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Thinking of studying Law with the Open University — need advice!

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some honest advice from people who have studied Law at the Open University or know the route well.

I’m currently working, and I live in the Northwest (UK). I’m doing a couple of apprenticeship applications at the moment for paralegal/legal admin roles because I’m really interested in law but don’t have A-levels — just GCSEs and two Level 3 qualifications (these are equivalent to A-levels, but I am aware some unis only take A-levels).

I’ve been thinking seriously about doing the LLB Law degree with the Open University. I like working independently, and I prefer studying in my own time, so the distance-learning thing doesn’t put me off too much. My worry is whether I’ll cope with the workload, whether it’s too hard without A-levels, and whether the OU law degree is respected enough to eventually qualify as a solicitor or something similar along those lines.

My long-term goal is to work in the legal field, maybe qualify later through the SQE, but I’m scared I might not be “smart enough” for a law degree. I keep hearing mixed things like “OU is fine” versus “you need a Russell Group to succeed,” and it’s confusing.

If anyone has:
• studied Law at the OU
• worked while studying
• qualified as a solicitor via the SQE after OU
• or has thoughts about OU

…I would really appreciate your honest experience. What’s the reality? How hard is the reading? Did you struggle at first? Does the degree hold up in the real world?

Any advice or reassurance would mean a lot. Thanks! 💛