Legal Studies (BA) and Law (UK LLB) - Accelerated Law Pathway
Overview
Our unique UK law pathway means your first year of studies in the UK will count directly toward completion of your BA. The fastest pathway to law in Canada.
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Legal Studies/LLB Pathway with Teesside University or the University of Aberdeen offers a unique opportunity to study law through both a Canadian and United Kingdom (UK) lens. You’ll gain a comparative, bi-jurisdictional education that builds a strong foundation in Canadian legal studies while providing access to legal education in the UK. Throughout your studies, you’ll develop the academic, professional and ethical skills needed to succeed in a global legal environment.
Teesside University
Teesside University is located in Middlesborough, United Kingdom and was just named the University of the Year for 2025 in recognition of their achievements and transformative impact across the UK’s higher education landscape with Times Higher Education. While studying at Teesside, you’ll also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through the Teesside Law Clinic, where students provide pro bono legal advice in partnership with lawyers, charities and community organizations.
University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495, is one of the oldest institutions in the United Kingdom. Aberdeen's law school is ranked 12th in law school programs in the UK as published by The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 making it a competitive choice for students interested in law school. Aberdeen, Scotland is known for its sparkling granite buildings, breathtaking North Sea coastline, and a skyline full of castles and centuries of history. Studying abroad here means living in a city where history and scenery transform everyday student life into an inspiring place to study law.
Upon completion of this five-year pathway, you’ll graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Legal Studies from Ontario Tech University and an LLB from either Teesside University or the University of Aberdeen.
For more information on the program and curriculum, visit the Legal Studies (Honours)-UK law pathway.
Canada’s first direct-entry, five year law pathway
- Earn your Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Legal Studies from Ontario Tech University and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from either Teesside University or the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom (UK)—in just five years of full-time study.
- Our unique partnerships with Teesside University and the University of Aberdeen means your first year of studies in the UK will count directly toward the completion of your BA.
- The LLB in the UK is equivalent to a JD in Canada, meaning you’ll graduate with credentials recognized both in Canada and internationally. Upon your return, you’ll be able to write the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) exams required to practice law in Canada.
Direct-entry pathway to two internationally recognized degrees
- Direct entry to law school—you’re on track to a legal career from the moment you apply*!
- Graduate with two internationally recognized degrees in just five years and get a head start on your legal career—in Canada or abroad.
- You’ll follow a revised curriculum map for the Legal Studies (Honours) program over three years at Ontario Tech. Upon completion of your first year of studies at either Teesside University or the University of Aberdeen, you’ll earn your Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Legal Studies from Ontario Tech.
*Admission to Teeside University or the University of Aberdeen: By the end of your third year of study at Ontario Tech, you must achieve and maintain a minimum cumulative B average or 3.00 cumulative grade point average, with no individual course grade below a "B-" (70 per cent) to continue in the pathway.
Study law in the United Kingdom—No LSAT required
- Gain international experience by studying abroad in the UK for your LLB. Admission is based on your academic performance—no LSAT required.
Built in support
- From your first application to graduation, Ontario Tech has your back—with academic advising, housing assistance and preparation to help you succeed.
- During your third year at Ontario Tech, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning with employers in the field through practicum placements and begin building your professional network right away.
- Through our UK law pathway, international students receive strong support too—from guidance on studying in the UK to a full student experience that helps you thrive.
How does it work?
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Years 1 to 3: Legal Studies at Ontario Tech
- In the first three years of the Legal Studies (BA) and Law (UK LLB) - Accelerated Law pathway, you’ll study in the Legal Studies program at Ontario Tech following a revised curriculum map. You’ll take core courses in law, policy, ethics and the justice system while meeting the pathway’s academic requirements.
- Throughout Years 1 to 3, you’ll develop strong analytical, research and communication skills, and explore areas of legal interest, preparing you for the following years of international study.
- During your third year at Ontario Tech, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning with employers in the field through practicum placements and begin building your professional network right away.
- In the first three years of the Legal Studies (BA) and Law (UK LLB) - Accelerated Law pathway, you’ll study in the Legal Studies program at Ontario Tech following a revised curriculum map. You’ll take core courses in law, policy, ethics and the justice system while meeting the pathway’s academic requirements.
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Year 4: Teesside University in Middlesborough, UK or University of Aberdeen, Scotland
- In Year 4, you'll head to the UK to start your first year abroad at either Teesside University or the University of Aberdeen in the Law degree (LLB) program.
- After successfully completing that first year of international study, you’ll have earned your Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from Ontario Tech.
- In Year 4, you'll head to the UK to start your first year abroad at either Teesside University or the University of Aberdeen in the Law degree (LLB) program.
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Year 5: Teesside University in Middlesborough, UK or University of Aberdeen, Scotland
- In your final year at Teesside University or University of Aberdeen, you'll complete your LLB and graduate with your UK law degree.
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After you return to Canada
- Once you return to Canada, you’ll be ready to take the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) exams (required to practice law in Canada).
- The NCA ensures your education is equivalent to a Canadian law degree.
- You'll also be ready to apply to the Law Society of Ontario and write the bar exams!
- You can apply for graduate at an Ontario Tech convocation ceremony in either the spring or the fall.
- Once you return to Canada, you’ll be ready to take the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) exams (required to practice law in Canada).
Admissions
Admissions
Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U) and attain a minimum average of 80 per cent. All other applicants should refer to admissions for the requirements for their specific category of admission.
Satisfaction of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to participate in the pathway. Preference will be given to applicants with the best grades and students will be required to meet the progression requirements.
Students who enter Legal Studies via Advanced Entry will be ineligible for the pathway. Acceptance into the pathway does not guarantee admission to the Bar in Canada or the United Kingdom.
Note: Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.
The application process and important dates/deadlines are outlined on our admissions website:
• Ontario secondary school applicants
• Ontario secondary school graduates
• Canadian out-of-province high school applicants
• International applicants
• Mature applicants (over 21 and never attended post-secondary)
• Transfer applicants
• General Arts and Science (GAS) applicants
• Home-schooled applicants
Career opportunities
- Federal and Provincial Government Administrator
- Human Rights Advocate
- Legal Analyst
- Legal Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Mediator
- Social Services Worker
- Community Activist
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Criminologist
- Human Rights Community Activist
- Government Researcher
- Policy Developer
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Not-for-Profit Worker
- Policy Consultant
- Program Evaluator
- Public Outreach Worker
- Victimologist
- Social Policy Researcher
- Criminal Justice Analyst
- Graduate studies in Social Science and Humanities disciplines
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Sample courses
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For program requirements, including required number of credits for completion, program maps and course descriptions, please see the academic calendar and course catalogue of Loading.... Courses are subject to change without notice.