Starting PGDL at 48....

Hi,
Only just spotted this, dont use the site much anymore.
Short answer, yes I did start PGDL ! Started in Jan this year, doing part time weekend course at ULAW.
I made decision about a year ago. Had originally planned to start Sept 2022 but wound up on a major project which was going to take a lot of weekends to end of 2022.
Some ups and downs, got made redundant in Nov 2022 which really sealed the deal to want to start in Jan. I really wasn't enjoying IT so it was difficult to get motivated to apply for roles. However, near the end of my notice period the business side of my last project had a short term contract open up to end 2023 so that has suited me fine. 1. taking the pressure of finding a job and 2. getting some proper client facing business experience.
But onto what you want to know, how I'm finding the course. Main point- don't let age distract you. I am one of the oldest in my class of 20 but a good spread of ages from mid-20's up to late-40's. The class are a lovely bunch and we pull each other through the classes. There's less academic competition compared to undergrad. We share notes, hints, tips, ping each other when moots or side lectures come up etc. The university support system has been good, especially speaking to careers advisors. Very positive in terms of what older folk bring to table. The age factor has become one of my least worries. Join the Legal Cheek seminars on employment and career changing as they get some top notch recruiters from major firms. Got some really positive advice/
Under no illusions this is just a step and the slog for applying training contracts is yet to start.
If you go down this route don't underestimate the workload. I'm constantly chipping away at the reading. The bulk of the learning is self-guided using books and online material, then in-person workshops covering 4 units every 3-4 weeks. I find the weekends preceding the workshops are more or less tied up reading in prep. Then filling in gaps in the weekday evenings. But having a full time job means brain fried most evenings so not productive.
ULAW reckons its 25hrs studying per week. A slight exaggeration but not by much ! Only on one occasion was I not prepred for a workshop and I got no benefit. So now if I struggle for time I make sure I've had at least a cursory glance to participate. It's worth the effort as the benefit in being able to have meaningful discussions really consolidates the knowledge.
I was dithering between bar and solicitor but leaning towards solicitor. That decision may be made for me as I have no time to do the practice moots etc.
I'm now considering changing to do MA in law. It's simply a bolt on unit at end of the PGDL so if I dont wind up practicing I'll have a solid qualification to break into the legal world in a different role.
DM me if you want to discuss more.

Hello,
I'm sorry to come to this thread a bit late but I found the discussion interesting as I'm in a similar position.
Your rationale for switching from PGDL to MA Law is interesting as I hadn't had this thought before. Can I ask, did you end up making that switch and was it easy enough to do given the program's are largely identical, aside from a final dissertation, or is it administratively difficult? I understand that there would be a tuition fee difference to cover.
Many thanks