Any benefits of doing a PDGL at a particular place?

So I'm about to go into my third year at university and have decided I want to be a solicitor. When I get round to applying to study a PGDL I was wondering whether I go for University of Law or KCL's Law & Professional Practice (London location is best for me). Has anyone studied at either place? From doing research, KCL holds more prestige and is more 'academic' but is apparently incredibly difficult to achieve high grades in. On the other hand, ULaw's main critiques seem to be that it's just a factory of sorts ticking a box for you, but is cheaper and gets the job done.

Does anyone know if one or the other prepares you better for the SQE? Is there any difference at all? I've been told it really doesn't matter where I go but I just want to check and consider all my options before I choose. I just want something that feels semi-structured with good quality teaching.

Reply 1

UniofLawstudent3

Official Rep

Original post

by enmc

So I'm about to go into my third year at university and have decided I want to be a solicitor. When I get round to applying to study a PGDL I was wondering whether I go for University of Law or KCL's Law & Professional Practice (London location is best for me). Has anyone studied at either place? From doing research, KCL holds more prestige and is more 'academic' but is apparently incredibly difficult to achieve high grades in. On the other hand, ULaw's main critiques seem to be that it's just a factory of sorts ticking a box for you, but is cheaper and gets the job done.
Does anyone know if one or the other prepares you better for the SQE? Is there any difference at all? I've been told it really doesn't matter where I go but I just want to check and consider all my options before I choose. I just want something that feels semi-structured with good quality teaching.

Hi,

I'm a current student at the University of Law! Law firms do not mind where you do a law conversion course, as it is highly regulated and assessed the same way wherever you take it. Those who fund their future trainees through it will generally send them to places like the University of Law (which is my position) - this is the same for the SQE. Attending ULaw therefore gives you proximity to partner law firms which will host events directly with the university as well as access to a network of students with training contracts who can help you to improve your applications!

In terms of SQE preparation, I found the conversion course at ULaw great! Again, the content of the course is likely to be the same wherever you take it, but ULaw had a great focus on exam technique whilst developing critical analysis skills. The ULaw conversion courses all include SBAQ practice from day 1, which is exactly how the SQE1 exam is assessed. Each module is structured well, with pre-reading, class group work and consolidation tasks every week that help you keep track of your progress. I have really enjoyed my classes and found the teachers to be very receptive to questions and willing to provide extra help with difficult topics.

I would recommend booking a campus tour at Moorgate (our fully postgraduate campus) or Bloomsbury (our mixed undergraduate and postgraduate campus) and registering for a postgraduate open day to meet our teachers and have more of your questions answered!

I hope this helps!
Layla
SQE LLM student

Reply 2

King_George_Weah

Another ULaw student here. I believe my fellow ULaw colleague above said what I would have said: it doesn't really matter where you did your PGDL given they're assessed in the same way. Focus on getting good grades is all I'd say.