Are you ready to pursue a law degree but unsure where to begin? We’ve compiled a guide to the most prestigious law schools across Europe, drawing on insights from the world's leading university rankings to help you make an informed decision.
Considering a career in law? Law is a powerful degree that opens doors to influential roles in justice, global business, politics, and beyond. To help you narrow down your options, we have analyzed three of the most trusted global university rankings that highlight top-tier Master of Laws (LL.M.) programmes throughout Europe:
- QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai University
Each ranking utilizes different metrics—some emphasize academic prestige, while others focus on research output or employer satisfaction. By reviewing multiple top-10 lists, you will gain a more balanced perspective of the best law faculties in Europe. Don't rely on a single source; use these evaluations collectively to find the program that aligns with your professional goals.
Best law schools in Europe by QS Rankings 2021
The QS World University Rankings feature 151 European institutions. The United Kingdom leads the continent with 35 highly-ranked law schools. Below are 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 law schools by visiting the official TopUniversities website.
Best law schools in Europe by Times Higher Education Rankings 2022
The Times Higher Education law rankings utilize a specialized methodology tailored specifically to the field of legal studies.
Key performance indicators like learning environment, research volume, and academic reputation carry the most weight, followed by industry citations, international outlook, and income from industry engagement. A minimum threshold of 1,000 research publications is required 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
Discover the full rankings of top law schools on the Times Higher Education portal.
Best law schools in Europe by Shanghai Rankings 2021
The Academic Ranking of World Universities, also known as the Shanghai Ranking, provides an alternative perspective on European legal education.
These are the leading law faculties in Europe as evaluated by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy:
- 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
Access the complete list of law programs on the Shanghai University Rankings website.
Beyond the top-ranked institutions, we also highly recommend considering these reputable European law schools:
- , Cypurs
- , Finland
- , the Netherlands
- , Portugal
- , Switzerland
Additionally, you have the flexibility to pursue an online law degree from the comfort of your home.
Student reviews of the best law schools in Europe
Global rankings are excellent for identifying top-tier universities, offering convenient sorting options by region or academic discipline. However, they often miss one crucial element: authentic student feedback.
First-hand accounts from current students and alumni provide invaluable transparency, helping prospective applicants understand the real-world experience of studying at a specific institution.
At Online Result, we actively encourage student feedback. You can find verified reviews on each university profile page. Here is what some graduates have to say about the top law schools mentioned in our list:
LSE graduate
"I had a fantastic academic experience. LSE provided the perfect environment for learning, supported by excellent infrastructure and facilities throughout my studies. The student services were also incredibly diligent and helpful in resolving any issues that arose."
LMU graduate
"I recommend engaging with international student events, but don't hesitate to connect with local students as well—they are welcoming and friendly. LMU Munich is truly a world-class university, and the city itself perfectly blends innovation with tradition."
Lund University graduate
"I have no complaints at all. The experience was excellent. Lund is a vibrant student town, with easy access to major cities like Malmö and Copenhagen. It's a wonderful place to study and build new connections!"
Tilburg University graduate
"Tilburg University features a stunning, green campus equipped with modern technology and ample workspaces. The professors are exceptionally approachable, and the cost of living is among the most affordable in the Netherlands."
University of Nottingham graduate
"As a Russell Group institution, this university excels in both academic satisfaction and student life. Beyond the beautiful campus and state-of-the-art facilities, there are numerous societies to join, and the city offers an incredible social scene."
Online Result recommends:
We also recommend exploring degree programmes offered by top UK institutions, which provide a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate law courses. These schools are well-regarded for their focus on professional development and strong industry links.
Which law school from Europe should you study in?
While attending a prestigious law school in Europe significantly enhances your expertise and professional standing, it is essential to remember that the "best" university is one that aligns specifically with your personal learning needs and career aspirations.
Based on your specific career goals, we recommend browsing our full database of European law schools and applying your own filters to find the right match. If you are also considering studying abroad, check out our guide to the best law schools in the United States.
Wherever you choose to study, we wish you great success in becoming an exceptional legal professional committed to justice.