This discussion is now closed.
Check out other Related discussions
- can i do a gdl and then a masters in either law or history (my undergrad)
- PPE then law conversion??
- law conversion course?
- can i convert a history degree into a law degree
- Funding for Cambridge BA Law with affiliated status
- Politics degree then Law GDL
- Is uni of law manchester or MMU law better?
- non law degree, interested in becoming a barrister
- Cambridge Law Interview Prep
- MA LAW v. Graduate LLB
- Law Degree or History Degree with GDL?
- Ucl clearing 2025
- Law Conversion after non-Law degrees
- Becoming a barrister as a non-law student?
- PPE vs Law degree
- Uni Choice Advice
- Law degree or gdl?
- LPC grad with no Law Training Contract but have a Tax TC with a BIG4 firm
- Masters degree - converting to law
- Feels like my life is over
GDL at The College of Law versus MMU – help needed.
I have somewhat of a dilemma. I applied to the College of Law, Chester and Manchester Metropolitan University to do the GDL and got accepted by both. Before I applied, I went to an open evening at MMU and was determined that if an offer were to be made, I would accept. Once I had received an offer from MMU, I went to a second open evening a fortnight ago which wasn’t as well organised as the first one, but I was nonetheless intent on accepting my offer.
However, in an attempt to reassure myself that I had made the right choice in MMU, I decided to book a campus visit at the College of Law in Chester expecting it not to even dent my enthusiasm for MMU. To my pleasant surprise, I was bowled over by the College of Law; it has a great campus and fantastic facilities, all in beautiful surroundings. This has given me somewhat of problem, however. Which one do I accept?
MMU has a good regional reputation and offers the GDL, LPC and BVC. The course fees are £3,600 – which is cheap and I could live at home. However, it does suffer by being branded as MMU (locally known as Mickey Mouse University). And as I said, it has good regional reputation, but does it get you very far south of Stoke-on-Trent?
The College of Law is renowned, and to many it is almost synonymous with vocational legal education. The fees are expensive at £6,020 and I would have to live in Chester. With fees, rent and living costs, I would be looking at in excess of £10,000 for the year. Having said that, I just prefer it, and I’m not too keen on moving back in with my parents at the age of twenty-two.
I suppose it boils down to this: is it worth paying the extra to go to the College of Law as opposed to MMU? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I’m currently in my last year at the University of Manchester reading Politics and I’m aiming for a 2:1.
Thanks.
However, in an attempt to reassure myself that I had made the right choice in MMU, I decided to book a campus visit at the College of Law in Chester expecting it not to even dent my enthusiasm for MMU. To my pleasant surprise, I was bowled over by the College of Law; it has a great campus and fantastic facilities, all in beautiful surroundings. This has given me somewhat of problem, however. Which one do I accept?
MMU has a good regional reputation and offers the GDL, LPC and BVC. The course fees are £3,600 – which is cheap and I could live at home. However, it does suffer by being branded as MMU (locally known as Mickey Mouse University). And as I said, it has good regional reputation, but does it get you very far south of Stoke-on-Trent?
The College of Law is renowned, and to many it is almost synonymous with vocational legal education. The fees are expensive at £6,020 and I would have to live in Chester. With fees, rent and living costs, I would be looking at in excess of £10,000 for the year. Having said that, I just prefer it, and I’m not too keen on moving back in with my parents at the age of twenty-two.
I suppose it boils down to this: is it worth paying the extra to go to the College of Law as opposed to MMU? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I’m currently in my last year at the University of Manchester reading Politics and I’m aiming for a 2:1.
Thanks.
Reply 1
I personally would go for the CoL (Chester), simply because it has a better reputation and unfortunately, many lawyers still recruit partly by reputation rather than wholly by merit. That said, the reason CoL has such an excellent reputation is because it is good (I've talked to people who do it, they say they have to work incredibly hard but it's worth it because you get schooled intensely in law).
Law is an expensive business, no doubt about it; but the extra fees will get you a better education - plus if you do your GDL and LPC/BVC at CoL, they give you an LLB, which is a nod by the privy council towards how tough it is. Once you actually have a job as a lawyer, it won't take you too long to pay back any outstanding debts/borrowings - you need to focus on the end result rather than the intermediaries.
NatWest offer a Professional Lending scheme btw - up to 25k over two years. Look into it for money matters.
Law is an expensive business, no doubt about it; but the extra fees will get you a better education - plus if you do your GDL and LPC/BVC at CoL, they give you an LLB, which is a nod by the privy council towards how tough it is. Once you actually have a job as a lawyer, it won't take you too long to pay back any outstanding debts/borrowings - you need to focus on the end result rather than the intermediaries.
NatWest offer a Professional Lending scheme btw - up to 25k over two years. Look into it for money matters.
Reply 2
I had a similar dilemma to the OP, although I had to choose between Bristol, MMU and the College of Law at York for the LPC. I opted for the latter, mainly for the same reasons that the OP cited.
I admit, that I am a tad worried about financing the course and living fees with a loan, but like the person who posted before me said, hopefully the College of Law, with its extensive contacts, will help to secure a TC for me. I'd rather be worried about financing the course at the LPC than worrying about whether I will get a TC after the LPC. I feel that studying at the College of Law eradicates the latter somewhat.
I admit, that I am a tad worried about financing the course and living fees with a loan, but like the person who posted before me said, hopefully the College of Law, with its extensive contacts, will help to secure a TC for me. I'd rather be worried about financing the course at the LPC than worrying about whether I will get a TC after the LPC. I feel that studying at the College of Law eradicates the latter somewhat.
Reply 3
lordjad
OP
Thanks for the replies.
I think I’m going to go with the College of Law. After careful consideration I have decided that even though MMU has good reputation for the GDL, and I’m sure it would provide me with a robust and rigorous education, I would just feel more confident applying to firms from the College of Law as opposed to MMU.
In many ways I’m disappointed with myself in capitulating to snobbery. But I am realistic enough to realise that snobbery is to the law as the clap is to a brothel – rife.
The question of financing, however, is the only stumbling block. The College of Law at Chester charge £2,220 more than MMU; with living expenses added on, I’ll need to raise over £10,000 for the year. I am aware of the Natwest loan (thanks, Crimson Black), but will £25,000 be enough? If you take into account GDL fees, rent, other living costs, and not withstanding the possibility of acquiring support from a firm, LPC fees, I can’t see how one would be expected to make £25,000 last over two years. My parents support me every bit of the way, but they’re not in a position to give me any financial assistance, and I wouldn’t want them too, either. What I think I might do is book an appointment with my bank (The Royal Bank of Scotland) to see if they can better Natwest’s offer (not very expectantly as they’re one and the same).
I’m starting to become very apprehensive about the whole thing now. Will the work, financial worry and uncertain future be worth it? In my case, it can’t afford not to be.
I think I’m going to go with the College of Law. After careful consideration I have decided that even though MMU has good reputation for the GDL, and I’m sure it would provide me with a robust and rigorous education, I would just feel more confident applying to firms from the College of Law as opposed to MMU.
In many ways I’m disappointed with myself in capitulating to snobbery. But I am realistic enough to realise that snobbery is to the law as the clap is to a brothel – rife.
The question of financing, however, is the only stumbling block. The College of Law at Chester charge £2,220 more than MMU; with living expenses added on, I’ll need to raise over £10,000 for the year. I am aware of the Natwest loan (thanks, Crimson Black), but will £25,000 be enough? If you take into account GDL fees, rent, other living costs, and not withstanding the possibility of acquiring support from a firm, LPC fees, I can’t see how one would be expected to make £25,000 last over two years. My parents support me every bit of the way, but they’re not in a position to give me any financial assistance, and I wouldn’t want them too, either. What I think I might do is book an appointment with my bank (The Royal Bank of Scotland) to see if they can better Natwest’s offer (not very expectantly as they’re one and the same).
I’m starting to become very apprehensive about the whole thing now. Will the work, financial worry and uncertain future be worth it? In my case, it can’t afford not to be.
Reply 5
lordjad
Thanks for the replies.
I think I’m going to go with the College of Law. After careful consideration I have decided that even though MMU has good reputation for the GDL, and I’m sure it would provide me with a robust and rigorous education, I would just feel more confident applying to firms from the College of Law as opposed to MMU.
In many ways I’m disappointed with myself in capitulating to snobbery. But I am realistic enough to realise that snobbery is to the law as the clap is to a brothel – rife.
The question of financing, however, is the only stumbling block. The College of Law at Chester charge £2,220 more than MMU; with living expenses added on, I’ll need to raise over £10,000 for the year. I am aware of the Natwest loan (thanks, Crimson Black), but will £25,000 be enough? If you take into account GDL fees, rent, other living costs, and not withstanding the possibility of acquiring support from a firm, LPC fees, I can’t see how one would be expected to make £25,000 last over two years. My parents support me every bit of the way, but they’re not in a position to give me any financial assistance, and I wouldn’t want them too, either. What I think I might do is book an appointment with my bank (The Royal Bank of Scotland) to see if they can better Natwest’s offer (not very expectantly as they’re one and the same).
I’m starting to become very apprehensive about the whole thing now. Will the work, financial worry and uncertain future be worth it? In my case, it can’t afford not to be.
I think I’m going to go with the College of Law. After careful consideration I have decided that even though MMU has good reputation for the GDL, and I’m sure it would provide me with a robust and rigorous education, I would just feel more confident applying to firms from the College of Law as opposed to MMU.
In many ways I’m disappointed with myself in capitulating to snobbery. But I am realistic enough to realise that snobbery is to the law as the clap is to a brothel – rife.
The question of financing, however, is the only stumbling block. The College of Law at Chester charge £2,220 more than MMU; with living expenses added on, I’ll need to raise over £10,000 for the year. I am aware of the Natwest loan (thanks, Crimson Black), but will £25,000 be enough? If you take into account GDL fees, rent, other living costs, and not withstanding the possibility of acquiring support from a firm, LPC fees, I can’t see how one would be expected to make £25,000 last over two years. My parents support me every bit of the way, but they’re not in a position to give me any financial assistance, and I wouldn’t want them too, either. What I think I might do is book an appointment with my bank (The Royal Bank of Scotland) to see if they can better Natwest’s offer (not very expectantly as they’re one and the same).
I’m starting to become very apprehensive about the whole thing now. Will the work, financial worry and uncertain future be worth it? In my case, it can’t afford not to be.
Well... I'd find 25k enough over two years I think: with a bit of commercial nous (which as a prospective lawyer you're expected to have!
) you can make it go a long way by investments in ISAs (equity if you're feeling adventurous) and funds, and living off the income produced (c.7k for GDL fees, then around 5k or so for rent, put the rest in an accessible ISA and live frugally off the interest rate produced by 13k of money, which on a 5% fixed interest rate would be 650 pounds, and after that dip into the 13k itself). Allow a direct transfer of money from the ISA to your current account every month - just enough to cover rent and food. You wouldn't be able to crack open a bottle of champagne every night mind. Obvious points for saving would be to find cheap rent, or if any of your parents or relatives own property where you want to study, badger them into giving you subsidised rent. 
Have you ever tried doing the "own brand step-down" test? Buy a brand (like beans) that are lower (ie. cheaper) than the kind you usually get. If you can't consciously taste the difference, then win. Of course, the above mentioned would only be feasible for the most cash-strapped person. Perhaps you can persuade your bank to lend you more. Definitely barter with them for an interest-free overdraft (if you haven't done so already). Also, have a serious talk with your parents about how much they can support you. At the very least, ask if they can be your safety net should you need emergency funds.
Unfortunately entry to law is heavily restricted by those who can afford to go into it - itself a vicious cycle - but imagine if it wasn't as prohibitive cost-wise... you'd have ever man and his dog applying. The places that do the GDL discourage from part-time jobbing too, given the heavy workload, but I daresay that would be something you could do if push comes to shove. Definitely work full-time over the summer (and any holiday), importantly: put any immediate savings you make into an ISA, save buying that 42" TV for another day. Apply for a scholarship or bursary where you can.
It'll all be worth it once you get a TC and actually go into employment after riding out the GDL/LPC. Everyone's in the same boat, and you're not paying the extortionate fees for nothing: CoL offer an excellent careers advice service - which will include financial advice.
Also small tip regarding shopping: TSR user "Thud" - you might know her - claims her monthly food shopping bill comes to 15 pounds, and eats well. PM her and ask her her secrets to extreme frugality.
On a side not: I'm slightly disappointed you believe that you've given into going to CoL for the sake of reputation. The CoL has it's reputation because it is one of the best (alongside Nottingham, BPP, and City); you're not just paying for a name, just like if went to Oxford, you're not just there for the name: you'll be getting better teaching too. I can appreciate you being apprehensive; I am too - for all but the most monied families, going into law is one big gamble that only pays off after a long, hard graft (and not even then, but I like to ignore the scaremongers.
).Whatever you do, good luck!
Crimson Black
Well... I'd find 25k enough over two years I think: with a bit of commercial nous (which as a prospective lawyer you're expected to have! ) you can make it go a long way by investments in ISAs (equity if you're feeling adventurous) and funds, and living off the income produced (c.7k for GDL fees, then around 5k or so for rent, put the rest in an accessible ISA and live frugally off the interest rate produced by 13k of money, which on a 5% fixed interest rate would be 650 pounds, and after that dip into the 13k itself). Allow a direct transfer of money from the ISA to your current account every month - just enough to cover rent and food.
) you can make it go a long way by investments in ISAs (equity if you're feeling adventurous) and funds, and living off the income produced (c.7k for GDL fees, then around 5k or so for rent, put the rest in an accessible ISA and live frugally off the interest rate produced by 13k of money, which on a 5% fixed interest rate would be 650 pounds, and after that dip into the 13k itself). Allow a direct transfer of money from the ISA to your current account every month - just enough to cover rent and food.OH NO! Don't do this! Draw the Natwest loan as and when you need it. If you take it as one lump sum the interest you will end up paying on it will far outweigh any interest you are going to make on an investment in an ISA. ISAs are normally very limited in the amount you can put in them anyway.
You are probably going to have to get a part time job at some point. There is little chance of you paying for both sets of fees, rent for two years and living expenses on £25k. But particularly during the elective term of the LPC you will be able to work without disrupting the course as the course is minimal.
Reply 7
I agree with the above poster. The last time I got an ISA renewal form, the most anyone could put in was £3,000. Also, I'm sure that there are stipulations with what you use the College of Law Natwest loan for - I'm sure a decent proportion has to be related to your course, and not invested in ISA's, shares etc.
I'd seriously consider living at home if I were you. CoL is pretty good (i've done my GDL and LPC with them) but at the Chester branch they will specialise in local high street/regional vacancies. With a 2.1 from Manchester you can afford to aim higher than that and it -reaaaaaally- doesn't matter a whole lot where you do your GDL. I would definetly say there is very little prestige attached to where you do this course and no decent firm is going to reject you for going to MMU, it is exactly the same thing wherever you go. It really is madness to spend an extra 6k just for the CoL name.
Reply 9
My wife has the NatWest loan, and is paying something like 8%, so it's absolutely not a good idea to take it all out and put it in an ISA. We're not talking about the student loan here!
Personally, I don't think the institution's reputation matters an enormous amount for the GDL. The LPC perhaps, but the GDL's just for getting you onto the LPC, and LPC providers aren't nearly as snobbish as firms about where you studied! The CoL is worth going to for the LPC though. And I agree with Crimson Black that the CoL's excellent careers centre is a factor - obviously totally law-focused, whereas I expect MMU will probably just have a law specialist in their general careers advisory service.
Personally, I don't think the institution's reputation matters an enormous amount for the GDL. The LPC perhaps, but the GDL's just for getting you onto the LPC, and LPC providers aren't nearly as snobbish as firms about where you studied! The CoL is worth going to for the LPC though. And I agree with Crimson Black that the CoL's excellent careers centre is a factor - obviously totally law-focused, whereas I expect MMU will probably just have a law specialist in their general careers advisory service.
Reply 10
Since when can you put that much money into an ISA in one tax year? What a pile of trash. In the tax year 08-09 (starting on April 5) the maximum that any individual can put into an ISA is 3.6k for a cash ISA or 7.something for an equity ISA (which works in a different way which I don't fully understand). I would draw it as you go.
As for living off 25k for 2 years, crikey it's easy! OK so you have to take your fees out but you can always get a PT job or something even for a few hours a week to make a little extra spending money if needed. The GDL and LPC are tough courses, but they aren't going to stop you working a couple of nights a week in a bar or something.
As for living off 25k for 2 years, crikey it's easy! OK so you have to take your fees out but you can always get a PT job or something even for a few hours a week to make a little extra spending money if needed. The GDL and LPC are tough courses, but they aren't going to stop you working a couple of nights a week in a bar or something.
Reply 11
I had to make this decision this year too - but we'll learn the same thing wherever we choose. I had to pick between the CoL, BPP and Swansea. Money was the deciding factor. As long as the teachers at MMU are even half-decent most of the work will be up to us anyway...
And I agree with everyone else about the ISA idea - don't do it!
And I agree with everyone else about the ISA idea - don't do it!
Related discussions
- can i do a gdl and then a masters in either law or history (my undergrad)
- PPE then law conversion??
- law conversion course?
- can i convert a history degree into a law degree
- Funding for Cambridge BA Law with affiliated status
- Politics degree then Law GDL
- Is uni of law manchester or MMU law better?
- non law degree, interested in becoming a barrister
- Cambridge Law Interview Prep
- MA LAW v. Graduate LLB
- Law Degree or History Degree with GDL?
- Ucl clearing 2025
- Law Conversion after non-Law degrees
- Becoming a barrister as a non-law student?
- PPE vs Law degree
- Uni Choice Advice
- Law degree or gdl?
- LPC grad with no Law Training Contract but have a Tax TC with a BIG4 firm
- Masters degree - converting to law
- Feels like my life is over
Latest
Trending
Last reply 3 days ago
CPS Pupillage/Legal Trainee Scheme (Oct 2026) Start!Last reply 2 weeks ago
Optimum time to start Barrister Training Course (Jan or Sept)?Last reply 1 month ago
Realistic Chances of Solicitor or Barrister - Legal Journey.Last reply 1 month ago
GDL Scholarship from an Inn of Court - Do you need to secure a place first?Last reply 2 months ago
CPS Legal Trainee Scheme 2025 (start October 2026)Last reply 4 months ago
Bar Training Course (BPC, BVS, BPTC) - the best university?
