Are you planning to pursue a law degree in Europe but aren't sure where to begin? Explore the leading institutions across the continent, curated based on the most prestigious global university rankings.
Considering a career in the legal field? Law is a powerful degree that opens doors to influential roles in justice, international business, and government policy. To help you navigate your options, we’ve analyzed three of the world’s most trusted ranking systems to identify the best Master of Laws (LL.M.) programs in Europe.
- QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai University
Every ranking methodology differs—some prioritize academic prestige, while others focus on research impact or graduate employability. By evaluating multiple top-tier lists, you gain a more comprehensive perspective on the best law schools in Europe. We recommend cross-referencing these resources to find the ideal match for your professional objectives.
Best law schools in Europe by QS Rankings 2021
The QS World University Rankings feature 151 European institutions, with the United Kingdom maintaining a strong presence, hosting 35 of the top-ranked law schools. Discover some of the best universities in the UK to study an LLM:
- , the UK
- , the UK
- , the UK
- , the UK
- , the UK
- , France
- , the UK
- , the Netherlands
- , the UK
- , Belgium
View the complete list of top-ranked legal education providers on the official TopUniversities website.
Best law schools in Europe by Times Higher Education Rankings 2022
The Times Higher Education (THE) law subject rankings utilize a refined version of their world-class methodology, specifically tailored to assess the unique demands of legal scholarship.
Performance metrics emphasize learning environments, research volume, and academic reputation, alongside industry engagement and international reach. Notably, institutions must demonstrate a minimum of 1,000 research publications to qualify for inclusion.
- University of Cambridge, UK
- University of Oxford, UK
- University College London (UCL), UK
- KU Leuven, Belgium
- The University of Edinburgh, UK
- The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK
- King's College London, UK
- , Netherlands
- , Netherlands
- , Germany
Access the full rankings of premier European law faculties via Times Higher Education.
Best law schools in Europe by Shanghai Rankings 2021
The Academic Ranking of World Universities, also known as the Shanghai Ranking, provides a distinct, research-heavy perspective on top law programs across Europe.
These institutions consistently rank as the top European law schools according to the Shanghai Ranking criteria:
- University of Cambridge, UK
- , Netherlands
- University of Oxford, UK
- University College London, UK
- The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK
- University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Leiden University, Netherlands
- Tilburg University, Netherlands
- , Norway
- , UK
Review the comprehensive list of leading law schools provided by the Shanghai University Rankings.
Beyond these top-tier institutions, here are several other recommended European law schools worth considering:
- , Cypurs
- , Finland
- , the Netherlands
- , Portugal
- , Switzerland
For ultimate flexibility, you can also pursue a reputable law degree online from the comfort of your home.
Student reviews of the best law schools in Europe
While international rankings are excellent for identifying prestigious universities by region or subject, they often overlook a critical factor: the authentic student experience.
First-hand testimonials from current students and alumni are invaluable, providing the transparency needed to help prospective applicants make an informed decision about where to study.
At Online Result, we champion student transparency. You can find detailed reviews directly on each university's profile. Here is what some graduates had to say about the leading law schools mentioned above:
LSE graduate
"I had a great study experience. I enjoy studying and learning and LSE was perfect for that. Great infrastructure and facilities that helped me throughout the whole year. Also student services was very good and diligent and helping with any issues or problems that may have arisen."
LMU graduate
"Try and join every event you can with international students, but try to interact with locals as well: they may seem a bit closed, but they are in fact really nice, kind and funny. The Munich University is one of the best universities overall in the world. The city itself is full of events everyday and is a mixture of both innovation and tradition."
Lund University graduate
"There is absolutely nothing to complain about. Great overall experience- Lund is absolutely a students town but big cities such as Malmö or Copenhagen are not far off either. Great to study and meet new people!"
Tilburg University graduate
"Tilburg University has a beautiful campus with state-of-the-art equipment and a lot of available workspaces with computers. It is a green campus with a nice atmosphere. The professors are much more approachable than at other universities and the living costs are among the lowest within the Netherlands."
University of Nottingham graduate
"It has so much to offer in terms of student satisfaction along with being a Russell Group university. It has a beautiful campus along with excellent facilities for both academia and sports. There are so many clubs and societies that you can join and it is an incredibly sociable university with an amazing nightlife."
Online Result recommends:
We also recommend exploring the diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate law degrees offered by top UK institutions, which are highly regarded for their professional development and strong industry connections.
Which law school from Europe should you study in?
While attending one of the most prestigious law schools in Europe significantly enhances the expertise and professionalism you’re striving for in your career, it is just one factor in selecting the perfect academic environment for your unique needs.
Based on your goals and plans to study Law, we encourage you to browse our full directory of European law schools and filter by your specific criteria. If you are open to exploring institutions beyond Europe, you can also check out our guide to the best law schools in the United States.
Regardless of where you choose to study, we hope you excel in your journey to become a skilled lawyer dedicated to justice and integrity.