Is the LNAT compulsory?

Mar 05, 2024

Written By Tom Hale

The Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) is an assessment designed to test a candidate’s ability to apply the skills needed as a student of law. The test is not an examination of precise legal knowledge or memory, instead it is a study of a candidate’s ability to comprehend and reason in certain situations. But is the LNAT compulsory? Are A-Levels and other qualifications not sufficient?

The Answer

The simple answer is no, the LNAT is not a compulsory assessment if you are in the process of applying for a law degree. However, this isn’t the whole answer.

There is a list of universities within the UK that do require the LNAT when candidates are applying. For these universities the LNAT results are used as part of the process of shortlisting, alongside A-Level (or equivalent) predicted grades, personal statements and interviews if applicable.

In total there are nine universities in the UK that require the LNAT, there are also two international universities that also require the LNAT.

Ever considered studying law online?

There are so many study mode options available to aspiring lawyers now. But which one is right for you? Find out with Arden University's handy decision-making tool.

START NOW

The List

These UK universities are:

- University of Bristol

- Cambridge University

- Durham University

- University of Glasgow

- King’s College London

- London School of Economics (LSE)

- University of Oxford

- SOAS, University of London

- University College London (UCL)

The other two universities that also require the LNAT are:

- Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

- IE School of Law (Segovia, Spain)

These are the only universities, at the moment, in which the LNAT is a compulsory part of the application process.

What is in the LNAT?

The LNAT comprises two separate parts, totalling a two hours and fifteen minutes examination. The first part (Section A) is a multiple-choice exam. In this section, following reading a passage of text, you are given 42 multiple choice questions, which aim to assess your understanding of what you read. Each question is worth one mark and it is this that makes up your LNAT score. This section lasts for 90 minutes out of the two hours and fifteen minutes.

The second section (Section B) is different from the first. In this section you will be asked to write one essay which is based on your choice of one of three topics. This question does not contribute to your LNAT score but is a great chance to show your reasoning skills and is made available to the universities reading your application. This section makes up the remaining 40 minutes of the examination.

The Final Answer

So ultimately the answer to whether or not the LNAT is compulsory is, it depends where you are applying. If you are applying to one of the eleven universities listed above, then yes, it is compulsory.

However, if your chosen university, or universities is not on the list, then no, it is not compulsory, nor is it necessary.

If you now know that you need to sit the LNAT don’t panic. It is not an easy test; however, it is also an opportunity for your applicable talents to shine through. It’s a chance to show off your ability to reason and comprehend information, two skills key for a successful legal career.

Don’t see it as a daunting exam, see it as an exciting moment to showcase all your skills. Good luck!

LNAT