“Traditional” vs Private for Law Conversion
I have just graduated with a 2:1 bachelors, and am currently on a gap while I apply for 2026 intakes into a conversion course. I was wondering how much of a difference going to a more “traditional” university (i.e.. QM, Bristol), in comparison to a newer university like BPP or ULaw makes? How much does it matter if at all? Will going for the latter affect my chances post conversion? Thanks !!
Reply 1
Original post
by zap38I have just graduated with a 2:1 bachelors, and am currently on a gap while I apply for 2026 intakes into a conversion course. I was wondering how much of a difference going to a more “traditional” university (i.e.. QM, Bristol), in comparison to a newer university like BPP or ULaw makes? How much does it matter if at all? Will going for the latter affect my chances post conversion? Thanks !!
For most employers, especially after a conversion course, your grades, experience, and skills matter far more than whether the university is “traditional” or newer. Places like BPP and ULaw are well-established in the professional training route, so choosing them won’t harm your chances as long as the course is accredited and you perform well.
Pick the course where you’ll thrive, get good support, and can build strong experience, that’s what makes the biggest difference.
Reply 2
Original post
by zap38I have just graduated with a 2:1 bachelors, and am currently on a gap while I apply for 2026 intakes into a conversion course. I was wondering how much of a difference going to a more “traditional” university (i.e.. QM, Bristol), in comparison to a newer university like BPP or ULaw makes? How much does it matter if at all? Will going for the latter affect my chances post conversion? Thanks !!
Hello,
Congratulations on graduating! I did the PgDL conversion course last year at ULaw. Law firms definitely won't mind where you do a conversion course. It is highly regulated, so there will be no difference in the content you learn or the exams. Law firms will care much more about your undergraduate degree, work experience and extracurriculars. Firms that fund their future trainees through conversion and SQE courses usually send them to places like the University of Law - this is my position. Attending ULaw gives you proximity to partner law firms that host events with the university, plus access to a network of students with training contracts.
Ultimately, you should choose the university that works best for you in terms of location, funding and lifestyle. I would recommend attending an open day or booking a campus tour to learn more about ULaw!
I hope this is helpful!
Layla
SQE LLM student
Reply 3
Hi!
I’m currently a PGDL student at BPP, so I can share my experience from that side.
First off, in my view the difference between a “traditional” university (QM, Bristol etc.) and providers like BPP or ULaw matters far less at conversion stage than it does at undergrad. A law conversion is not really comparable to a bachelor’s degree where institutional prestige can sometimes play a bigger role. Your career prospects post-conversion are broadly the same wherever you go.
On BPP specifically, I’ve actually found it to be a very supportive environment, which runs contrary to some of the negative things you might read online. Tutors are approachable, teaching is structured, and there’s a strong emphasis on helping students progress to the SQE and into practice. BPP also has a long-standing reputation in legal education and has been training solicitors for decades, which firms are very familiar with.
A big advantage of BPP is that it teaches Company Law, which many conversion providers don’t. That’s particularly useful if you’re interested in commercial or corporate law, and it also sets you up well for the SQE, where business law and practice is a key module. From a practical perspective, the course feels designed to prepare you for the next step rather than just being academic for its own sake.
Another plus (which sounds small but genuinely helps) is that BPP provides paper copies of workbooks for free. Having structured materials in hard copy makes a big difference for revision, and not many providers offer this anymore. Assessment-wise, I’ve also found it fairly reasonable and clear in expectations compared to what friends at other providers describe.
The key takeaway is that this isn’t like choosing an undergrad where Oxbridge vs non-Russell Group might significantly change outcomes. At conversion level, you’ll have more or less the same career opportunities wherever you go, as long as you perform well. If you’re interested in commercial law and a practical route into the profession, I’d definitely recommend considering BPP.
Happy to answer any follow up questions about the PGDL if helpful.
Many thanks,
Ronak
I’m currently a PGDL student at BPP, so I can share my experience from that side.
First off, in my view the difference between a “traditional” university (QM, Bristol etc.) and providers like BPP or ULaw matters far less at conversion stage than it does at undergrad. A law conversion is not really comparable to a bachelor’s degree where institutional prestige can sometimes play a bigger role. Your career prospects post-conversion are broadly the same wherever you go.
On BPP specifically, I’ve actually found it to be a very supportive environment, which runs contrary to some of the negative things you might read online. Tutors are approachable, teaching is structured, and there’s a strong emphasis on helping students progress to the SQE and into practice. BPP also has a long-standing reputation in legal education and has been training solicitors for decades, which firms are very familiar with.
A big advantage of BPP is that it teaches Company Law, which many conversion providers don’t. That’s particularly useful if you’re interested in commercial or corporate law, and it also sets you up well for the SQE, where business law and practice is a key module. From a practical perspective, the course feels designed to prepare you for the next step rather than just being academic for its own sake.
Another plus (which sounds small but genuinely helps) is that BPP provides paper copies of workbooks for free. Having structured materials in hard copy makes a big difference for revision, and not many providers offer this anymore. Assessment-wise, I’ve also found it fairly reasonable and clear in expectations compared to what friends at other providers describe.
The key takeaway is that this isn’t like choosing an undergrad where Oxbridge vs non-Russell Group might significantly change outcomes. At conversion level, you’ll have more or less the same career opportunities wherever you go, as long as you perform well. If you’re interested in commercial law and a practical route into the profession, I’d definitely recommend considering BPP.
Happy to answer any follow up questions about the PGDL if helpful.
Many thanks,
Ronak
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