Blackstone Guide
3-Year University of London LLB vs 5-Year LLB in Pakistan
The 3-year University of London LLB in Lahore vs the 5-year Pakistani LLB: length, who awards it, exams, costs, and what to check before choosing.
Next intake: April 2027 · Apply by 1 April 2027
The difference in one table
Both are law degrees you can study in Pakistan. They differ in who awards the degree, how long it takes and how it is examined.
| University of London LLB | 5-year LLB | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3 years (2 years with a prior degree) | 5 years |
| Degree awarded by | University of London | The Pakistani university you enrol at |
| Exams set and marked by | University of London examiners | Your university |
| Where you study | Lahore, at a University of London teaching centre such as Blackstone | The university or its affiliated college |
| Fees paid in | Rupees to the centre, pounds to the University of London | Rupees to the university |
| Intakes | Two a year (November 2026 and April 2027) | Set by each university |
Time: three years or five
The University of London LLB takes three years on Standard Entry (the University allows up to six). Students who already hold a degree can take Graduate Entry: nine modules instead of twelve, in as little as two years. Students joining after FA/FSc through the CertHE route also finish in three years at Blackstone. A 5-year LLB takes five years.
Who teaches, who examines
At Blackstone, Blackstone's faculty teach the classes in Lahore. The University of London provides the study materials, written by academics from its Laws Consortium (Birkbeck, King's College London, LSE, Queen Mary, SOAS and UCL), and sets and marks the exams. The University says its exams reflect the same standards as for students studying on campus at its London law schools. Exams are typed and normally held in May and October.
On a 5-year LLB, the university you enrol at sets the course, teaches it and examines it.
What you study
The University of London LLB has twelve modules. Its compulsory and optional modules cover what the University calls the seven foundations of legal knowledge (Contract, Criminal, Equity and Trusts, EU, Property, Public and Tort law), which it says are required for the academic part of training for intending barristers. Options include Company law, Commercial law, Evidence, Public international law and Introduction to Islamic law. For a 5-year LLB, ask the university for its full list of subjects by year.
What it costs
On the CertHE route at Blackstone, the Blackstone fee is Rs 2,225,000 over three years and the University of London's fees are £6,600, plus exam centre fees and books. See the LLB fees guide for the full breakdown. To compare fairly, add up all five years of a 5-year LLB, not just the first.
Practising law in Pakistan: check before you choose
Rules on which law degrees can be used to practise in Pakistan are set by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Bar Council, and they can change. Before you enrol, confirm the current position for your intake with HEC and the Bar Council. The University of London gives the same advice: check with the regulator where you want to practise, and get the answer in writing, before you apply.
Questions to ask before you decide
- Who awards the degree, and who sets and marks the exams?
- How many years, and what is the total cost for all of them?
- What do HEC and the Pakistan Bar Council say about this degree for my intake?
- If I might want the Bar of England and Wales later, does the degree cover the seven foundation subjects?
- Who will teach me, and what is the weekly class schedule?
Common questions
Is the University of London LLB three years?
Yes. Standard Entry takes three years, and the University of London allows up to six. Graduate Entry, for students who already have a degree, has nine modules and can be finished in two years.
Is a 3-year LLB valid for practising law in Pakistan?
The rules on which law degrees can be used to practise in Pakistan are set by HEC and the Pakistan Bar Council, and they can change. Confirm the current position for your intake with HEC and the Bar Council before enrolling. The University of London also advises getting written confirmation from the regulator before applying.
Who awards the University of London LLB studied in Lahore?
The University of London awards the degree and sets and marks the exams. Blackstone, a University of London Recognised Teaching Centre in Lahore, teaches the classes.
Which is cheaper, the 3-year or the 5-year LLB?
It depends on the university. At Blackstone the CertHE route costs Rs 2,225,000 in Blackstone fees plus £6,600 in University of London fees over three years. Compare that with the total for all five years of the other programme.
Can I become a barrister in England and Wales with the University of London LLB?
The University of London says its LLB covers the seven foundations of legal knowledge required for the academic part of training for intending barristers. After the degree, you still need to join an Inn of Court and complete the Bar training and assessments.
Related guides
Sources
- University of London: LLB Bachelor of Laws (structure, assessment, recognition advice)
- University of London: CertHE Common Law
University of London figures are its published 2026–27 rates, checked on 15 October 2026.