How to get into King’s College London Law School

Excerpt

Gaining admission to top UK Law schools such as King’s College London demands more than just strong grades. It requires strategy, insight, and a compelling application. At Icon Education, we provide personalised support to help you navigate the process with confidence and stand out in a highly competitive field.

What does KCL Law look for?

King's College London's (KCL) highly regarded Law programmes, the LLB Bachelor of Laws programme and an LLM Masters of Law programme, are known for their comprehensive academic content and international perspective. Located in central London's legal area, KCL Law provides thorough legal education, emphasising the connection between law, justice, and society. The curriculum fosters critical thought, interdisciplinary study, and involvement with actual legal issues. Admission is highly competitive, requiring applicants to show strong academic achievement and a clear enthusiasm for law and its wider social impact.

Undergraduate Admissions

Successful applicants to King's College typically present the following academic backgrounds:

Those whose first language is not English must submit supplementary English proficiency test results:

Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT)

Applicants to the LLB programme at King’s College London are required to take the LNAT, a key component of the university’s admissions process. This standardised, computer-based test evaluates critical skills such as analytical reasoning, text interpretation, and the capacity to assess and construct logical arguments, all of which are essential qualities for legal study. While the LNAT includes both a multiple-choice section and an essay, KCL primarily considers scores from the multiple-choice section when reviewing applications.

There is no formal cut-off score, but successful candidates typically score in the high 20s out of 42. The essay portion is not formally assessed by KCL, though it may still provide insight into an applicant’s writing style.

Postgraduate Admissions

KCL offers a diverse range of postgraduate law programmes designed to cater to various academic backgrounds and career aspirations. The Master of Laws (LLM) is a globally respected academic qualification that provides students with the opportunity to specialise in areas such as International Financial Law, Transnational Law, and International Business Law, among others. For non-law graduates, the MSc Law & Professional Practice offers a comprehensive introduction to the laws of England and Wales, preparing students for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and a legal career as a solicitor or barrister.

Admission to these competitive programmes typically requires applicants to hold a high second-upper undergraduate degree in Law or a degree with at least 70% law content. In exceptional cases, candidates with a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or those possessing substantial legal work experience (at least three years) may also be considered. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency by meeting the same English language requirements as undergraduate applicants.

Tips to enhance your application

Admission to KCL Law is highly competitive, especially for international students, and demands more than outstanding grades. When applying, do take these strategies into consideration:

1. KCL Law emphasises a global and interdisciplinary perspective, particularly in transnational law, human rights, and legal theory. Strong applicants will show an understanding of how legal systems function internationally and address current global challenges such as migration, digital surveillance, and environmental justice. Highlighting these themes in your personal statement, supported by academic interests or extracurricular activities, can demonstrate a fit with their rigorous and globally focused curriculum.
2. The admissions team seeks law applicants who demonstrate independent thinking and a profound understanding of legal concepts. Go beyond simply stating achievements; instead, illustrate your intellectual curiosity and engagement with the law. Discuss instances where you've explored legal topics in depth, such as analyzing significant cases, following legal discussions, or participating in debate or mock trial activities. Emphasize how these experiences have honed your analytical abilities and shaped your views on justice, rights, and governance.
3. Strong communication skills, both written and oral, are vital for success at Law school and later in the legal field. Your personal statement, LNAT essay, and references should clearly demonstrate your ability to think critically, argue persuasively, and write with clarity and structure. Starting preparation early is crucial; it gives you time to research the course, reflect on your experiences, and refine your writing. A rushed application can feel generic, while one developed thoughtfully over time is more likely to present a compelling, well-supported narrative that stands out in a competitive field.

We trust that these suggestions have proven helpful as you work on your law school application. For tailored advice and dedicated assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Icon Education team. We extend our best wishes to you in this exciting undertaking!

Additional resources

https://www.icon-plus.com/articles/ucas-2025-updates

https://www.icon-plus.com/articles/panel-with-four-lawyers

https://www.icon-plus.com/articles/what-do-admission-officers-not-want-to-see-in-your-essay/