University of Law Question

Hi everyone,

I currently hold an offer to study at the University of Law PGDL course, and I've had a lot of conflicting reviews on it.

On one hand I saw that the negative reviews on Google that there are serious administration issues and an apparent lack of customer service support due to it being a for-profit university, which is backed up by personal experiences shared with me.

However on the other hand, I've discussed with people who took the course or at least attended the University branch I'm interested in (London Moorgate) and they recommended taking the course for someone in my position (non-law graduate), as it has a good enough reputation among law firms, many of which are affiliated with them.

What I'm interested in is why are many law firms associated with a for-profit university like University of Law and how does a prospective student get a good return on investment on it if they want to study there? Or does anyone have any information that might say otherwise?

For context, I don't have competitive A-Level grades, and received a 2.1 in a non-law degree that ended up being a negative return on investment. I want to try and make the most out of my education this time, and I want to make the right choice, and would really appreciate any advice! I also have the impression that the name/prestige of a university plays a significant role when starting out a legal career, and was wondering how important that is? Because how well would a University of Law PGDL look on my CV compared to somewhere that might offer a similar education but with more 'prestige'?

Any thoughts, opinions and advice would mean a lot!

(edited 4 months ago)

Reply 1

Stiffy Byng

To be blunt, the UoL is a qualifications mill. It's not a university led by scholarship. But law firms and chambers don't really care where you do the PGDL.

Reply 2

UniofLaw Student

Official Rep

Original post by dt934

Hi everyone,
I currently hold an offer to study at the University of Law PGDL course, and I've had a lot of conflicting reviews on it.
On one hand I saw that the negative reviews on Google that there are serious administration issues and an apparent lack of customer service support due to it being a for-profit university, which is backed up by personal experiences shared with me.
However on the other hand, I've discussed with people who took the course or at least attended the University branch I'm interested in (London Moorgate) and they recommended taking the course for someone in my position (non-law graduate), as it has a good enough reputation among law firms, many of which are affiliated with them.
What I'm interested in is why are many law firms associated with a for-profit university like University of Law and how does a prospective student get a good return on investment on it if they want to study there? Or does anyone have any information that might say otherwise?
For context, I don't have competitive A-Level grades, and received a 2.1 in a non-law degree that ended up being a negative return on investment. I want to try and make the most out of my education this time, and I want to make the right choice, and would really appreciate any advice! I also have the impression that the name/prestige of a university plays a significant role when starting out a legal career, and was wondering how important that is? Because how well would a University of Law PGDL look on my CV compared to somewhere that might offer a similar education but with more 'prestige'?
Any thoughts, opinions and advice would mean a lot!

Hey there,

I totally understand where you’re coming from with all the conflicting reviews. It’s definitely important to weigh all factors when making such a big decision, especially with something as important as your legal education and future career.

First off, regarding the concerns around administration issues and customer service at the University of Law, some students have mentioned frustrations in the past. While it’s not perfect, most students find that the course content itself and the professional support from tutors and the employability team are positive aspects. The administration seems to vary depending on the campus, but they typically respond within 2 to 5 days, so it’s worth being patient or following up if needed.

As for why law firms partner with a for-profit university like ULaw, it’s because of the strong links ULaw has with many firms and its focus on practical, career-oriented courses. ULaw is all about getting students into the legal profession, and its network provides valuable opportunities, even though it’s a for-profit university. For non-law grads, the emphasis is on teaching practical skills that employers want, like pro bono work and placements, rather than just prestige. It’s less about rankings and more about how well UoL prepares you for the job market.

Now, regarding prestige—it does play a role, but it’s not the only thing. The PGDL at ULaw will give you the skills needed to move on to becoming a solicitor or barrister. Many firms consider your skills, experience, and motivation more than the name on your degree. ULaw provides plenty of opportunities to develop those through work experience and networking events, so it’s what you make of it.

As for the return on investment, it really comes down to how proactive you are. If you take full advantage of the employability services, build a network, and seek out internships or placements, the PGDL can help set you up for a successful legal career. Ultimately, it’s all about your commitment. Whatever uni you choose, putting in the effort and making the most of the resources available will help you get where you want to go.

Hope this helps, and good luck with your decision!