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Law Conversion - KCL or ULaw?

Hello,

I have received offers from both KCL and ULaw to study my law conversion course in September (Law & Professional Practice is the name of the course at King's).

I am aware that King's has an international reputation as a University, as well as the Dickson Poon Law School being well reputed, but does this matter when it comes to the conversion? Is there one that makes an applicant necessarily more desirable to employers or has significantly better teaching?

If it helps, subsidiary information is I am currently studying a BSc at the University of Warwick and averaging a decent first, so believe that the course's comparative difficulty will not be my biggest issue (though very much could be convinced otherwise!).

Many thanks.

Reply 1

Original post
by Deciss
Hello,
I have received offers from both KCL and ULaw to study my law conversion course in September (Law & Professional Practice is the name of the course at King's).
I am aware that King's has an international reputation as a University, as well as the Dickson Poon Law School being well reputed, but does this matter when it comes to the conversion? Is there one that makes an applicant necessarily more desirable to employers or has significantly better teaching?
If it helps, subsidiary information is I am currently studying a BSc at the University of Warwick and averaging a decent first, so believe that the course's comparative difficulty will not be my biggest issue (though very much could be convinced otherwise!).
Many thanks.

Hi there,

Great question, and congrats on two strong offers!

You're absolutely right that King’s College London (KCL), especially through the Dickson Poon School of Law, has a prestigious international reputation. This can carry weight in certain circles, particularly for students looking to impress in highly competitive international roles, or those applying to City firms that traditionally favour "elite" academic backgrounds. The Law & Professional Practice course at KCL is well-designed, integrating SQE1 prep and academic depth, which may appeal if you're also interested in the theoretical or research side of law.

That said, The University of Law (ULaw) is a specialist provider in legal education and has an outstanding reputation specifically for its conversion courses and SQE preparation. Many top law firms partner directly with ULaw to train their future trainees (including Magic Circle and large US firms), and the university's teaching is extremely practical, focused on legal skills, and geared towards employability. If your goal is to become a solicitor through the SQE route, ULaw arguably has the edge in terms of focused preparation, flexibility, and direct links to firms.

Teaching-wise, ULaw is highly structured and practical, with tutors who often have significant professional experience. KCL might offer a more academic and traditional approach, with prestige and breadth, but may not be quite as tailored to SQE outcomes.

Ultimately, if you're aiming for private practice and value hands-on support, employability training, and SQE-specific preparation, ULaw might offer more targeted value. If you’re leaning toward academia, policy, international organisations, or want a globally recognised university name on your CV, KCL’s prestige might be more advantageous.

Either way, you’re in a strong position it comes down to whether you prioritise prestige and academic breadth (KCL) or practical training and firm-facing preparation (ULaw). All the best!

M
LLB

Reply 2

OP, go KCL.

The poster above is paid to post here advertising the University of Law. It does not have an "outstanding reputation". It's a qualifications mill run for profit.

Reply 3

Original post
by Stiffy Byng
OP, go KCL.
The poster above is paid to post here advertising the University of Law. It does not have an "outstanding reputation". It's a qualifications mill run for profit.
What do you think its best for mature students?

I have a UCL undergraduate degree in Security and Intelligence related studies and I am considering of pivoting into law after working 4 years in the industry. ULAW seems more approachable to mature post students ( I am in my early 40s) is that so in your experience?

Thanks in advance

Reply 4

I refer to my previous post in this thread.

Reply 5

Original post
by Stiffy Byng
OP, go KCL.
The poster above is paid to post here advertising the University of Law. It does not have an "outstanding reputation". It's a qualifications mill run for profit.

Agreed.

I actually went to both (KCL for undergrad, Ulaw for Bar Course). KCL had a better teaching experience, and also generally has a better reputation.

Reply 6

Original post
by Deciss
Hello,
I have received offers from both KCL and ULaw to study my law conversion course in September (Law & Professional Practice is the name of the course at King's).
I am aware that King's has an international reputation as a University, as well as the Dickson Poon Law School being well reputed, but does this matter when it comes to the conversion? Is there one that makes an applicant necessarily more desirable to employers or has significantly better teaching?
If it helps, subsidiary information is I am currently studying a BSc at the University of Warwick and averaging a decent first, so believe that the course's comparative difficulty will not be my biggest issue (though very much could be convinced otherwise!).
Many thanks.
My cousin did her LLM in Intellectual Property Law at King's College London and it got her ahead in her career and she met so many international, EU, Non-EU member country students and of course home UK students.

Reply 7

Original post
by Deciss
Hello,
I have received offers from both KCL and ULaw to study my law conversion course in September (Law & Professional Practice is the name of the course at King's).
I am aware that King's has an international reputation as a University, as well as the Dickson Poon Law School being well reputed, but does this matter when it comes to the conversion? Is there one that makes an applicant necessarily more desirable to employers or has significantly better teaching?
If it helps, subsidiary information is I am currently studying a BSc at the University of Warwick and averaging a decent first, so believe that the course's comparative difficulty will not be my biggest issue (though very much could be convinced otherwise!).
Many thanks.

If your undergraduate is from a reputable university, I don't think this matters. Remember the major UK law firms use the University of Law and BPP to train their future trainees and fund their PGDL and SQE courses. Be careful about paying for extra things from universities that have no real value.

Reply 8

Original post
by Deciss
Hello,
I have received offers from both KCL and ULaw to study my law conversion course in September (Law & Professional Practice is the name of the course at King's).
I am aware that King's has an international reputation as a University, as well as the Dickson Poon Law School being well reputed, but does this matter when it comes to the conversion? Is there one that makes an applicant necessarily more desirable to employers or has significantly better teaching?
If it helps, subsidiary information is I am currently studying a BSc at the University of Warwick and averaging a decent first, so believe that the course's comparative difficulty will not be my biggest issue (though very much could be convinced otherwise!).
Many thanks.

Hi there,
I am wondering if you have an update on which option you ended up going for?
I have recently accepted an offer for the PGDip at KCL and I am really excited (if a bit apprehensive) for the experience!

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