Law: Further study

In 2011, six months after graduation, 42% of law graduates had gone on to further study or a combination of work and further study. Most of them progressed to relevant professional training courses, but others went on to study a variety of subjects such as criminology, business, human resources, international relations, journalism and education.

Law graduates who intend to practise law must go on to further study and vocational training. Intending solicitors in England and Wales must complete the legal practice course (LPC), then a paid training contract with a law firm. Slightly different training routes exist in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Barristers in England and Wales undertake the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) followed by a one-year training period called a pupillage. There are training variations in Scotland, where advocates normally qualify as solicitors before specialising, and in Northern Ireland.

These trends show only what previous graduates in your subject did immediately upon graduating. Over the course of their career - the first few years in particular - many others will opt for some form of further study, either part time or full time. If further study interests you, start by thinking about postgraduate study in the UK and search courses and research to identify your options.

For details relating to finance and the application process, look at funding my further study.