Law

Law is a discipline that develops your ability to read complex texts with precision, to reason carefully about competing arguments, and to understand the rules and institutions that govern social and commercial life. In Scotland, law has a distinct character rooted in the civil law tradition that sets it apart from English common law, drawing on Roman law, Dutch scholarship, and a long independent legal history. This gives Scottish law graduates a dual awareness of legal traditions that is increasingly valuable in a profession that operates across jurisdictions.

The University of the West of Scotland offers this law programme part-time, making it accessible to students who need to study around work, family, or other commitments. The flexibility of part-time study is particularly relevant for those already working in legal or related environments who want to formalise their knowledge and gain a recognised qualification. You will study the core areas of Scots law, including private law, public law, criminal law, and commercial law, developing both your doctrinal knowledge and your ability to think legally about complex situations.

The programme is delivered at UWS across its campuses in the west of Scotland.

Graduating in law from a Scottish institution positions you to pursue either the Scottish or the English and Welsh routes to legal qualification, though the Scottish law route requires completing the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice to qualify as a solicitor. Many graduates also move into non-legal professional roles where legal knowledge is valued, including compliance, human resources, banking, insurance, and the public sector. Teaching and community legal advice are further destinations.

The part-time format means many graduates continue in employment throughout their studies and are able to apply their developing legal knowledge in their work.