Pathways to Law

The University of Manchester is proud to be a part of the innovative Pathways to Law programme in collaboration with The Sutton Trust. Pathways to Law is a widening participation scheme that inspires and supports academically able state school students in Year 12 and 13 from backgrounds under-represented at university who are interested in a career in Law.

What's involved

Students attend a varied programme of events across the two-year scheme. Events held at The University of Manchester include events and workshops delivered by The Bar Council, local solicitors, barristers and judges, mooting competitions, opportunities to meet and work with legal professionals, UCAS workshops and academic taster days.

Our programme also includes events hosted around the country. In the past, this has included a three-day residential event at the University of Warwick and visits to The Inner Temple in London.

Students will also undertake at least one work experience placement at a leading law firm, barrister's chambers or legal organisation in Manchester city centre. Pathways students will also get the chance to work closely with current University of Manchester Law students.

Students who complete the programme will also be eligible for a one-grade reduction on all Law courses at The University of Manchester.

Application process

Eligible students must be studying in Year 12 in England or Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland (or equivalent) and attend, and have always attended, a state-funded school or college (non-fee paying) in the UK. Applications open in September and close in October (exact dates vary).

For full details on the application process and entry criteria, please visit The Sutton Trust website.

Student stories

Read the first-hand experiences of students that have completed the programme at Manchester and find out what they’re doing now.

Contact us

If you would like a school visit to discuss Pathways to Law, or for further information on any aspect of the programme, please contact us: