Boris Ignachkov Are you discombobulated as to making your Law school choices? Set worries aside – we have you covered with this compact know-how guide on choosing a university to study Law at.
Types of Law Degrees on Offer
The first step before setting eyes on a given university is to understand the different versions of academic legal qualifications and whether, most conveniently, that is a qualifying law degree (QLD; a degree, where the seven core legal fields are incorporated) your university choice offers. Law courses range in their title and content, for instance, LLB, Senior LLB, LLB with Languages, LLB with another discipline (e.g. LLB Law with Politics), BA in Law and Jurisprudence. For example, a standard three-year LLB Law is a QLD, but a BA in Law is not. Do not overlook the financial and time practicalities of your degree choice on your future qualification journey.
The University Itself
It is undisputable that Law is a challenging, but rewarding subject area. Nonetheless, however capable you are, there are factors you must assess and how they may shape your experience and student profile:
- Is this an aspiring, realistic or safe university choice – what are the entry programme requirements? Can you receive an offer reduction, e.g. some establishments can lower their admissions criteria if you have completed an A/A*-graded Extended Project Qualification?
- Where does the university stand in the ranking tables: is this a Russell group institution or not?
- Is learning entirely on-site, hybrid of fully virtual?
- What is the average size of your year group, seminar group and the whole university?
- What are the facilities like – libraries, computer room, printing stations etc.?
- What are the tutors and lecturers like (some universities employ ex-lawyers from high-calibre law firms)?
- What support networks are there, e.g. skills enhancement fellows and pastoral aid?
- Where is the university located and how will this impact your career choices? For instance, a Newcastle university student wishing to explore City law in the capital will have to endure incredible costs and travelling. Whereas, a Leeds-based undergraduate would enjoy more favourable exploration of legal opportunities in the nearby cities of Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and York.
Law-Themed Opportunities at the University
Your valued academic qualification alone will not prepare you for the legal job market. Therefore, do consider the following opportunities to develop applicable skills:
- Does your university choice have an established student-led Law Society?
- Are there opportunities to develop your public speaking and participate in competitive events, namely Mooting, Negotiating and Debating?
- Are there publishing opportunities, e.g. Legal Journals?
- Are there valuable networking events, e.g. law fairs and career dinners – what sort of contacts will you have after graduating? Does this university invite external speakers?
- Are there any Law Clinics, volunteering initiatives or other law-related community engagement projects you can partake in?
- Does your prospective university choice partner with law firms/barristers’ chambers regarding work experience/internship opportunities and on-site presentations?
- Are there Campus Ambassador vacancies available at your chosen university?
