LLB vs BA LLB: Which Law Degree Is Right for You?
To Libra College of law
When it comes to pursuing a career in law, students often find themselves confused between two popular options which are LLB vs BA LLB. Both are law degrees but they differ in duration, structure & overall experience. So if you’re planning to enter the legal world but can’t decide which course to go for, this blog is here to make things clear for you.
Choosing a law degree is a big decision. It has the potential to influence not only your educational path but also your career path in the long run. Some students & parents find it difficult to understand the difference between LLB & BA LLB as they are confused that they are the same. But actually, these two degrees have different approaches to studying law. Let’s see what each of them provides & assist you in finding out which law degree is best for you.
Understanding LLB
LLB or Bachelor of Laws is a 3-year undergraduate law degree. This course is usually opted by students who have already earned a graduation degree in any discipline & now desire to study law. For example, if a person has earned a BA, B.Com or B.Sc., one can pursue an LLB course to become a professional in law.
The LLB program focuses entirely on law-related subjects. Right from the start, students study legal subjects such as constitutional law, criminal law, contract law & legal writing. Because it’s a 3-year course, it’s very intense and is appropriate for those who have already become academically mature & now desire a focused legal education.
Understanding BA LLB
On the contrary, BA LLB is a 5-year integrated law course that is a combination of Bachelor of Arts (BA) & Bachelor of Laws (LLB). That is, the students study a combination of arts subjects such as political science, sociology, history & economics along with law. This course is suitable for those who have passed their 12th grade & wish to start their career in the law field directly.
One of the major BA LLB benefits is that students have a wider scope of understanding the society & its organization through the arts subjects. This background knowledge proves very useful when practicing & studying law, particularly in areas such as criminal law, human rights & public policy. Because the course is longer, it provides students with more time to mature & prepare themselves for legal professions.
Key Differences Between LLB & BA LLB
When we discuss how LLB and BA LLB differ, the first thing that comes up is how long they take. LLB is a 3-year course pursued after graduation, whereas BA LLB is a 5-year course started immediately after Class 12. So if you already have a degree, LLB could be the shorter route. But if you just passed school, BA LLB allows you to pursue a complete legal education without requiring another degree first.
The other difference between BA LLB & LLB is in the structure of the courses. LLB is all about law from day one, whereas BA LLB begins with arts & law subjects, slowly moving in more towards legal subjects. The integrated method appeals to some students because it allows them more time to understand the law in a better way.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you know you want to study law after graduation, then LLB could be your best option. It’s shorter, more focused & best for students who are certain of pursuing the legal profession upon completion of their first degree. It’s also a good option for those who opt to study law later in life.
However, if you’ve just finished school & want a strong foundation in both arts & law subjects, BA LLB can be a better fit. It gives students the time & space to develop critical thinking, legal understanding & general knowledge of society. This helps in shaping well-rounded lawyers who are prepared for a wide range of legal careers.
Career Opportunities After Both Courses
Regardless of whether you opt for LLB or BA LLB, both offer a broad scope of career opportunities. You can become a lawyer, legal advisor, public prosecutor, judge (once you have cleared the mandatory exams) or even be employed in companies as a legal officer. Career possibilities are also available in teaching, journalism, politics & civil services.
The LLB vs BA LLB choice does not restrict your future profession. It’s your passion, expertise & abilities that count in the long term. The legal fraternity values experience, ongoing learning & effective communication which are the kind of attributes you can develop in either curriculum.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, both LLB & BA LLB are great options to get into the field of law. But your choice should be based on your existing academic record, your long-term ambition & your interest towards starting law after graduation or immediately after school. The key is to take the path that best suits your learning style & plans for the future.
If you are still confused, it is always best to consult with experts or find colleges that provide both courses. Colleges such as LIBRA College of Law give students not only legal education but also the proper guidance, atmosphere & experiences to develop in the world of law.
