Best for big law
I’m an Access to HE Diploma student, and I’ve received four offers for LLB Law from the University of Liverpool, Exeter, Reading, and Kent. I’m quite confused about what I want to choose. I’ve heard many positive reviews about Exeter’s strong LLB Law programme, but I’m worried about the environment there, especially as an Arab home student.
I’ve also heard some negative reviews about the University of Liverpool academically, with people saying it’s not very strong and may not open many doors in London law firms. I’m not sure about Kent and Reading either, so that adds to my confusion.
Liverpool is a big city with a lot to do, and I feel like it would be an exciting place to live. On the other hand, Exeter is a strong academic option with a good ranking for law.
For requirements, the University of Liverpool is asking for the highest grades: 39 Distinctions and 5 Merits. Exeter is asking for 24 Distinctions and 21 Merits, while Reading and Kent have similar requirements, around 33 Distinctions with the rest at Merit.
I’ve done a lot of research, but I still don’t have a clear answer so what do you think?
I’ve also heard some negative reviews about the University of Liverpool academically, with people saying it’s not very strong and may not open many doors in London law firms. I’m not sure about Kent and Reading either, so that adds to my confusion.
Liverpool is a big city with a lot to do, and I feel like it would be an exciting place to live. On the other hand, Exeter is a strong academic option with a good ranking for law.
For requirements, the University of Liverpool is asking for the highest grades: 39 Distinctions and 5 Merits. Exeter is asking for 24 Distinctions and 21 Merits, while Reading and Kent have similar requirements, around 33 Distinctions with the rest at Merit.
I’ve done a lot of research, but I still don’t have a clear answer so what do you think?
Reply 1
Hi there,
Congratulations on receiving four offers.
That’s a real achievement, especially from competitive law schools. It's totally normal to be uncertain at this stage because universities offer different environments, structures, and student experiences, and each of these factors is just as important as rankings. One thing I can say from experience is that the best law school for you is the one where you feel you can thrive academically, socially and personally. Rankings and reputations can be helpful, but they don’t determine your future.
Law firms, including those in London, look far more at your overall profile: your grades, experience, commercial awareness, motivation for law and the skills you build during your degree. Regarding your concerns, environments even within the same university vary greatly. This would, of course, be best judged by visiting the campus, talking to existing students, and looking at how comfortable you feel on campus as an Arab home student. This sense of belonging may make a significant difference to a student's confidence and well-being.
Academic strengths are not defined solely by ranking but also encompass teaching quality, support, feedback, and extracurricular opportunities such as mooting and pro bono work. It also takes into consideration how engaged a student feels with the course. Every law school you listed has graduates who go into strong legal careers. These two grade requirements are pretty different, so consider where you feel confident you can meet the offer and where the workload best fits your circumstances. Since every student's experience is unique, I always recommend reaching out directly to admissions teams or current students at each university. They can give the most accurate insight into the culture, support systems, and opportunities.
So, at the end, choose an environment in which you will feel safe and supported and motivated, because those will be the enabling factors that will ensure you are able to perform at your best. Of course, if you'd like to elaborate a bit more on what matters most in a university for you, whether it's location, diversity, teaching style, or career goals.
I can help you think through it.
Best regards,
Faith
Studying Law Conversion at ULaw and working as a ULaw Ambassador
Congratulations on receiving four offers.
That’s a real achievement, especially from competitive law schools. It's totally normal to be uncertain at this stage because universities offer different environments, structures, and student experiences, and each of these factors is just as important as rankings. One thing I can say from experience is that the best law school for you is the one where you feel you can thrive academically, socially and personally. Rankings and reputations can be helpful, but they don’t determine your future.
Law firms, including those in London, look far more at your overall profile: your grades, experience, commercial awareness, motivation for law and the skills you build during your degree. Regarding your concerns, environments even within the same university vary greatly. This would, of course, be best judged by visiting the campus, talking to existing students, and looking at how comfortable you feel on campus as an Arab home student. This sense of belonging may make a significant difference to a student's confidence and well-being.
Academic strengths are not defined solely by ranking but also encompass teaching quality, support, feedback, and extracurricular opportunities such as mooting and pro bono work. It also takes into consideration how engaged a student feels with the course. Every law school you listed has graduates who go into strong legal careers. These two grade requirements are pretty different, so consider where you feel confident you can meet the offer and where the workload best fits your circumstances. Since every student's experience is unique, I always recommend reaching out directly to admissions teams or current students at each university. They can give the most accurate insight into the culture, support systems, and opportunities.
So, at the end, choose an environment in which you will feel safe and supported and motivated, because those will be the enabling factors that will ensure you are able to perform at your best. Of course, if you'd like to elaborate a bit more on what matters most in a university for you, whether it's location, diversity, teaching style, or career goals.
I can help you think through it.
Best regards,
Faith
Studying Law Conversion at ULaw and working as a ULaw Ambassador
Reply 2
20
Law firms are increasingly recruiting 'Uni blind' - they are more interested in your degree grade, any relevant work-experience, 'interesting person', and the strength of your application than the Uni 'badge'.
Liverpool is a fabulous place to be a student - vibrant, busy and lots going on - and the Uni has a good reputation for Law. Stop worrying.
Liverpool is a fabulous place to be a student - vibrant, busy and lots going on - and the Uni has a good reputation for Law. Stop worrying.
Reply 3
Hi.
I'm Sid, currently studying LLB Law w/ international business at the University of Reading.
Reading is a respected institution, and the Law programme attracts many strong applicants each year so it’s great that you have got an offer!
I’ll just recap on our offerings then discuss opportunities with careers and our connections.
Our main LLB Law degree you'll find a lot of flexibility and support. You can tailor your studies with optional modules in areas like commercial law.
I’m sure you know all the modules we do, but just as a refresher: Year 1 - contract, criminal, English legal systems and key skills, public law 1 , Tort (optional - law and society, research, Ethical GenAi), year 2 - Equity and trusts, eu law, land law, pubic law 2 (optional - banking law, research project, legal writing credit, religion and law, law of evidence, intro to ECHR, international law foundations, succession law, art and cultural heritage law, employment law). Year 3 - Dissertation, Research Writing Credit, Writing Credit Pro Bono and Professional Practice, ( optional - Commercial Law, Family Law, Gender and Law, International Law and Global Security, Jurisprudence, Children, Families and the State, Company Law, Intellectual Property Law, Medical Law, Revenue Law, International Children’s Rights, International Human Rights Law, Environmental and Climate Law, Young People, Crime and Justice, Equality Law, Critical Approaches to International Criminal Law and Justice). - subject to change.
As my fellow ambassadors said law firms now look for your experiences and commercial awareness and Reading does offer this as I’ll mention below from Pro-Bono to volunteer to Moots to Work Shadowing from magic circle law firms, really giving you that grounding in law beyond academics.
We do have upcoming taster & offer holder days that you will be invited too - it’s really worth attending these, we usually hold talks and student insights on our offer holder days , where much more detail is given about the course, uni life and opportunities. - if you are unsure about any offer holder day timings / if you need to update any contact details make sure to email our admissions team.
There may be flexibility with certain entry requirements and we can offer contextual offers for our firm choice offer holders especially. It’s certainly worth contacting our admissions team with any case by case questions, if you have any concerns with this.
The Careers Team and Law School regularly host events, insight days, and employer talks to help you explore different legal paths. - we have connections with key law firms in regards to offering you opportunities to apply for internship schemes and pro bono charity work which are vital in securing a training contract etc. we also have a Mlaw course - after your main degree has finished, for a SQE prep.
There's a clear focus on helping you prepare for your future, whether that's becoming a solicitor, barrister, or working in a related field.
Outside of academics, Reading offers a vibrant social scene. There are over 100 student societies, including the Law Society, which organises mooting competitions, socials, networking events and more. Plus, the university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including club nights and career fairs, so there's always something
going on.
If you have any more questions about the course, or student life at Reading, feel free to reply to this message, l'd be happy to help!
Kind Regards,
Sid
- UoR Student Ambassador
- LLB Law w/ International Business (Yr1)
- Business Management (Foundation)
my working day is: thursday
Ask a Question? - to the law schools teachers.
https://www.reading.ac.uk/uor-forms/crm/question
Our Admissions Team:
[email protected]
School of Law Webpage -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/law/
LLB LAW -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/law-ug/llb-law
Taster Days & Visits -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/visiting-and-open-days
I'm Sid, currently studying LLB Law w/ international business at the University of Reading.
Reading is a respected institution, and the Law programme attracts many strong applicants each year so it’s great that you have got an offer!
I’ll just recap on our offerings then discuss opportunities with careers and our connections.
Our main LLB Law degree you'll find a lot of flexibility and support. You can tailor your studies with optional modules in areas like commercial law.
I’m sure you know all the modules we do, but just as a refresher: Year 1 - contract, criminal, English legal systems and key skills, public law 1 , Tort (optional - law and society, research, Ethical GenAi), year 2 - Equity and trusts, eu law, land law, pubic law 2 (optional - banking law, research project, legal writing credit, religion and law, law of evidence, intro to ECHR, international law foundations, succession law, art and cultural heritage law, employment law). Year 3 - Dissertation, Research Writing Credit, Writing Credit Pro Bono and Professional Practice, ( optional - Commercial Law, Family Law, Gender and Law, International Law and Global Security, Jurisprudence, Children, Families and the State, Company Law, Intellectual Property Law, Medical Law, Revenue Law, International Children’s Rights, International Human Rights Law, Environmental and Climate Law, Young People, Crime and Justice, Equality Law, Critical Approaches to International Criminal Law and Justice). - subject to change.
As my fellow ambassadors said law firms now look for your experiences and commercial awareness and Reading does offer this as I’ll mention below from Pro-Bono to volunteer to Moots to Work Shadowing from magic circle law firms, really giving you that grounding in law beyond academics.
We do have upcoming taster & offer holder days that you will be invited too - it’s really worth attending these, we usually hold talks and student insights on our offer holder days , where much more detail is given about the course, uni life and opportunities. - if you are unsure about any offer holder day timings / if you need to update any contact details make sure to email our admissions team.
There may be flexibility with certain entry requirements and we can offer contextual offers for our firm choice offer holders especially. It’s certainly worth contacting our admissions team with any case by case questions, if you have any concerns with this.
The Careers Team and Law School regularly host events, insight days, and employer talks to help you explore different legal paths. - we have connections with key law firms in regards to offering you opportunities to apply for internship schemes and pro bono charity work which are vital in securing a training contract etc. we also have a Mlaw course - after your main degree has finished, for a SQE prep.
There's a clear focus on helping you prepare for your future, whether that's becoming a solicitor, barrister, or working in a related field.
Outside of academics, Reading offers a vibrant social scene. There are over 100 student societies, including the Law Society, which organises mooting competitions, socials, networking events and more. Plus, the university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including club nights and career fairs, so there's always something
going on.
If you have any more questions about the course, or student life at Reading, feel free to reply to this message, l'd be happy to help!
Kind Regards,
Sid
- UoR Student Ambassador
- LLB Law w/ International Business (Yr1)
- Business Management (Foundation)
my working day is: thursday
Ask a Question? - to the law schools teachers.
https://www.reading.ac.uk/uor-forms/crm/question
Our Admissions Team:
[email protected]
School of Law Webpage -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/law/
LLB LAW -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/law-ug/llb-law
Taster Days & Visits -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/visiting-and-open-days
Reply 4
Original post
by Hannah-2005I’m an Access to HE Diploma student, and I’ve received four offers for LLB Law from the University of Liverpool, Exeter, Reading, and Kent. I’m quite confused about what I want to choose. I’ve heard many positive reviews about Exeter’s strong LLB Law programme, but I’m worried about the environment there, especially as an Arab home student.
I’ve also heard some negative reviews about the University of Liverpool academically, with people saying it’s not very strong and may not open many doors in London law firms. I’m not sure about Kent and Reading either, so that adds to my confusion.
Liverpool is a big city with a lot to do, and I feel like it would be an exciting place to live. On the other hand, Exeter is a strong academic option with a good ranking for law.
For requirements, the University of Liverpool is asking for the highest grades: 39 Distinctions and 5 Merits. Exeter is asking for 24 Distinctions and 21 Merits, while Reading and Kent have similar requirements, around 33 Distinctions with the rest at Merit.
I’ve done a lot of research, but I still don’t have a clear answer so what do you think?
I’ve also heard some negative reviews about the University of Liverpool academically, with people saying it’s not very strong and may not open many doors in London law firms. I’m not sure about Kent and Reading either, so that adds to my confusion.
Liverpool is a big city with a lot to do, and I feel like it would be an exciting place to live. On the other hand, Exeter is a strong academic option with a good ranking for law.
For requirements, the University of Liverpool is asking for the highest grades: 39 Distinctions and 5 Merits. Exeter is asking for 24 Distinctions and 21 Merits, while Reading and Kent have similar requirements, around 33 Distinctions with the rest at Merit.
I’ve done a lot of research, but I still don’t have a clear answer so what do you think?
Hi Hannah,
They are all great universities and congratulations on the offers🥳 I am a final year law student at the University of Kent and very happy to share my experience both in terms of academic and social life. (I am a south Asian student.)
The things I liked about Kent law school are:
There’s opportunity to have hands on experience on real life cases from the Kent law clinic which not only improves understanding of the legal content you have learnt in your course but is also highly valued by employers. I have done the law clinic module this year and assisted on a live housing case where I have conducted legal research, drafting and interviewed clients. It was an enriching experience
🔹 the university also has lawyering skills modules which helps students gain practical skills. there are 5 lawyering skills modules:Client Interviewing, Mediation, Mock Trial Advocacy, Mooting and Negotiation. In addition, they also offer an unique opportunity for students to attend court as part of the Student Outdoor Clerk Scheme (SOCS). I did negotiation last year and have represented the uni at the York intervarsity competition.
🔹the university also organizes and participates in competitions which allows students to gain invaluable experience. I have represented Kent in the National Moot Competition and it not only enhanced my CV but also boosted my confidence. there was lots of preparation and practice session by the university which made the experience much easier and enjoyable.
🔹 the university career service is also helpful and supportive. Additionally, we also have employability scheme. The Employability Points Scheme rewards you for active engagement in co-curricular activities and any activity which enhances your employment with unique experiences of work. For each co-curricular activity completed, you can claim Employability Points. These can be cashed-in for the chance to apply for exclusive internships, work placements, training and more! You can have a look at the list of employers who participated in the scheme last year https://student.kent.ac.uk/careers/employability-points/sponsors
In terms of social life, most people in my course were friendly and I was able to make friends in my 1st week! Various cultural festivals are celebrated by the university, usually organized by student societies. I have attended many such events and enjoyed my cultural festivals. We have over 250 societies including an Arab society which aims to increase awareness and representation of the Arab accomplishments, heritage and recent developments.
If you have any question please feel free to ask away! Wish you all the best.
Best wishes
Srijita
Uni of Kent student reps
Reply 5
Original post
by Hannah-2005I’m an Access to HE Diploma student, and I’ve received four offers for LLB Law from the University of Liverpool, Exeter, Reading, and Kent. I’m quite confused about what I want to choose. I’ve heard many positive reviews about Exeter’s strong LLB Law programme, but I’m worried about the environment there, especially as an Arab home student.
I’ve also heard some negative reviews about the University of Liverpool academically, with people saying it’s not very strong and may not open many doors in London law firms. I’m not sure about Kent and Reading either, so that adds to my confusion.
Liverpool is a big city with a lot to do, and I feel like it would be an exciting place to live. On the other hand, Exeter is a strong academic option with a good ranking for law.
For requirements, the University of Liverpool is asking for the highest grades: 39 Distinctions and 5 Merits. Exeter is asking for 24 Distinctions and 21 Merits, while Reading and Kent have similar requirements, around 33 Distinctions with the rest at Merit.
I’ve done a lot of research, but I still don’t have a clear answer so what do you think?
I’ve also heard some negative reviews about the University of Liverpool academically, with people saying it’s not very strong and may not open many doors in London law firms. I’m not sure about Kent and Reading either, so that adds to my confusion.
Liverpool is a big city with a lot to do, and I feel like it would be an exciting place to live. On the other hand, Exeter is a strong academic option with a good ranking for law.
For requirements, the University of Liverpool is asking for the highest grades: 39 Distinctions and 5 Merits. Exeter is asking for 24 Distinctions and 21 Merits, while Reading and Kent have similar requirements, around 33 Distinctions with the rest at Merit.
I’ve done a lot of research, but I still don’t have a clear answer so what do you think?
Reply 6
2
Original post
by thegeek888I would choose Exeter. 🙂
Tbh same. I would choose Exeter academically, but I am a bit worried about the bad reviews and experiences, such as racism.
Reply 7
Original post
by Hannah-2005Tbh same. I would choose Exeter academically, but I am a bit worried about the bad reviews and experiences, such as racism.
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Law uni opinions
- Law with business at Keele
- Pros and cons
- I don’t know what is best for me
- Uni of Surrey or Uni of Strathclyde for law?
- Cambridge Colleges
- Which Uni should i go to Uni of York or Uni of Notts
- Trying to decide my firm uni … any advice
- Nottingham offered criminology instead of law llb
- Balancing University Choices and Job Opportunities
- Degree Apprenticeships
- Access to HE what to expect at university.
- Applying to uni with AAA
- Nottigham or Exeter for Law?
- English, History and Econ for A Level
- What can I do..
- Bangor University
- Suggestions on where to apply/ look for work experience (year 11)
- what unis should i consider
- Which university is better for law York or Leeds
Latest
Trending
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
