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University of Law v BPP for the LLM LPC

Hi Guys.

I’ve just graduated with a 2:1 in LLB law.

I have a few questions surrounding going forward and want some first hand experience.

1. I’m considering the LLM LPC purely based on the funding option, however I’ve read that the LLM isnt really recognised ? So is there any point besides funding or would I be better in terms of career prospects sticking to the traditional LPC and separate LLM route?

2. Due to personal commitments I’d need to complete the course virtually. Would this have any affect on the quality of course deliverance or the overall award I achieved (would an online course be distinguished in anyway from the traditional teaching methods)?

3. Where’s better UoL or BPP? In terms of ranking, course deliverance, open/closed book assessment and quality of LLM achieved if wanted to specialise in the commercial/company sector ?
Original post by Casfra
Hi Guys.

I’ve just graduated with a 2:1 in LLB law.

I have a few questions surrounding going forward and want some first hand experience.

1. I’m considering the LLM LPC purely based on the funding option, however I’ve read that the LLM isnt really recognised ? So is there any point besides funding or would I be better in terms of career prospects sticking to the traditional LPC and separate LLM route?

2. Due to personal commitments I’d need to complete the course virtually. Would this have any affect on the quality of course deliverance or the overall award I achieved (would an online course be distinguished in anyway from the traditional teaching methods)?

3. Where’s better UoL or BPP? In terms of ranking, course deliverance, open/closed book assessment and quality of LLM achieved if wanted to specialise in the commercial/company sector ?

The LLM is just an add on which enables you to apply for postgraduate funding. Its basically just the LPC with an extra module and a research project. But it wouldn't be a CV booster, if that's what you're asking.

I can't answer all of your questions but I know from personal research that (3) BPP has closed book exams and ULaw has open book exams. I honestly don't think there's much to separate them in terms of course delivery/quality though.
Original post by Casfra
Hi Guys.

I’ve just graduated with a 2:1 in LLB law.

I have a few questions surrounding going forward and want some first hand experience.

1. I’m considering the LLM LPC purely based on the funding option, however I’ve read that the LLM isnt really recognised ? So is there any point besides funding or would I be better in terms of career prospects sticking to the traditional LPC and separate LLM route?

2. Due to personal commitments I’d need to complete the course virtually. Would this have any affect on the quality of course deliverance or the overall award I achieved (would an online course be distinguished in anyway from the traditional teaching methods)?

3. Where’s better UoL or BPP? In terms of ranking, course deliverance, open/closed book assessment and quality of LLM achieved if wanted to specialise in the commercial/company sector ?

Hi Casfra!

Firstly, congratulations on your 2:1! Well done!

So in answer to your questions:

1. Lots of people take the LLM option for funding but it is also useful if you wish to demonstrate to an employer that you have a particular interest in a certain area of law. For example, I have a family/education background but did a research project in a commercial law area to demonstrate that I was capable at adapting. The research projects can also be a great topic for discussion in interviews and a real chance to demonstrate a specialist knowledge.

2. There is no difference in the overall award between online and on campus awards. One is not more superior than the other. I can't speak of the quality of other courses but as student that studied virtually at two universities in law (under different jurisdictions), I can compare and say that there is no difference in quality for ULaw. I studied my Masters over 2 years and I can say that the online facilities took a serious jump up in the second year as ULaw brought in new systems. The system that you will be going into is really good and it is set up as a virtual campus. Next year, I know there are including more live sessions too for support.

3. I can't comment on BPP as I have never studied there but I'm sure someone will comment at some point. I can comment as a student of ULaw- I really enjoyed my time with ULaw (hence becoming an ambassador!). Assessment information can be found here: https://www.law.ac.uk/globalassets/13.-media--doc-repo/04.-students/programme-demands/pdf_students_programme-demands_lpc-msc-llm_ft.pdf. The course is delivered over a system called Elite so there will be on materials available to read online (and manuals that get sent to you), lectures to watch/read, tutorials, and online assessments (to test your own knowledge). As for ranking, check out sources such as: https://www.legalcheek.com/the-lpc-most-list/ and https://www.thelawyerportal.com/free-guides/lpc-legal-practice-course/lpc-course-comparison-table/.

Hope that helps!

Nic
Student Ambassador for the University of Law
Reply 3
Thank you so much guys that was really helpful! Let’s hope someone from BPP adds their insight :smile:
Nic is overblowing the value of the LLM. It's not a real degree and the "dissertation" is far shorter than a proper one. I've heard of very few instances where anyone has gotten any use out of it aside from the access to funding or visa eligibility.

BPP doesn't have paid student reps come into threads and advertise, so you won't get something from them in an official capacity, but as someone who went to BPP it's awful and ULaw is a better choice simply because it is slightly less awful. However, if you are trying to go into commercial law, I would recommend you don't self-fund at all and only do the LPC when you've secured a TC where the firm will pay for it for you.
Original post by Gmaster1980
Nic is overblowing the value of the LLM. It's not a real degree and the "dissertation" is far shorter than a proper one. I've heard of very few instances where anyone has gotten any use out of it aside from the access to funding or visa eligibility.

BPP doesn't have paid student reps come into threads and advertise, so you won't get something from them in an official capacity, but as someone who went to BPP it's awful and ULaw is a better choice simply because it is slightly less awful. However, if you are trying to go into commercial law, I would recommend you don't self-fund at all and only do the LPC when you've secured a TC where the firm will pay for it for you.

Although let's face it, no legal Masters qualification has real value to an aspiring solicitor beyond personal (having a personal interest in the subject). The only real exception to this is if you're wanting to get into a niche area and the degree would have some substantive usefulness.
Reply 6
Thank you! Can I ask what you found awful about BPP? @Gmaster1980
(edited 2 years ago)
Original post by Casfra
Thank you! Can I ask what you found awful about BPP? @Gmaster1980

Poorly organised, garbage communication, tutors don't care, expensive, the administration actively talks down to you and doesn't take issues seriously. BPP basically takes your money and offers you nothing. And before anyone implies I hated BPP because I did ****, I came 5th in my cohort, but that's because I taught myself the entire course because BPP couldn't be bothered.

ULaw isn't much better, but it's better than BPP for sure.
I agree with you my experience with BPP is in another level I have applied for LPC LLM part time that was suppose to start on February 2022 but somehow BPP enrollment team put my name on September 2021 season which I never agreed to. Meanwhile I have submitted my application on January 2022 and I was waiting for BPP response now BPP asking for payment that is due, and since January 2022 I been trying to contact them over the phone or email but no one comes up with any solution like why I been registered on September 2021 when I am suppose to start course on February session 2022 no one reply to this question if there is any February session 2022 at all. Or I was just misinformed don't know. This morning I have received a debt letter from a company names Oriel which says BPP demanding outstanding payment for the course that I never received. Anyone put light on this matter please reply or have you ever been face such experience please let me know.

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