what uni for law?
Hello guys, I'm really interested in doing law as a degree and have been for a few years now. I'm currently in A2. In AS I achieved one B for Philosophy and a C in politics but I'll be resitting which will bump it to a B/A. I haven't sat History as it's linear.
I think my predicted grades will either be ABC or ABB. Which uni in London could I possibly apply with these grades? I know they aren't as good as law applicants are expected to have but I have some work experience to back it up.
I think my predicted grades will either be ABC or ABB. Which uni in London could I possibly apply with these grades? I know they aren't as good as law applicants are expected to have but I have some work experience to back it up.
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Original post by Trinculo
Brunel or City is about where you're at, and they're both meh.
Original post by sarskinz
why are they 'meh'?
their graduates have very little representation amongst MC/high end City firms compared to the good London/RG unis
Only unis in London that aren't meh for law are LSE/UCL/KCL/Imperial (although Imp doesn't offer law)
Original post by sarskinz
why are they 'meh'?
They just are.
Brunel is what it is - a dead average campus university on the outskirts of London.
City is a place that people who go there make a big whoop about, but really - is it all that? I don't know anyone who went to City that's gone right on to tear up trees and do really well for themselves. They just go on to struggle and finally land meh jobs, usually- like most people. One feature is the really high living costs.
Original post by Trinculo
They just are.
Brunel is what it is - a dead average campus university on the outskirts of London.
City is a place that people who go there make a big whoop about, but really - is it all that? I don't know anyone who went to City that's gone right on to tear up trees and do really well for themselves. They just go on to struggle and finally land meh jobs, usually- like most people. One feature is the really high living costs.
Brunel is what it is - a dead average campus university on the outskirts of London.
City is a place that people who go there make a big whoop about, but really - is it all that? I don't know anyone who went to City that's gone right on to tear up trees and do really well for themselves. They just go on to struggle and finally land meh jobs, usually- like most people. One feature is the really high living costs.
not everyone can get a top job and be paid 100k.
Original post by sarskinz
not everyone can get a top job and be paid 100k.
I didn't say they could. My point is that I haven't met anyone from City who's going places. It's one of those universities where the first thing people say is a qualification of some kind - "but there are amazing links with the City" or "they used to be the only place to do the BPTC" "got a really good reputation for law"
OP, if you work hard and get a good grade at the universities stated, you can still get a good graduate job, you just need to work harder than others in more prestigious universities to make things happen.
i.e. get involved with student committees, that sort of thing. you have work experience which is good, but if possible try and get more outside of the semesters.
just out of interest, why london? it is expensive.
i.e. get involved with student committees, that sort of thing. you have work experience which is good, but if possible try and get more outside of the semesters.
just out of interest, why london? it is expensive.
Original post by sarskinz
Hello guys, I'm really interested in doing law as a degree and have been for a few years now. I'm currently in A2. In AS I achieved one B for Philosophy and a C in politics but I'll be resitting which will bump it to a B/A. I haven't sat History as it's linear.
I think my predicted grades will either be ABC or ABB. Which uni in London could I possibly apply with these grades? I know they aren't as good as law applicants are expected to have but I have some work experience to back it up.
I think my predicted grades will either be ABC or ABB. Which uni in London could I possibly apply with these grades? I know they aren't as good as law applicants are expected to have but I have some work experience to back it up.
Hi there!
May I ask why you have specifically limited your choices to just London universities? From my general knowledge (I study Law at UCL), the London universities other than LSE/KCL/UCL/Imperial are generally not as reputable in the legal world as a number great universities outside of London.
In my honest opinion, those grade predictions are unlikely to land you a place at the London unis I mentioned above (if you're looking to study law that is). Work experience is something that can differentiate you from other candidates, of course, but that's generally between people who have met their grade requirements (A*AA) already - they are oversubscribed with applicants with these grade predictions, so are unlikely to look at those who are predicted anything lower.
However, this by no means should make you lose hope
there are fantastic universities outside of London who don't have such crazy requirements. I know Exeter often gives out AAB offers if you can stretch to that, or other Russell Group unis may accept ABB. Law is still one of those professions that cares about your university, so going to a better ranked uni outside of London is preferable to going to a lower one inside London (regardless of 'links to the City' blah blah blah). This is obviously not considering whether you have a reason why you have to stay in London, and if this is the case then please let me know!My advice would be to apply to the best and most 'traditional' universities you can who will take those grade predictions (easy enough to find via their websites), and not limit yourself to London if at all possible to do so. If you are limited to London, then City isn't bad from my knowledge but if you can then I would recommend trying for more established universities. As I said, it's unfortunate, but work experience is highly unlikely to make up for not meeting the grade application requirements - I would hate for you to waste your applications when they would simply be rejected because of some stupid tick-box system. A fantastic personal statement where you use this experience to your advantage will hopefully mean you get into the university you deserve, but you need to get past the hurdles for someone to read it
Edit: I believe Liverpool University does accept ABB and is Russell Group!
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by legallyblonde72
Hi there!
May I ask why you have specifically limited your choices to just London universities? From my general knowledge (I study Law at UCL), the London universities other than LSE/KCL/UCL/Imperial are generally not as reputable in the legal world as a number great universities outside of London.
In my honest opinion, those grade predictions are unlikely to land you a place at the London unis I mentioned above (if you're looking to study law that is). Work experience is something that can differentiate you from other candidates, of course, but that's generally between people who have met their grade requirements (A*AA) already - they are oversubscribed with applicants with these grade predictions, so are unlikely to look at those who are predicted anything lower.
However, this by no means should make you lose hope there are fantastic universities outside of London who don't have such crazy requirements. I know Exeter often gives out AAB offers if you can stretch to that, or other Russell Group unis may accept ABB. Law is still one of those professions that cares about your university, so going to a better ranked uni outside of London is preferable to going to a lower one inside London (regardless of 'links to the City' blah blah blah). This is obviously not considering whether you have a reason why you have to stay in London, and if this is the case then please let me know!
My advice would be to apply to the best and most 'traditional' universities you can who will take those grade predictions (easy enough to find via their websites), and not limit yourself to London if at all possible to do so. If you are limited to London, then City isn't bad from my knowledge but if you can then I would recommend trying for more established universities. As I said, it's unfortunate, but work experience is highly unlikely to make up for not meeting the grade application requirements - I would hate for you to waste your applications when they would simply be rejected because of some stupid tick-box system. A fantastic personal statement where you use this experience to your advantage will hopefully mean you get into the university you deserve, but you need to get past the hurdles for someone to read it
Edit: I believe Liverpool University does accept ABB and is Russell Group!
May I ask why you have specifically limited your choices to just London universities? From my general knowledge (I study Law at UCL), the London universities other than LSE/KCL/UCL/Imperial are generally not as reputable in the legal world as a number great universities outside of London.
In my honest opinion, those grade predictions are unlikely to land you a place at the London unis I mentioned above (if you're looking to study law that is). Work experience is something that can differentiate you from other candidates, of course, but that's generally between people who have met their grade requirements (A*AA) already - they are oversubscribed with applicants with these grade predictions, so are unlikely to look at those who are predicted anything lower.
However, this by no means should make you lose hope
there are fantastic universities outside of London who don't have such crazy requirements. I know Exeter often gives out AAB offers if you can stretch to that, or other Russell Group unis may accept ABB. Law is still one of those professions that cares about your university, so going to a better ranked uni outside of London is preferable to going to a lower one inside London (regardless of 'links to the City' blah blah blah). This is obviously not considering whether you have a reason why you have to stay in London, and if this is the case then please let me know!My advice would be to apply to the best and most 'traditional' universities you can who will take those grade predictions (easy enough to find via their websites), and not limit yourself to London if at all possible to do so. If you are limited to London, then City isn't bad from my knowledge but if you can then I would recommend trying for more established universities. As I said, it's unfortunate, but work experience is highly unlikely to make up for not meeting the grade application requirements - I would hate for you to waste your applications when they would simply be rejected because of some stupid tick-box system. A fantastic personal statement where you use this experience to your advantage will hopefully mean you get into the university you deserve, but you need to get past the hurdles for someone to read it
Edit: I believe Liverpool University does accept ABB and is Russell Group!
Thanks so much for the advice! But sadly I can't move out of London because I currently live here with parents who I can't leave alone because they are old and we don't really have close relatives in London. I don't think I could afford living in university as well. That's why I was asking for a uni in London. I was hoping to apply to SOAS but as you can see my grades aren't that great so I'd probably get rejected. I guess I'll just have to give up my dream of doing law and think of another degree.
Original post by sarskinz
Thanks so much for the advice! But sadly I can't move out of London because I currently live here with parents who I can't leave alone because they are old and we don't really have close relatives in London. I don't think I could afford living in university as well. That's why I was asking for a uni in London. I was hoping to apply to SOAS but as you can see my grades aren't that great so I'd probably get rejected. I guess I'll just have to give up my dream of doing law and think of another degree.
Whatever you do - don't give up the dream
It took me 5 years of going back to school to get to do my dream law degree, but it is possible if you keep focused.You haven't mentioned whether it is law as a career or law as a subject that you really want.
If it is the career, then perhaps look into studying another subject that you're interested in, such as English, History, Language, anything! You can then do the GDL in order to become a lawyer, and if you secure a training contract with a firm before starting it then they will pay your fees (and for your LPC afterwards). You are also not at a disadvantage when applying, as most firms recruit 50% law degree and 50% other students.
If it is the subject, this is a bit more tricky. However, if you aren't as interested in the career as I said above and just want to study the law, then a university such as Birkbeck, Brunel, City, Goldsmiths (not sure if they do law) is absolutely worthwhile. The only reason you should be hesitant is if your dream is to become a city solicitor or a barrister, as they tend to look for more traditional universities. If you're just passionate about studying the law, then there is NOTHING wrong with those universities and attending them will be well within your grasp - living and studying in London is an amazing experience, at any of them.
I hope this is helpful, and please don't give up
Original post by legallyblonde72
Whatever you do - don't give up the dream It took me 5 years of going back to school to get to do my dream law degree, but it is possible if you keep focused.
You haven't mentioned whether it is law as a career or law as a subject that you really want.
If it is the career, then perhaps look into studying another subject that you're interested in, such as English, History, Language, anything! You can then do the GDL in order to become a lawyer, and if you secure a training contract with a firm before starting it then they will pay your fees (and for your LPC afterwards). You are also not at a disadvantage when applying, as most firms recruit 50% law degree and 50% other students.
If it is the subject, this is a bit more tricky. However, if you aren't as interested in the career as I said above and just want to study the law, then a university such as Birkbeck, Brunel, City, Goldsmiths (not sure if they do law) is absolutely worthwhile. The only reason you should be hesitant is if your dream is to become a city solicitor or a barrister, as they tend to look for more traditional universities. If you're just passionate about studying the law, then there is NOTHING wrong with those universities and attending them will be well within your grasp - living and studying in London is an amazing experience, at any of them.
I hope this is helpful, and please don't give up
It took me 5 years of going back to school to get to do my dream law degree, but it is possible if you keep focused.You haven't mentioned whether it is law as a career or law as a subject that you really want.
If it is the career, then perhaps look into studying another subject that you're interested in, such as English, History, Language, anything! You can then do the GDL in order to become a lawyer, and if you secure a training contract with a firm before starting it then they will pay your fees (and for your LPC afterwards). You are also not at a disadvantage when applying, as most firms recruit 50% law degree and 50% other students.
If it is the subject, this is a bit more tricky. However, if you aren't as interested in the career as I said above and just want to study the law, then a university such as Birkbeck, Brunel, City, Goldsmiths (not sure if they do law) is absolutely worthwhile. The only reason you should be hesitant is if your dream is to become a city solicitor or a barrister, as they tend to look for more traditional universities. If you're just passionate about studying the law, then there is NOTHING wrong with those universities and attending them will be well within your grasp - living and studying in London is an amazing experience, at any of them.
I hope this is helpful, and please don't give up
Hi I'd like to do it as a career path, I'll just apply to those unis along with SOAS. If it doesn't go well at the end of A2 I might just take a gap year and resit some papers if possible.
Original post by sarskinz
Hi I'd like to do it as a career path, I'll just apply to those unis along with SOAS. If it doesn't go well at the end of A2 I might just take a gap year and resit some papers if possible.
London is the best place to study law! The inspiring inns of court and so much going on to keep you busy and running with your future!
Law is super-competitive and more so as people do it as a second / senior degree / conversion.
City would be a good university and it's central location would be great to meet people and be near things. King's College would be a more competitive entry and I know that Queen Mary is super-competitive entry but a really good department and of course UCL, is world class.
Be modest and accept that you are not the best of the best otherwise your results would be telling you to apply for Oxbridge, but you can study law at City and specialise in many different areas and more so at masters level. Human rights, family, disputes, corporate and financial, government - you are not looking at the most prestigious firms in the country but you could certainly get into the banks and good companies like Google for example.
I am glad you mentioned SOAS as I think SOAS would be an excellent place to study law. Look at the modules on offer at SOAS and the possibility of a joint degree. You studied politics so a joint honours in development studies could be interesting. There are so many opportunities with single law with modules on the legal systems of africa and asia.
King's College, offer PPL - Philosophy, Politics and Law, with your a level subjects could be good - it's a 4 year course that starts with mostly philosophy and ethics and the last 2 years are mainly law!
Something else at King's is B.A. Liberal Arts that allows you to choose from many different subjects, and you can do a year abroad in liberal arts at the New School in New York, which is an amazing place to study! So have an explore with the modules on offer with that.
Royal Holloway is on the edge of London as is Surrey, for more close campuses.
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by sarskinz
I am also thinking of doing politics and History BA instead and then becoming a solicitor. Is this still possible?
This is absolutely possible, and as I said above if you want to have a career in law there is no need to do a law degree
What you would need to do is complete your BA, and then take the GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law). You would then need to do the LPC (Legal Practice Course) and complete a training contract just like a law degree holder would, the only difference is a year spent on the GDL. If you manage to secure a training contract whilst at uni, then the firm will usually fund your GDL and LPC. If you do not, then you can either self-fund or complete other work whilst applying for training contracts, and start the courses after securing one.
Law tends to have much higher entry requirements than other subjects, so if you can go to a great uni and do History and Politics that you love then this may be a better option for you!
Don't limit yourself to London. Consider Liverpool, a Russell Group university that wants ABB for Law.
Original post by woodchuck
OP, if you work hard and get a good grade at the universities stated, you can still get a good graduate job, you just need to work harder than others in more prestigious universities to make things happen.
i.e. get involved with student committees, that sort of thing. you have work experience which is good, but if possible try and get more outside of the semesters.
just out of interest, why london? it is expensive.
i.e. get involved with student committees, that sort of thing. you have work experience which is good, but if possible try and get more outside of the semesters.
just out of interest, why london? it is expensive.
Hi pal,
I was just wandering if you could help me. I'm currently taking a gap year and likely to achieve BBC and was wandering where you think I should apply which is respectable? I just feel extremely frustrated that the subject of law is elitist in that it seems if I'm ever to succeed I need to go to a top 15 uni and this is actually making me want to change my degree choice. Any help appreciated mate.
@Abstract_Prism any help from either of you would be appreciated, it's just got me down and made me think I should choose something else like accounting and finance or computer science where I'm more likely to succeed.
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by alexp98
Hi pal,
I was just wandering if you could help me. I'm currently taking a gap year and likely to achieve BBC and was wandering where you think I should apply which is respectable? I just feel extremely frustrated that the subject of law is elitist in that it seems if I'm ever to succeed I need to go to a top 15 uni and this is actually making me want to change my degree choice. Any help appreciated mate.
@Abstract_Prism any help from either of you would be appreciated, it's just got me down and made me think I should choose something else like accounting and finance or computer science where I'm more likely to succeed.
I was just wandering if you could help me. I'm currently taking a gap year and likely to achieve BBC and was wandering where you think I should apply which is respectable? I just feel extremely frustrated that the subject of law is elitist in that it seems if I'm ever to succeed I need to go to a top 15 uni and this is actually making me want to change my degree choice. Any help appreciated mate.
@Abstract_Prism any help from either of you would be appreciated, it's just got me down and made me think I should choose something else like accounting and finance or computer science where I'm more likely to succeed.
Last year my sixth form got a visit from Tunde Okewale, a criminal law barrister (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jul/27/tunde-okewale-barrister-campaigner-young-people-legal-profession) (http://www.legalcheek.com/2015/04/16-reasons-why-doughty-streets-tunde-okewale-is-the-most-followed-barrister-on-instagram/). He got a 2.2 from London Met.
It's really only the top law firms that are elitist about universities, but you can still be successful in other areas.
I would probably consider somewhere like Oxford Brookes.
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by alexp98
Hi pal,
I was just wandering if you could help me. I'm currently taking a gap year and likely to achieve BBC and was wandering where you think I should apply which is respectable? I just feel extremely frustrated that the subject of law is elitist in that it seems if I'm ever to succeed I need to go to a top 15 uni and this is actually making me want to change my degree choice. Any help appreciated mate.
@Abstract_Prism any help from either of you would be appreciated, it's just got me down and made me think I should choose something else like accounting and finance or computer science where I'm more likely to succeed.
I was just wandering if you could help me. I'm currently taking a gap year and likely to achieve BBC and was wandering where you think I should apply which is respectable? I just feel extremely frustrated that the subject of law is elitist in that it seems if I'm ever to succeed I need to go to a top 15 uni and this is actually making me want to change my degree choice. Any help appreciated mate.
@Abstract_Prism any help from either of you would be appreciated, it's just got me down and made me think I should choose something else like accounting and finance or computer science where I'm more likely to succeed.
as said elsewhere, you can either apply for law and go straight into a training contract (after the LPC) or you can do a less competitive course like english or history, then do the GDL and you will be in the same position as a Law LLB graduate. this will cost more and take more time though.
if you take a gap year i would try and raise your grades if possible. if you could get work experience on your CV that will stand you in good stead, whether you choose law or something else.
it seems the problem with law is not so much the institution you go to (within reason), but the likelihood that candidates from lesser universities are less likely to have the extra curriculars and a levels required to get through the application process causes many to fail.
even if you don't get a training contract, a 2:1 or first in law would be a good starting point, even if from a non RG university.
Original post by woodchuck
as said elsewhere, you can either apply for law and go straight into a training contract (after the LPC) or you can do a less competitive course like english or history, then do the GDL and you will be in the same position as a Law LLB graduate. this will cost more and take more time though.
if you take a gap year i would try and raise your grades if possible. if you could get work experience on your CV that will stand you in good stead, whether you choose law or something else.
it seems the problem with law is not so much the institution you go to (within reason), but the likelihood that candidates from lesser universities are less likely to have the extra curriculars and a levels required to get through the application process causes many to fail.
even if you don't get a training contract, a 2:1 or first in law would be a good starting point, even if from a non RG university.
if you take a gap year i would try and raise your grades if possible. if you could get work experience on your CV that will stand you in good stead, whether you choose law or something else.
it seems the problem with law is not so much the institution you go to (within reason), but the likelihood that candidates from lesser universities are less likely to have the extra curriculars and a levels required to get through the application process causes many to fail.
even if you don't get a training contract, a 2:1 or first in law would be a good starting point, even if from a non RG university.
Thanks, but what could you do with a 2:1 in law from a non rg exactly? like it seems limited in comparison to other techincal degrees like Accounting for eg where you can apply for a range of jobs and it doesn't matter which institution
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