of legal systems with a rigorous engagement with the human past. The Common Law LLB at Glasgow takes a specifically comparative and international approach to legal education, examining how legal principles operate across common law jurisdictions and in relation to civil law systems, rather than focusing solely on Scots law. This makes it a degree well suited to students who want to understand law in a global context, and who may be interested in careers in international or comparative legal environments rather than in Scottish domestic practice.

It is important to note that this degree is not accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, and is therefore not a qualifying law degree for those who wish to practise as a solicitor in Scotland. Students interested in Scottish legal practice should choose the Scottish Qualifying LLB instead. This Common Law route is appropriate for those who want a broad-based legal education with international dimensions, or who plan to practise in another jurisdiction or pursue careers that value legal knowledge without requiring domestic Scottish qualification.

History alongside law provides a formidable combination of analytical frameworks. You will examine legal systems, principles and institutions across time and jurisdiction, understanding how law has developed through historical processes and how historical context is essential for interpreting legal texts and decisions. You will develop skills in close textual analysis, argument construction, comparative reasoning, and historical research.

A year abroad is built into the four-year programme, giving you the opportunity to study law and history in another academic environment.

Graduates are well placed for careers in international law, policy, business, diplomacy, the civil service, academic research, and legal roles in non-Scottish jurisdictions. Many go on to further legal professional training in England and Wales or in international settings, while others pursue postgraduate study in law, history, or international relations.