Hi everyone, hope you're doing well. I'm a 26-year-old mature student from Bangladesh, and I’m seriously considering enrolling in the CertHE in Common Law through the University of London’s international program.
I don’t have O or A Levels, and I haven’t followed the typical academic route. However, I’ve always been passionate about law and social justice, and I’m now at a point in life where I want to pursue this seriously — even if it’s unconventional.
The CertHE seems like an alternative entry route into the LLB, but I’m facing a lot of confusion, especially since my background is non-traditional. I’d be truly grateful if anyone who has gone through this could help answer some questions:
1. Is it realistic to be accepted into CertHE without O/A Levels, as long as I'm motivated and ready to self-study?
2. Once completed, will I be able to directly enter the second year of the full LLB (Hons)? Does it truly function as an equivalent to the first year?
3. How challenging is it for someone with no prior legal education or formal academic background?
4. Can I study privately without a recognized teaching centre? Or would that be too difficult to manage alone?
5. What’s the reputation and long-term value of the CertHE route? Especially for someone hoping to become a lawyer or pursue postgraduate law later on?
I want to take this path seriously, not just as a certificate but as a way to build a career in law and justice. Any advice, warnings, or encouragement from students who've done this would mean a lot to me.
Thanks in advance