Law School

Pathways to Law

Pathways to Law is an innovative and exciting programme, which provides fantastic opportunities for sixth form students who are interested in law. Jointly managed and funded by the Sutton Trust, Pathways is offered at 7 UK universities, including the University of Exeter.

The programme targets high-achieving students in state schools and colleges who will be the first generation in their family to attend university. It aims to raise their aspirations and provide them with the skills and confidence to pursue a successful legal career.

Recruitment for Exeter Pathways to Law is facilitated through our Exeter Scholars programme.

Pathways to Law at the University of Exeter is open to students who satisfy most, if not all, of the following criteria:

  • You are studying at a state school within the south west of England
  • Be in year 12 at the start of the programme
  • You have achieved a minimum of 8 GCSE’s at grades A* - C or 9 – 4 to include GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or grade C and above
  • Plus you meet one of 8 additional eligibility criteria which can be found on the Exeter Scholar's website in the Apply section
  • Live within a reasonable commuting distance of the university to which they are applying
  • Have an interest in studying law and/or a legal career
  • Be enthusiastic and show a willingness and ability to commit fully to the demands of the programme.

Recruitment for Exeter Pathways to Law is facilitated through our Exeter Scholars programme. If you are an interested applicant, you can find out more about the programme and application process here.

If you have any questions regarding the application process or your eligibility for Pathways to Law, please contact Kate Blackmore, Pathways to Law Coordinator. 

The Pathways to Law programme is made up of a number of activities which are common to all Pathways universities.

Each university also runs a series of bespoke activities for their individual Pathways to Law cohort. Students on the Exeter Pathways programme will take part in the following activities:

Academic sessions

These will be a mixture of lectures and seminars, and will be delivered by expert staff from the Law School. The exact session details are subject to change each year, but the programme could include:

  • English legal system & sources of law
  • Law, politics & the constitution
  • Criminal law
  • Law & business
  • Law & morality
  • Human rights & justice
  • Negotiation

Client interviewing and networking

You will learn how to conduct a legal client interview, taking on the role of a solicitor trying to obtain detailed information from your newest "client". This session will help develop your networking and communication skills as you interact with law academics, student ambassadors and legal representatives.

You will also have the opportunity to meet many different representatives from the legal industry throughout the programme, who may be supporting academic sessions, giving advice on CV’s or representing their firm at our annual law careers fair to which you will be invited.

Visits to legal institutions

You will have the opportunity to visit either Exeter or Truro Law Courts and witness current cases in session. The programme will also include a visit to London, where you will be able to take part in a Discovery Day at the Inner Temple, with a focus on guiding students through the process of becoming a barrister and the scholarships and support available at this notable Inn of Court. Lunch and networking with legal professionals and other pathways to law students included!

Work experience

You will complete a 3-5 day work experience placement at a law firm, barristers' chambers, law courts or in-house legal team. This experience could be an in-person or virtual experience.

National residential conference

This 3 day residential conference, held at the University of Warwick in the summer of year 12, brings together Pathways to Law students from across the country to take part in a wide-ranging programme of academic and social activities.

Other academic opportunities

You will have the opportunity in taking part in other law-related activities or events that are offered through our central widening participation programme of events, such as Careers Insight Week, online forums and other opportunities to engage through our Discover University programme of events. Our law student ambassadors will also be supporting all the pathways to law sessions so you can gain first-hand knowledge of the University and student life at any time!

Supporting your career development

You will receive expert help and guidance in areas such as CV-writing and interview skills, along with support with your UCAS applications and personal statement. You can also take part in a skills webinar to help you prepare for your LNAT test which is required at some universities when applying for Law.

Graduation

All students attend a Pathways to Law graduation ceremony at the end of the programme, where you will be presented with a certificate from the Head of the Law School.

You will gain a lot from taking part in the Pathways to Law programme. It is impossible to list all of the programme's benefits, but here is a small selection to give you some ideas:

Alternative offers and benefits

Pathways to Law participants who apply to study at the University of Exeter will be guaranteed to receive an offer for their course of choice, subject to any interviews and / or subject-specific entry requirements*. The offer will also include a reduction in entry requirements in recognition of participation in this programme.

The grade reduction available is reviewed annually and published in June. As a guide, the current reduction in entry requirements for programme participants applying to join the University in September 2025 is 3 A Level grades or equivalent below a standard entry offer for the majority of courses, and 2 A Level grades or equivalent for BMBS Medicine.

*Refer to full text on the Exeter Scholars Benefits pages

Partner Pathways to Law universities may also offer alternative offers, other benefits or additional consideration to Exeter Pathways to Law students applying for specific programmes at these universities. Each university is different and Pathways to Law students will be provided with a guidance document during the application cycle, which will detail this information for all current partner universities.

Increased knowledge

Taking part in Pathways to Law will significantly increase your knowledge and understanding of what law is like, both at university and as a career. This increased understanding will give you a headstart when thinking about your future career path.

New skills

Through Pathways to Law you will develop some of the most essential skills for your future, such as teamwork, analysis, communication and presentation skills. You will also have lots of opportunities to interact with fellow students and legal professionals, allowing you to develop confidence and good networking skills.

And many more...

As well as these benefits, Pathways to Law is enjoyable, interesting, and a great way to make new friends!

Pathways to Law students will complete a 3-5 day work experience placement whilst on the programme. These placements normally take place at February half-term, but can also take place during the Easter or Summer holidays. Placements may take place within one of many legal settings, such as a law firm, barristers’ chambers, County or Crown Courts or in-house legal team.

The University of Exeter gratefully acknowledge the support of the following organisations who have either provided quality work experience placements for our students in the past or are currently engaging with the programme:

Pathways to Law Alumni

Exeter Cohort 10 Pathways to Law Students Graduate

This year 37 students from 24 schools and colleges from across the region graduated. The graduates were joined at a ceremony on the University’s Streatham campus by family and friends, academics, law firms and other organisations that have provided support.

View story>>

View photos in 2024 Graduation gallery>>

Group of Pathways to Law students standing outside the front of Reed Hall

A logo of Pathways to law featuiring The Sutton Trust and a graphic picture of a set of scales

Pathways to Law is jointly funded and managed by The Sutton Trust and the University of Exeter

Logos for pathways to law sponsors

Logos for pathways to law sponsors

Logos for pathways to law sponsors