The Student Room Group

Law - Sheffield or Birmingham?

I have offers from both University of Sheffield and the University of Birmingham. I'm more inclined towards Sheffield, but I don't want to make a decision that I might regret.

If anyone could tell me their personal experience with either of the unis, that would be great.
Currently, I am looking at:

- Course/Department quality
- Nightlife
- Opportunities after University
- Campus

Thank you!

Reply 1

Original post
by mblackkhart
I have offers from both University of Sheffield and the University of Birmingham. I'm more inclined towards Sheffield, but I don't want to make a decision that I might regret.
If anyone could tell me their personal experience with either of the unis, that would be great.
Currently, I am looking at:
- Course/Department quality
- Nightlife
- Opportunities after University
- Campus
Thank you!

Hi I was just wondering what is your GCSEs and a levels ? Also wha did your college based on for a level predictions so did you do as levels and mocks or end of year mocks or Jan mocks or as levels??

Sadly I got rejected for my Birmingham law.

Reply 2

Original post
by Logic1
Hi I was just wondering what is your GCSEs and a levels ? Also wha did your college based on for a level predictions so did you do as levels and mocks or end of year mocks or Jan mocks or as levels??
Sadly I got rejected for my Birmingham law.

Hi! I already made Sheffield my firm choice but my GCSEs were 9888887766 and my A level predictions were AAA plus an A with my EPQ

Reply 3

Jw but where else did you apply?

Reply 4

Original post
by FutureDOCC
Jw but where else did you apply?

This is super late, sorry but I applied to Swansea, East Anglia, and City of London!

Reply 5

Original post
by mblackkhart
Hi! I already made Sheffield my firm choice but my GCSEs were 9888887766 and my A level predictions were AAA plus an A with my EPQ

Hi, im in the exact same position you were in. Im between Sheffield and Birmingham for Law and im not sure which one to pick. Now that you have experienced Sheffield, do you enjoy it and do you wish you picked Birmingham?

Reply 6

Original post
by mblackkhart
I have offers from both University of Sheffield and the University of Birmingham. I'm more inclined towards Sheffield, but I don't want to make a decision that I might regret.
If anyone could tell me their personal experience with either of the unis, that would be great.
Currently, I am looking at:
- Course/Department quality
- Nightlife
- Opportunities after University
- Campus
Thank you!

which one did you end up picking!! i’m in the same predicament

Reply 7

Original post
by hali25
which one did you end up picking!! i’m in the same predicament


They firmed Sheffield! I’m in the same situation in choosing between Birmingham, Sheffield and LSE if I receive an offer from them
Original post
by mblackkhart
I have offers from both University of Sheffield and the University of Birmingham. I'm more inclined towards Sheffield, but I don't want to make a decision that I might regret.
If anyone could tell me their personal experience with either of the unis, that would be great.
Currently, I am looking at:
- Course/Department quality
- Nightlife
- Opportunities after University
- Campus
Thank you!

Hi, hope you’re well.

Firstly, congratulations. Those are two very strong offers, and you genuinely are not choosing between a good and a bad option. Both Sheffield and Birmingham are Russell Group universities with respected law schools. In terms of course and department quality, both are academically strong. Birmingham has a particularly established reputation in Law and strong links within the Midlands legal market. Sheffield is also highly regarded and often praised for its supportive teaching and student satisfaction.

From a purely academic perspective, you would receive a solid legal education at either. With regards to nightlife and student experience, Sheffield is generally described as a true student city. The student presence is quite noticeable and has a lively atmosphere. Birmingham is a larger and more varied city, and as such, there is much more variety in terms of restaurants and other activities and opportunities, but the student experience is slightly less concentrated. With regards to post-university opportunities, both universities have good graduate outcomes.

Birmingham is particularly well-positioned for those considering a career in commercial law or in regional firms because of its position as one of the largest legal centres outside of London. However, in terms of employer connections for Sheffield, you may have to travel depending on your aspirations. With regards to campus life, Birmingham has a traditional red brick campus with a strong university feel. Sheffield is integrated into the city but still has a cohesive student feel. Since you are already leaning towards Sheffield, reflect on why. If you felt more comfortable there or connected more with the environment, that is important.

You are more likely to perform well and enjoy your degree where you feel settled. Both choices can lead to strong outcomes. The key is choosing the environment where you believe you will thrive academically and personally.

Kind regards,

Faith

ULaw Ambassador and MA Law (Conversion) Student
Hi @sophiew555 and @hali25,

Hey! I’m a current Sheffield student, so I can offer you some insight. Of course, a lot comes down to personal preference, but overall, Sheffield is a fantastic city. It combines both city life and green spaces, with the Peak District just a short distance away, alongside a great nightlife scene.

The campus itself is really good, and the Students' Union is fantastic with events, gigs, nightlife, student support and more. There’s a great range of accommodation too. Endcliffe and Ranmoor are really studenty, especially for first years, with shops, bars, a gym, study areas, and a real sense of community, all just a short walk from campus. There’s also city accommodation slightly closer to the centre, which is another great option - Accommodation.

Pastoral and teaching support is strong. I don’t study Law myself, but you can chat with some current Law students here if you want specific course insight. There are also opportunities for Placement and Year Abroad programmes, which are hugely popular.

Societies are endless, too. A great way to stay busy, meet new people, and try new things. What kind of things are you interested in: nature, sport, music or something else?

I’d highly recommend visiting Sheffield on an Offer Holder Day if you can; it really helped me decide what I wanted from a university. I am more than happy to answer any other questions!

Best of luck choosing! 😄

Mia
BSc Biomedical Science
University of Sheffield

Reply 10

Hi guys. I’m deciding between the two as well. Would anyone be able to comment on the feels I picked up on the offer holder days?

Sheffield was a lot more studenty, with a big emphasis on human rights / equality research (it was mostly those on that board), very supportive and student focused. A lot more contact between students and professors.

Birmingham felt a lot calmer (but not sure if that was because the campus was empty on Saturday), individual based, focused more on graduate prospects than the degree itself (made you feel as though it was the best for finding placements and work experience as it’s such a big city). I really liked the lecture style though.

My issue with deciding between the two is that the offer holder day at Birmingham felt a lot more constructive, with a really informative and well delivered lecture. That’s definitely what I want (as I haven’t had a good experience with teaching in sixth form), but I have always preferred Sheffield in the past and would if not for the fact that there was no real example of a lecture.

Not sure which to pick really. Any suggestions?

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