Senior Status LLB / GDL
I am looking to become a barrister further down the line . Currently I am doing a philosophy undergrad at a russel group uni. On track to receive a first by the end.
I was initially thinking of doing the PGDL but realised that I could do a senior status LLB. Realistically I think this would Be worth doing if I went to Oxford or Cambridge.
But I can’t find much online about previous applicants or statistics for the applications.
I’m also worried that my a levels may hold me back A B C. Extenuating circumstances being undiagnosed Adhd and autism during my school years. I don’t know if this would be enough to cancel me out of even though they would have been 5 years ago.
I was wondering what I’m competing against here and if it’s worth trying considering it will take a lot of time out studying for the LNAT and interviews during the last year of my degree
Any insight would be useful thanks
I was initially thinking of doing the PGDL but realised that I could do a senior status LLB. Realistically I think this would Be worth doing if I went to Oxford or Cambridge.
But I can’t find much online about previous applicants or statistics for the applications.
I’m also worried that my a levels may hold me back A B C. Extenuating circumstances being undiagnosed Adhd and autism during my school years. I don’t know if this would be enough to cancel me out of even though they would have been 5 years ago.
I was wondering what I’m competing against here and if it’s worth trying considering it will take a lot of time out studying for the LNAT and interviews during the last year of my degree
Any insight would be useful thanks
Reply 1
7
Original post
by CamabamaI am looking to become a barrister further down the line . Currently I am doing a philosophy undergrad at a russel group uni. On track to receive a first by the end.
I was initially thinking of doing the PGDL but realised that I could do a senior status LLB. Realistically I think this would Be worth doing if I went to Oxford or Cambridge.
But I can’t find much online about previous applicants or statistics for the applications.
I’m also worried that my a levels may hold me back A B C. Extenuating circumstances being undiagnosed Adhd and autism during my school years. I don’t know if this would be enough to cancel me out of even though they would have been 5 years ago.
I was wondering what I’m competing against here and if it’s worth trying considering it will take a lot of time out studying for the LNAT and interviews during the last year of my degree
Any insight would be useful thanks
I was initially thinking of doing the PGDL but realised that I could do a senior status LLB. Realistically I think this would Be worth doing if I went to Oxford or Cambridge.
But I can’t find much online about previous applicants or statistics for the applications.
I’m also worried that my a levels may hold me back A B C. Extenuating circumstances being undiagnosed Adhd and autism during my school years. I don’t know if this would be enough to cancel me out of even though they would have been 5 years ago.
I was wondering what I’m competing against here and if it’s worth trying considering it will take a lot of time out studying for the LNAT and interviews during the last year of my degree
Any insight would be useful thanks
From what I understand, at least for Oxford, they do not ask for either GCSEs or A Levels as part of the application for a senior status (second) BA in law. Instead, they will almost surely require a first on the initial BA. And that essentially supersedes what GCSEs and A Levels would demonstrate.
Also, if you look around you should be able to find Oxford's 2022 and 2023 law admissions reports (or extracts from them). They show in 2022: 54 senior status applicants, 24 of those interviewed, and 7 of those made an offer. 2023 shows: 68 senior status applicants, 25 interviews, and 7 of those made an offer. (There is also a 2024-2025 law admissions report out there, but it does not appear to give the same focused data for senior status.)
Best of luck with making a decision!
Reply 2
Original post
by CamabamaI am looking to become a barrister further down the line . Currently I am doing a philosophy undergrad at a russel group uni. On track to receive a first by the end.
I was initially thinking of doing the PGDL but realised that I could do a senior status LLB. Realistically I think this would Be worth doing if I went to Oxford or Cambridge.
But I can’t find much online about previous applicants or statistics for the applications.
I’m also worried that my a levels may hold me back A B C. Extenuating circumstances being undiagnosed Adhd and autism during my school years. I don’t know if this would be enough to cancel me out of even though they would have been 5 years ago.
I was wondering what I’m competing against here and if it’s worth trying considering it will take a lot of time out studying for the LNAT and interviews during the last year of my degree
Any insight would be useful thanks
I was initially thinking of doing the PGDL but realised that I could do a senior status LLB. Realistically I think this would Be worth doing if I went to Oxford or Cambridge.
But I can’t find much online about previous applicants or statistics for the applications.
I’m also worried that my a levels may hold me back A B C. Extenuating circumstances being undiagnosed Adhd and autism during my school years. I don’t know if this would be enough to cancel me out of even though they would have been 5 years ago.
I was wondering what I’m competing against here and if it’s worth trying considering it will take a lot of time out studying for the LNAT and interviews during the last year of my degree
Any insight would be useful thanks
Hi @Camabama ,
This is an impressive position to be in! However, as much as I understand the appeal of an LLB from Oxbridge, there are a few reasons why a PGDL may be the more beneficial and efficient route to take:
1) Academic Performance - taking time out studying for the LNAT and preparing for interviews may indeed impact on your degree. Though the difference between a 2:1 and a first may not be as relevant once you have experience under your belt, it's important to consider what you'd personally like to achieve - the application process for the PGDL would not be as demanding and allow you to focus on your final year (which, from my own experience, is often the most intense year even before extra commitments!).
2) Prioritising Mini-Pupillages - the time and energy you save by skipping an Oxbridge application could be redirected into applying for mini-pupillages. Actual bar experience and professional networking is just as important as academics here!
3) Timelines - as opposed to a 2-year senior status LLB, the PGDL is only one year. This will get you to the Bar Practice Course a year earlier, which could be significant both in terms of costs and career momentum. As the entry requirements are a 2:2, you don't need to worry about your A-levels; the University of Law especially has excellent disability support services who can help you throughout.
Ultimately, you're already proving you're more than capable of becoming a barrister academically, given your performance in your current degree; the PGDL would bridge the gap to the BPC perfectly while allowing you to take the time to build your professional network. Good luck with whichever route you decide to take!
Holly - PGDL Student
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Law Conversion Routes
- LLB senior status or MA in Law??
- MSc Law and Professional Practice - KCL - AVOID THIS COURSE
- Law senior status at Durham 2026 entry
- KCL Law & Professional Practice vs Graduate Entry LLb
- Warwick / Durham Law offers
- LLB Hons Graduate Entry
- Durham Law Graduate Entry LLB for 2026
- Law conversion
- Will a non-law degree put me at a disadvantage when becoming a barrister?
- Languages or law degree?
- QMUL LLB senior status
- Medicine to Law
- My interests - thoughts?
- Conversion course history to law
- Funding my GDL at London Met options
- ppe vs law
- Uni Choice Advice
- Switching from Theology to Law at Cambridge?
- Help me choose what to do
Latest
Trending
Articles for you
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
