Having completed my law degree and my BPTC....the honest answer is yes it is hard. First year I found fine tbh, second year manageable and third year ALOT of work. But I should say the workload of third year does not compare to the amount of work required on the BPTC.
I agree with the above..make sure you like reading and can take in information quickly.
It is not just the academic side either, if you want a career as a barrister or a solicitor you have to fit in a lot of extra curricular activities around your degree in order to be considered for such jobs.
Also, I should say I did not study law at college and I don't think it makes any difference.
D