LAW AT CAMBRIDGE A guide for teachers, parents, and advisors
WHY LAW? The academic study of Law asks students to engage with complex ideas, think independently, and develop and skills that can be applied to many future paths. Should lying be a criminal offense? Which is more important, my right to play football in the park, or your right not to be hit in the head by a football?
Should unelected judges be able to strike down an Act of Parliament?
Is it ever justifiable to break the law?
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Law as an undergraduate degree is interdisciplinary, challenging, and teaches students to think rather than to memorise the law. This means that students will have the opportunity to explore a range of legal specialisms while cultivating skills that will prepare them for their next steps after university. While many Law graduates choose to qualify as barristers or solicitors, the critical thinking and language skills that students gain in a Law degree are applicable to a wide range of professions and further study options.
SUBJECT PREPARATION Our strong and successful applicants for Law come from a variety of backgrounds and have a wide range of interests before they start at Cambridge.
Studying Law as a university subject allows students to explore and combine ideas they may be familiar with from subjects like history, philosophy, English Literature, and politics. Law students will:
Read and analyse complex texts, studying them for important facts, details, and nuance of language
Use social and historical context to consider the progression of a single legal concept
Compare and contrast different legal systems
Practise critical writing skills and develop precise use of language
Law at University vs. Law Conversion Course Students interested in becoming practising lawyers can choose to study a different subject at university, then pursue a one-year law conversion course. Cambridge Law students choose to study Law at the university level for several reasons:
The academic study of Law is interdisciplinary, and can allow students to explore concepts that tie in to several different subject areas they enjoy
The three-year Law degree at Cambridge allows students time to experience different speciality areas
Students have more time to explore internships in legal fields
Students can save time and money by completing their academic studies in three years, rather than taking an additional course
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POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
BARRISTER
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A barrister serves as an advocate in court, either for individuals, groups, or companies. Barristers are self-employed, and typically work alongside other barristers in chambers. This well-known role is often not well understood, with students gathering their knowledge from courtroom dramas and movies. Contrary to their media image, barristers work with a wide variety of clients and specialty areas. For an improved understanding of this role, students should consider attending a local courtroom session to see real life law in action.
SOLICITOR
Working outside the courtroom, solicitors are a less visible aspect of the legal profession. Solicitors may work in large firms or small practices, and typically have long-term relationships with their clients. To learn more about becoming a solicitor, students may seek out opportunities to shadow at local firms.
FURTHER LEGAL
ALTERNATIVE
Because law is so pervasive in our society, almost any industry benefits from legal counsel. This means students might progress to in-house legal roles in companies like banks, the nonprofit industry, or government. This can be an excellent option for students to integrate their legal knowledge with other interests.
The Cambridge Law degree advances students’ critical thinking and language skills, as well as their legal understanding. Students who choose to work outside the legal sector will find that these skills make them incredibly employable in areas like the Civil Service, journalism, consultancy, or the United Nations.
FURTHER STUDY If students choose to continue their legal studies, they might pursue a taught or research degree. Many students pursue these options in order to gain further specialist legal knowledge, to pursue an academic career, or to return to legal study after working. Graduate Law degrees include:
Master of Law Master of Corporate Law Doctorate in Law
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LAW AT CAMBRIDGE Thanks to a variety of support systems available at Cambridge, law students develop strong social connections, links to academic support, and options for career development.
The Law programme at Cambridge has a 97% student satisfaction rating. 98.0% of Cambridge students complete their degrees, compared to 90.0% nationally.
THE COLLEGE SYSTEM
What is the Supervision System?
The University of Cambridge is made up of 31 different colleges. Each student at Cambridge is a member of the University, as well as their college. The college offers a smaller community for students, including accommodation and dining facilities, as well as college-level societies, sports, and events.
Supervisions are a form of small-group teaching that offers a unique element to the academic study of Law at Cambridge. Supervision sessions supplement the lectures that each Law student attends, offering a more personal form of teaching.
The colleges offer a unique level of academic and pastoral support. To facilitate this, each student will have a Director of Studies, one individual responsible for their academic wellbeing, and a Tutor, who looks after the student’s wider pastoral needs. The collegiate community and support systems mean that Cambridge Law students always have someone to approach with questions and concerns.
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In a Law supervision, 2-4 Law students will sit down with a Cambridge academic who is an expert in the topic. Students typically have 2-3 supervisions each week. Supervisions offer the chance to discuss written work, such as a short essay or problem questions. This is a valuable chance for students to receive regular feedback on their work before they reach exam time. Students can also ask questions about difficult material, or delve further into their particular areas of interest.
ERASMUS EXCHANGE SCHEME
Student Support
Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity for students to cultivate language skills, experience a new culture, and study a different legal system.
In addition to the Director of Studies and Tutor within the college, each student at Cambridge has access to a range of support for their personal, academic, and career development.
The Faculty has relationships with universities in France, The Netherlands, Spain, and Germany. While teaching in The Netherlands is held in English, teaching for other destinations will be held in the local language.
The Cambridge Careers Service offers a library of resources, access to the GradLink Alumni Network, and events including networking, careers fairs, and CV and interview workshops.
Interested students would apply after their first year at Cambridge. This is to allow us to see the student’s academic ability and language skills. Students who chose to study abroad will ultimately complete their degree in four years, with the third year spent abroad before returning to Cambridge for a final year.
The Disability Resource Centre provides a range of support to students with disabilities, long term health conditions, or Specific Learning Difficulties. The Student Counselling Service is free to all undergraduates, offering individual and group support. The International Students Team offers information and guidance on traveling to Cambridge, student and work visas, language support, and more.
CAMBRIDGE LAW SOCIETY The Cambridge University Law Society is a student-run group that caters to any student interested in Law. The group offers events such as careers fairs, networking events, socials, mooting and mock trials, skills workshops, and opportunities to pursue pro bono work.
95% of Cambridge Law students are in a professional or managerial job six months after completing the course.
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APPLYING TO CAMBRIDGE
Choose a college: Students apply directly to a college, or make an open application.
SAQ: The Supplementary Application Questionnaire is submitted by students a week after the UCAS application.
UCAS Application: The Cambridge deadline is Oct 15.
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Interviews: Take place early December, with arrangements made by the college processing the application.
Cambridge Law Test: Students will sit the CLT on the same day that they come to interview.
Decisions: Applicants will hear from us before the end of January.
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CHOOSING A COLLEGE
When students apply, their applications will be considered by a college rather than the Law Faculty. This means that students often worry about choosing a college because they think it will influence their applications. However, because of the University’s pool system, a strong application has the same chance of being accepted, regardless of the college that the student originally applied for.
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THE POOL SYSTEM
OPEN APPLICATIONS
The Pool is designed to ensure that all students have an equal chance at a place at Cambridge, regardless of the college they choose. If a student’s application is pooled, that simply means that the college they applied for thought they were an excellent candidate, but could not offer them a place.
If after considering all the options, a student has no preference between colleges, they can submit an open application. Once the application is received, it will be assigned to a college and treated like any other application.
Once submitted to the Pool, all other colleges will have the opportunity to consider the application. Some students who are pooled may be asked back for a second interview to allow other colleges to gather a complete picture of the student.
Normally, 1 applicant in 5 is placed in the pool. Of the applicants in the pool, 1 in 4 typically receives an offer from a different college.
Students should only make an open application if they can truly say that they would be happy studying at any college, and not because they feel it will increase their chances of having a successful application. Additionally, we recommend that if a student has any particular requirements, they apply directly to a college as this will allow them to contact their chosen college to ask questions and make any necessary arrangements.
THE “BEST” COLLEGE FOR LAW Students commonly worry about finding the “best” college to study law. However, a student’s college choice will not impact their ability to study law. At Cambridge, all law students have the same courses available, take the same lectures, and sit the same exams, regardless of their college. Although supervisions are organised by colleges, the colleges work together to share resources and ensure that every student has their supervisions led by top experts in the subject.
This means that, when considering which college to choose, students should focus on more personal factors. A student’s college at Cambridge will provide them with a smaller community within the University, and choosing which college to apply to is their chance to choose which community they prefer.
Students should consider: Size Location Type of community, including mature, graduate, and all-female colleges
Type of accommodation
Facilities available
Students should NOT consider: Application statistics Specialisations of college fellows
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UCAS APPLICATIONS: PERSONAL STATEMENT The UCAS applications for Cambridge are due October 15, giving us enough time to conduct interviews and consider all applicants individually.
PERSONAL STATEMENT The UCAS personal statement gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their interest in their subject. Students should include their reasons for wanting to study Law and evidence of their enthusiasm for the subject, including specific examples of any independent academic exploration they have done. Because the personal statement may be used as a springboard for interview discussion, students should be prepared to talk about what they have written.
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Extra-curricular vs Super-curricular
SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION QUESTIONNAIRE (SAQ) Students will be asked to submit the SAQ one week after their UCAS application. The SAQ includes an optional additional personal statement which allows students to share any Cambridge- or Law-specific information that they were not able to include elsewhere in their application. The SAQ personal statement is optional, and students will not be penalised for leaving it blank.
Because we base admissions decisions on academic ability, extra-circular activities such as sports or music will not play a role in admissions decisions. However, we understand that students use the same UCAS personal statement for all universities they apply to, and that other universities have different views. Super-curricular activities are academic-based activities that students undertake outside of school. Evidence of super-curricular activities is particularly useful in a personal statement to show a student’s interest in law and their motivation to pursue this interest independently.
UCAS APPLICATIONS: REFERENCE SCHOOL OR COLLEGE REFERENCE
EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES
As with other aspects of a student’s application, we will read the UCAS school or college reference to look for evidence of the student’s academic potential and their suitability to study Law. Because we have many highly-qualified applicants each year, our admissions tutors find specific information and examples more useful than descriptions such as “outstanding”.
For students who have experienced a significant disruption or disadvantage in their education, either because of personal circumstances or other factors beyond the student’s control, it may be appropriate for the school or college to fill out an Extenuating Circumstances form as part of the application.
You do not need to complete a separate Cambridge school or college reference. If there is any Cambridge-specific information you feel you must include, you may contact the Admissions Tutor at the college to which the student applied.
Useful to Include in a Reference: Information placing this applicant in context of other students, for example “top 4 of 23 students” or “one of our top 10 university applicants this year”
Evidence that the student has independently sought out information about studying Law
If applicable, an explanation for any underperformance in qualifications
Circumstances which seriously impact a student’s education may include:
Serious health considerations Significant caring responsibilities Recent loss or serious illness in the family Serious disruption to the educational provision at the school or college
Information about any health or personal circumstances that might affect the student’s performance at interview
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UCAS APPLICATIONS: ACADEMIC RECORD The typical A-Level offer for Law is A*AA.
GCSE SCORES
SIXTH FORM QUALIFICATIONS
For information on equivalent qualifications, see the University’s website.
It is likely that a student’s GCSE scores will primarily be useful in putting their other information in context. For instance, how did they perform in relation to their peers? Do their sixth form qualifications demonstrate an upward trend from their GCSE scores?
When considering a student’s A level scores or equivalent, admissions tutors consider each application individually, looking at the combination of subjects as well as the scores achieved.
The University of Cambridge has no minimum requirement for number of GCSEs taken or number of A* or A grades achieved at GCSE.
While the Law Faculty does not require students to have studied any specific subjects before applying, some subjects are proven to offer stronger preparation for studying law. We recommend that students choose at least one essay-based subject, such as English or History, in order to cultivate their analytical reading and writing skills.
An A-level in Law is not required to study Law at Cambridge. Our applicants have studied a range of subjects before applying to Cambridge.
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AS LEVELS Students who complete AS Levels will be required to provide their Uniform Mark Scheme (UMS) scores. These scores provide an additional useful piece of information for admissions tutors looking for a complete picture of the student’s academic performance. However, we understand that not all schools offer AS Levels, and students who cannot provide this information will not be penalised.
Extended Project Qualification Extended projects can help students to develop independent study skills and to further explore their interests. The experience may also help students to find subjects to discuss in their personal statements or interviews. While we encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity, the University does not require students to complete an Extended Project.
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INTERVIEWS If a student’s application is successful, they will be invited to Cambridge to attend an interview with the college that is handling their application. Students interviewing for law will not be expected to have any prior knowledge of the law. Rather, the interview is designed to mimic the supervision system, allowing us to see how students might react to this particular style. We look for students to express their ideas and show genuine interest in law. Interviewers may ask students probing questions about their UCAS personal statement, or ask them to consider a written passage.
We invite students to wear whatever makes them feel comfortable and confident in the interview. Students will be considered on the basis of their ideas, not their wardrobe.
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PREPARING FOR INTERVIEW We recommend that the best preparation for the interview process is for students to discuss their UCAS personal statement with an adult that they do not know well. This will allow students to consider ideas they are interested in with fresh eyes and practise speaking in an unfamiliar situation, without creating the temptation to memorise answers. While we are aware of external companies offering paid interview coaching, we do not support these groups. As we are completely open about our processes, these groups don’t have any special access to information.
Interview Support We know that the interview can be daunting for students. Most colleges enlist the help of current student volunteers to help interviewees navigate Cambridge and relax before their interviews. Additionally, for students with special needs or disabilities, the Disability Resource Centre is available to offer support and information.
THE CAMBRIDGE LAW TEST The Cambridge Law Test (CLT) is designed to supplement the other factors of a student’s application, such as personal statement, interview performance, and academic performance to date.
What we look for on the CLT:
The CLT does not require prior legal knowledge.
Clarity of written expression
Rather, students will have the chance to showcase their critical thinking and analysis.
The test lasts one hour, and involves writing an essay question, from a choice of three questions. Students will not require any prior knowledge of the law to succeed in the Cambridge Law Test. Rather, the test is meant to examine students’ general critical thinking and writing skills.
Identification of and engagement with the
Whether the candidate has explained his or her reasoning in a clear and logical way.
issues raised by the question
Whether the candidate has produced a coherent, well-structured and balanced argument
Sample tests and grading rubrics area available online: ba.law.cam.ac.uk/applying/ cambridge_law_test
No fee or advanced registration is required for the CLT. The college that has invited the applicant to interview will arrange the details of the CLT.
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WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR? When reading any application, our admissions tutors are always trying to answer one question: “Will this student be able to succeed and thrive studying Law at Cambridge?”
Information we consider: Past academic performance, including Alevel scores or equivalent
School or college reference
Each element of the application, from academic record to interview performance, provides evidence to help answer this question, and to show that the applicant has the traits that we recognise as important for a successful Cambridge student.
Personal statement and SAQ
ACADEMIC POTENTIAL Our admissions tutors will consider a student’s past academic record, as well as any evidence that might indicate how well they would thrive in the unique learning environment at Cambridge.
Often, this includes a student’s performance at interview. Because interviews are designed to mimic a Cambridge supervision, they give us a chance to see how a student might react to this unique and often demanding setting.
Extenuating Circumstances form, if provided
INDEPENDENT MOTIVATION
Marks from the Cambridge Law Test
Successful Cambridge students tend to be highly motivated and interested in their subject. Our admissions tutors will look for evidence that applicants have the intellectual curiosity and drive that could help them succeed at Cambridge.
Performance at interview Contextual data
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Typically, 1 in every 5 Law applicants is made an offer, which is similar to other humanities subjects at Cambridge.
ACADEMIC EXPLORATION Undertaking independent academic exploration is one excellent way for students to demonstrate their independent motivation and intellectual curiosity. This is especially important for Law, which students may not have studied before.
We do not require students to have undertaken work experience. Although it may be beneficial to the student, we understand that there are often barriers to finding these opportunities.
Students may consider options like:
Suggested Reading:
Reading about the law Following the news
What about Law? Barnard, O’Sullivan, and Virgo
Attending events or lectures
Letters to a Law Student, Longman
Participating in work experience
How to do Things with Rules, Twining and
Attending a courtroom session Exploring the law resources on HEPlus.com For any academic exploration, we are most interested in what the student gains from the experience. We encourage students to think critically and be prepared to discuss their experiences.
Miers
Law and Modern Society, Atiyah Learning the Law, Williams The Law Machine, Berlins and Dyer Eve was Framed, Kennedy Law: A Very Short Introduction, Wacks 19
MASTERCLASSES IN LAW
LAW FACULTY OPEN DAY
Held throughout the year in a variety of subjects, the University’s Masterclasses give students the opportunity to test out subjects they might be interested in pursuing at University. These events take place in Cambridge, and funded places are available to qualifying students.
EVENTS
For more information, see undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/events/ masterclasses
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The Law Faculty holds an Open Day each year over the summer. The Open Day offers students the chance to meet academic faculty, attend taster sessions, and talk with current students. The Open Day is free to attend, and sixth form students are welcome to bring a parent. For more information, see ba.law.cam.ac.uk/findout-more
CAMBRIDGE SIXTH FORM LAW CONFERENCE
SUTTON TRUST SUMMER SCHOOLS IN LAW
The Cambridge Sixth Form Law Conference is held each year in March. Given the limited number of spaces, applications are competitive, so students should be sure to apply early. Students will have the chance to experience life as a Cambridge student, attending a variety of sample lectures, student clubs and events, and participating in a mock trial. This event is generously subsidised by sponsors, meaning the total cost of the conference significantly reduced. Additional fully funded places are available for qualifying students.
For more information, see cambridgesixthformlawconference.com/
OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE STUDENT CONFERENCES Taking place at venues across the United Kingdom, the Oxford and Cambridge Student Conferences bring together information on admissions, subject choices, student finance, assessments, and more from both universities.
In partnership with the Sutton Trust, the Law Faculty offers a legal stream of the Sutton Trust Summer Schools each year. This programme is intended for students without a family background of higher education, to help them better understand what University life will be like. The summer school programme includes taster sessions, admissions talks, and events with current students.
The Oxford and Cambridge Student Conferences also offer information specifically for teachers and advisers. The events are free to attend. For more information on venues, dates, and registration, including bringing a school group, see oxfordandcambridgeoutreach.co.uk
Applications open in January and close in March. For more information, see undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/events/summer -schools
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RESOURCES & CONTACT 22
Contact the Law Faculty...
Contact the University...
Law Outreach Team
Cambridge Admissions Office
outreach@law.cam.ac.uk For questions from students, teachers, parents, or advisers regarding the Law degree at Cambridge, you can contact the Faculty of Law Outreach Team. Information from email queries will never be recorded for use in later admissions decisions.
admissions@cam.ac.uk CAO can offer information about the general Cambridge application process. Cambridge Colleges cam.ac.uk/choosingacollege For specific questions about applications, contact the college Admissions Tutor.
Ask a Student askastudent@law.cam.ac.uk This email address allows prospective students to connect with current Cambridge Law students about questions relating to student life and the application experience.
Cambridge Area Links Scheme cam.ac.uk/arealinks Under the Area Links Scheme, each area in the UK is linked to a specific college which will serve as your first point of contact. Disability Resource Centre disability.admin.cam.ac.uk For advice and support for students with a disability, long term health condition, or specific learning difficulty, contact the DRC.
For Subject Exploration...
For University Information...
For Teachers & Advisers...
Think Cambridge Law
Cambridge Undergraduate website
Undergraduate Study Website
medium.com/think-cambridge-law This blog from the Cambridge Faculty of Law offers articles written by Cambridge Law academics, admissions tutors, current students, and alumni. @thinkcamlaw
undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk For more information about applications, events, and more, start with the University’s website for prospective undergraduate students. Alternative Prospectus applytocambridge.com
cam.ac.uk/teachers This section of the website includes information specifically for teachers and advisers. Cambridge Teachers’ Newsletter cam.ac.uk/teachers
You can also follow our Twitter feed for updates on events, application information, and opportunities to explore your subject.
Written for students by students, this website aims to provide the student perspective on colleges, subjects, and more.
You can register online for this regular newsletter from the Cambridge Admissions Office , which will provide information on upcoming events and application deadlines.
HE Plus
Be Cambridge
Advancing Access
myheplus.com
The resources available on the HE Plus website are written by Cambridge academics to help prospective students to bridge the gap between sixth-form and university-level learning.
becambridge.com
This University of Cambridge website offers application information, videos, and more. Oxford and Cambridge Outreach oxfordandcambridgeoutreach.co.uk This website brings together information from both Oxford and Cambridge for the latest updates on events, live webinars, and resources.
advancingaccess.co.uk
Created by the Russell Group, this website offers resources to help teachers & advisers to support their students, including CPD resources, online webinars, and information on events hosted by Russell Group universities.
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FACULTY OF LAW The David Williams Building
10 West Road, Cambridge, CB3 9DZ United Kingdom Please contact: Mrs Ali Lyons, Schools Liaison Co-ordinator Tel: +44 (0) 1223 330094 Email: outreach@law.cam.ac.uk