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Law Degree
From The Student Room(Redirected from Law at university)
TSR Wiki > University > Choosing a Subject > University Courses > Law Degree
Frequently asked questionsGCSE resultsView 1: It is unlikely you'll need to worry about GCSEs again unless you're going for the ultimate in elitism, so don't worry about them. A profile of mainly As and Bs, with Cs in English and Maths, should do you fine. Your A levels are far more important, so focus your energies on them. View 2: GCSE results are an extremely important piece of information, even for universities which use other factors such as the LNAT and interviews. For those such as Warwick and LSE which do not use the LNAT, GCSEs may well be decisive because it is difficult to see how else they can select between too many AAA applicants. However, many universities will put your GCSE results in the context of your school and background, and other factors may outweigh them where they are present. View 3: Believe it or not GCSEs are good secondary predictors of student performance on degrees. Good GCSEs and poor AS/A2s may often signal a good student who has had bad luck. Some of the pickier firms and Unis will look at GCSEs, though. AS level gradesIf you're starting your AS levels this September, don't make the mistake of not working because you have the opportunity to resit. A friend of mine did this and had to sit 11 exams in January whereas I only had to sit 2. Work hard. If you've found out your AS level results and are disappointed with the grades, whether to resit some of your modules is a dilemma to be considered carefully. If you resit modules from all your subjects then this can be off putting for universities because they have to rely solely on your predicted grades to decide whether to make you an offer (but only if you want to resit to improve the AS grade, not the final A Level grade), and some universities are now even requiring that grades are obtained at the first sitting (but UCAS does not currently allow them to do this). If your university is not one of these, then resitting the odd easier AS level module as opposed to relying on the more difficult A2 modules may be an option, but try to keep this to a minimum. Having to prepare for both AS level resits and your A2 level exams will make you stressed and reduce your performance. A level subjectsView 1: It's true that universities tend to prefer Law applicants to have taken "traditional" subjects, such as History, English etc. Often it develops in students depth of subject skill, especially in language use and analysis. However, just because you've taken an A level in Media Studies doesn't mean you'll be rejected. The official line is that all A-Levels are equal (except General Studies)! It's all about balance. I have to be honest and say I'd try to choose at least 2 of the more traditional subjects, but if you love a "new" subject, then don't drop it just on the ground that universities wont like it. Psychology and Sociology are both fine. Business Studies shouldn't be too much of a problem. Law A level seems to be a bit of a Marmite subject. Having taken this A level myself, what I have experienced is that universities sometimes make their offers slightly higher for Law A level students. But if you decide to take it, and you're willing to work hard for your grades, go ahead. If you're a good student then universities are hardly going to reject you. There seems to be a common misconception that students who re-sit their A-Levels during their gap years will be disadvantaged. This doesn't always seem to be the case. As long as you have very good predictions and a viable reason for your re-sits, Universities will make offers. Oxbridge seem to be a bit skeptical on this though. View 2: A-Level Law. Anyone who teaches first year undergraduates loathes A-Level Law. It gives students a superficial knowledge of information, but fundamental misunderstandings about the law itself. It's a bit like knowing the plot without having read the book. For some it whets the appetite, but for most it seems to deaden the brain, A-Level Law students will do well in the first year and then wonder why their grades are slipping as they have failed to learn to do things the right (hard) way. It's a bit of a vast generalisation, but it's a well-held prejudice amongst some Uni teachers. (Arts subjects) Making your 5 choicesDon't just chase the league tables. Visit as many universities as you can and use your impressions as part of the criteria for your choices. A degree from a top institution may look impressive on your CV, but if you hated living there, then you haven't made the most of three years of your life. Obviously prestige is a factor for consideration, but remember you'll be living in this place, so you have to make sure you look at non academic factors. (UCAS course finder) NB If you are looking to practice in England or Wales then you will need to do a degree in England or Wales. If you do your law degree in Scotland you will be able to practice in Scotland but not in England and Wales. Moving jurisdiction would require a conversion course. Writing your personal statementUniversities will look at hundreds of applications when deciding who to make offers to, and this is your only opportunity to make an impression and demonstrate your individuality. Most Law students will say "I read the Times on a Tuesday to keep up with the law". You have to make yourself stand out. You have a limited amount of space with a PS and need to make it work in your favour. Looking at other people's personal statements can be useful, but if you more or less copy what they say, then you're not really showing universities what you personally have to offer. If possible, have your teacher reference back up what you say. Statements should also show a good command of the English Language, with a clear and logical structure. Things I would recommend including:
Sample Law Personal Statements LNATIf you are applying to a university that requires the LNAT, take that requirement seriously. The results are used, although the way they are used varies. In many places a good LNAT score will be used to admit some people who would not otherwise have got in, and in some a poor LNAT score will be used to exclude some who would otherwise have got in. Therefore make sure you take the time to practise before the exam. (LNAT preparation) Standard Offers & Admissions ProceduresThe following is a table of standard university offers for *LLB degrees for 2007 entry, sorted in points order, taken from UCAS 2007 entry website. It must be noted that institutions with a points score, maybe, or are willing to accept subjects including General Studies and Critical Thinking. It is advised you research further prior to applying. In addition, please note that TSR user input is typically not verified from an official source, and may be speculative.
AAA
AAA-AAB
AAB-ABB
BBB
BBC and Below
UnknownPlease feel free to move these to the correct section if you know where they belong Law in Scotland List of Standard OffersUniversity of AberdeenABBBB - AABB (higher), BBB (Advanced Higher) Highers required at one sitting are AABB or ABBBB. Those seeking to qualify over two sittings must normally get H at BBBB at first sitting, and over two sittings must aggregate not less than AABBB or ABBBBB. In either case, applicants must have achieved B in Higher English. University of Abertay DundeeHigher BBBB Higher English at grade B is required. University of Dundee264 - 312 Points 4 Highers totalling 264 points (Grades AABB) or 5 Highers totalling 312 points (Grades ABBBB) required University of EdinburghBBBB (higher) BBB(Advanced Higher) For a full list of approved subjects please refer to the undergraduate prospectus. Grades specified are for first sitting. Core Skills achievement is welcomed but is not part of the formal assessment of applications. higher English at Grade B is required. University of GlasgowAAAAB (higher) Higher English and LNAT is required. Glasgow Caledonian UniversityAABBB (higher) Higher English is required. Napier University240 points (Higher BBBB) higher English is required. Robert Gordon UniversityBBBB (higher) Must have Higher English at Grade B. University of StirlingAABB (higher) Must be taken in one sitting. The University of StrathclydeAAAAB (higher) Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications. Must include Higher English and be sat in one year. More Highers are needed if taken over two years. Law Open Days 2006University of Abertay Dundee - 28 June 2006 11-4PM The University of Wales, Aberystwyth - Wednesday 5th July 2006 Anglia Ruskin University – 24th June, 14th October 2006 University of Wales, Bangor - 8 July 2006 The University of Birmingham - Friday 23rd June 2006 (10am - 3.30pm). Bournemouth University - Saturday 24th June, Wednesday 20th September, Saturday 21st October, Saturday 11th November 2006 The University of Bradford – 1st July, 7th October 2006 University of Bristol - Thursday 29 June 2006 Brunel University - Tuesday 20th June 2006, Friday 8th September 2006 The University of Buckingham – “do not have official open days but are happy to show prospective students, their parents, teachers and other guests around the University on an individual basis” University of Cambridge – Law Department open day – 5th July 2006. For college open days, see website. Cardiff University - Wednesday 25th April 2007 University of Central England in Birmingham - Wednesday 7th June 2006 University of Central Lancashire – depends on the campus. Campus tours every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon at 2:00pm University of Chester - Saturday 20th May 2006, 10am - 3pm, Chester Campus City University, London - Saturday 7th October 2006 Coventry University - Wednesday 5 July, Saturday 15 July, Saturday 16 September, Saturday 14 October, Saturday 28 October 2006 De Montfort University - Thursday 22 June and Saturday 16 September 2006 University of Derby - Saturday 24 June 2006, Saturday 14 October 2006, Wednesday 25 October 2006, Wednesday 15 November 2006, Saturday 9 December 2006 University of Dundee - 20 Sept 2006 Durham University - Thursday 31st August 2006 (booking required) University of East Anglia - Friday 7th July 2006, 7th October 2006 University of East London – Saturday 17th June 11am – 4pm (Docklands campus only) Edge Hill – 27th June, 19th August, 30th August The University of Essex – (site down, will post when available) The University of Exeter - Tuesday 20 June 2006, Saturday 16 September 2006 University of Glamorgan - Wednesday 5 July, Saturday 2 September, Wednesday 20 September The University of Gloucestershire – 20th May, 16th September University of Greenwich – see website http://www.gre.ac.uk/prospective/opendays/index.html for details - information days, open days, campus open days – so many to choose from! University of Hertfordshire - Saturday 7th October 2006, Sunday 8th October 2006 The University of Huddersfield - Wednesday 21st June 2006, 10am to 4pm The University of Hull - Saturday 1st July 2006, Saturday 7th October 2006 Keele University - Sunday 20 August 2006, Saturday 14 October 2006, Sunday 15 October 2006 The University of Kent - Saturday 8 July 2006, Saturday 7 October 2006 King's College London (KCL) - Friday 25th August, 12-5pm (booking required) Kingston University – 21st June, 7th October, 28th October, 11th November Lancaster University - Wednesday 23 August, 2006 and Saturday 23 September, 2006. University of Leeds - 23 June, 24 June and 07 September 2006 Leeds Metropolitan University – commencing in October 2006. Dates to be confirmed. University of Leicester - 5th July, 19th July, 26th July, 27th Sept, 7th Oct – booking required University of Lincoln - Saturday, 13th May 2006, Wednesday, 5th July 2006, Saturday, 30th September 2006, Saturday, 28th October 2006, Saturday, 25th November 2006 The University of Liverpool - Friday 30th June 2006 - 10.00 - 16.00, Saturday 30th September 2006 - times to be confirmed Liverpool John Moores University - 5 July 2006, 30 October 2006, 31 October 2006 London Metropolitan University – see website - http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/open-days/ lots to choose from! LSE (University of London) - Wednesday 28 June 2006, 10.00 - 16.30 University of Luton - Saturday 15 July 2006 The University of Manchester - Saturday 24th June, Monday 4th September, Saturday 7th October (10.00 - 16.00) The Manchester Metropolitan University - Wednesday 21st June 2006 - Manchester Campuses and Wednesday 28th June 2006 - Cheshire Campuses University of Newcastle Upon Tyne - Wednesday 28 June and Saturday 7 October 2006 (booking required) University of Northampton - Saturday June 24, Wednesday September 20, Saturday October 7, 2006, 10am - 3pm Northumbria University - Wednesday 28 June from 10.00am until 3.00pm. Taster courses 21st June. The University of Nottingham – 30th June, 1st July, 13th September Nottingham Trent University – Saturday 15th July, 16th September, 24th October Oxford University – see http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/opendays/open2.shtml Oxford Brookes University – 17th June 2006 University of Plymouth - Wednesday 21 June 2006 Queen Mary, University of London – March/April 2007, but campus tours are available at request. Queen's University Belfast - Thursday 7th and Friday 8th of September 2006 The University of Reading – 23rd and 24th June, 30th September 2006 The Robert Gordon University – Tuesday 3rd October 2006 School of Oriental and African Studies, London (SOAS) – 7th June 2006 The University of Sheffield – Law department: Saturday 17 June 2006, Tuesday 11 July 2006, Wednesday 12 July 2006, Monday 11 September 2006 Sheffield Hallam University - Sunday 25th June 2006, Saturday and Sunday 7th and 8th October 2006 University of Southampton – 10th June 2006 Staffordshire University – see website http://www.staffs.ac.uk/opendays/subject/bus_law/ University of Sunderland - Wednesday 28th June 2006, 9.00am-3.00pm and Thursday 24th August 2006, 9.00am-6.00pm University of Surrey - Wednesday 5th July, Saturday 9th September, Saturday 7th October, Wednesday 25th October 2006 University of Sussex - Saturday 17 June 2006 University of Wales Swansea - Friday 14 July, Friday 22 September, Saturday 21 October 2006 University of Teesside – see website http://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/whats_on/opendays.cfm Thames Valley University – see website http://www.tvu.ac.uk/prospective/Undergraduate/Open_days.jsp#6 University College London (UCL) - 12 and Wednesday 13 September 2006 The University of Warwick - Wednesday 27 September 2006 University of Westminster - Saturday 7 October, 11am - 4pm 2006 University of Wolverhampton – 24th June, 19th August, 15th September, 11th November 2006
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