Dispelling the Myths About UK Law Schools: Grading & Passing Requirements
In my previous post, I aimed to address some of the misconceptions prevalent in the Canadian legal community regarding the quality of foreign legal education, particularly in comparison to Canadian education. I began by discussing the notion that gaining admission to a UK law school is easier than to a Canadian one. Today, I'd like to tackle the second most common and potentially damaging myth, which asserts that passing law school in the UK is considerably easier than in Canada.
Before delving into this topic, it is essential to acknowledge that I have not personally attended a Canadian law school. My insights are based on second-hand information gathered from close friends, colleagues, and legal recruiters. However, I did complete my LL.B at an English Law School and possess a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and rigor involved in achieving and maintaining high marks within the UK system. While I graduated in the top 12% of my class while simultaneously working and volunteering, it was undoubtedly one of the most demanding yet fulfilling periods of my academic journey. To shed light on the matter, I will first provide context around grading in the UK and then analyze the differences in assessment methods.
Context Around Grading in the UK
As mentioned earlier, LL.B programs are typically regarded as undergraduate degrees in the United Kingdom. Consequently, grades are step-marked and categorized as follows:
- First Class: 70% and above
- Upper Second Class: 60% - 69%
- Lower Second Class: 50% - 59%
- Third Class: 40% - 49%
However, these grades hold little meaning without considering the broader context of the UK education system. During my initial term at City, University of London, I swiftly realized that achieving a first-class mark in the UK required the same level of effort as securing an 80% - 85% during my graduate studies in Canada. Conversations with my network of colleagues in Canadian law schools indicated a similar correlation between effort and grades.
Taking this into account, the "low" passing mark of 40% in the UK appears less drastic when one considers that it is equivalent to roughly 50% - 55% in Canada. Additionally, the FLSC (Federation of Law Societies of Canada) requires that students receive at least a Lower-Second Class mark for a UK course to be counted during their NCA assessment. This equates to achieving a 60% - 65% in a Canadian law school.
To better understand the UK grading system within a Canadian context, we can reframe it as follows:
- First Class = A in Canada (80/85% and above)
- Upper Second Class = B+ in Canada (70/75% - 80/85%)
- Lower Second Class = B- in Canada (60/65% - 70/75%)
- Third Class = C in Canada (50/55% - 60/65%)
These letter-marks represent the official equivalency chart provided by City on my transcript, which is accepted by Canadian legal recruiters familiar with the UK's grading system.
Consistency & Fairness
It is worth noting that grade allotment in the UK is strictly controlled. All examinations are blind-marked to prevent biases and inconsistencies. Universities implement internal and external grade moderation systems, where non-teaching faculty and external markers review sample exams and class averages to ensure fairness and consistency in grading. Furthermore, second markers have the authority to make adjustments as needed to correct any inconsistencies. Consequently, the grades awarded to UK graduates reflect their performance relative to their peers.
Differences in Assessment Method
To comprehend the calculation of grades versus effort required, it is essential to consider the differences in assessment methods between the UK and Canada. In the UK, closed-book hand-written examinations are often the sole assessment method in upper years. These exams are notoriously challenging, not only because they are closed-book but also due to the level of detail and volume of information expected, which is similar to that of open-book exams. During these examinations, students are required to provide detailed responses with direct quotes from judges and academics, along with in-depth case knowledge, all under strict time constraints.
This differs significantly from Canadian law schools' generally open-book, typed examination method. Both methods have their unique challenges and are valid examination approaches. Understanding this stark contrast in evaluation helps put Canada and the UK's varying passing thresholds into context.
Grades Matter—Wherever You Studied
Law students everywhere understand the significance of grades to prospective employers. Whether a student studied in the UK or Canada, law firms request transcripts and consider GPAs as crucial components of the evaluation process.
For students returning (or coming) to Canada with foreign degrees, it is essential to ensure that your transcript includes a grades equivalency chart to help prospective employers contextualize your education and performance.
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