The course combines the rigours of academic, analytical discipline with the topical interest of issues of justice and society’s needs and expectations.
Law is a demanding subject, but rewarding. It requires the capacity for clear, logical thinking and lucid expression. The lawyer must quickly be able to assimilate large amounts of source materials, such as the Law Reports, and be able to make, apply and criticise precise distinctions. The career prospects are very good indeed. The majority become solicitors or barristers. Keble usually admits eight students to the jurisprudence programme annually, including one or two students a year for the four-year course in Law with Law Studies in Europe.
For further information about Law at Oxford, see the Faculty of Law website and the Law page on the Oxford University website.
Yearly Intake
At Keble: 8 (of which 1 or 2 will normally be on the 4 year course)
At Oxford: 225
Past Admissions Feedback
Every year tutors prepare detailed feedback about the admissions process.
Links to the text from the last three years can be found below.
Feedback 2023 (College) (pdf)
Feedback 2023 (University) (pdf)
Feedback 2022 (College) (pdf)
Feedback 2021 (pdf)
Feedback 2021 (University) (pdf)
The Course at Keble
Law is one of the major subjects at Keble. The group is large enough to be reckoned a major element in the College’s life, so attracting substantial teaching and library provision. It is small enough to be, and is, a friendly, close community. The law students get to know each other, and their tutors, well. There is an active College Law Society (the Harris Society, named in honour of one of Keble’s many distinguished former law tutors, Professor James (‘Jim’) Harris FBA DCL) which invites speakers on topics relevant to law studies or careers in the legal profession (recent speakers have included the Rt Hon the Lord Neuberger, the Rt Hon Lord Sumption OBE and the Hon Justice James Edelman). Keble’s College library is particularly well stocked with legal materials, a privilege for (in particular) the undergraduates, providing the great majority of the sources needed for their course.
The tutors take a particular interest in advising and assisting students to gain places in the professions. There are opportunities for work experience during the vacations and also to visit law firms and the Inns of Court. There are also many former members of the College in the legal profession, some in very senior positions, who are willing to provide help and advice concerning careers. In recent years, Keble lawyers have performed well in the degree examinations.
In addition to the tutors listed below, the college also has a number of other Lecturers from year to year.