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durham law -> sociology and anthropology

I am wondering what about my application could have resulted in a course change offer. I have a decent lnat score (30) and high school average. My PS does have anthropology ties because I applied to anthropology and law for LSE but it is heavily law related also.
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

Original post
by kkimk
I am wondering what about my application could have resulted in a course change offer. I have a decent lnat score (30) and high school average. My PS does have anthropology ties because I applied to anthropology and law for LSE but it is heavily law related also.


Hi there,

I understand that this is a confusing situation, and that it can be disappointing not to get the offer you were expecting.

A change from Law to Sociology & Anthropology at Durham is likely due to high competition, with the university offering an alternative place in a related department. This indicates that you’ve been identified as a strong candidate at the university, but other factors have affected their ability to make you a law offer - this could include things like the course being oversubscribed, higher average grade requirements, and extremely high competition.

How are you feeling about the alternative offer?

-Rosie (DU Representative)
Original post
by kkimk
I am wondering what about my application could have resulted in a course change offer. I have a decent lnat score (30) and high school average. My PS does have anthropology ties because I applied to anthropology and law for LSE but it is heavily law related also.

Hi @kkimk ,

I hope you're not too disappointed about the change - this is still a wonderful opportunity and hopefully I can provide you with some reassurance here!

I actually did anthropology at Durham for my undergraduate degree and am now studying the postgraduate conversion course for law. Though I didn't realise it at the time (as I didn't decide to pursue a career in law until my final year), anthropology is a highly valuable degree for anyone seeking to become a lawyer - the transferrable skills you develop are so unique and arguably may help you stand out from law students when it comes to future job applications. For example, in my training contract applications, I spoke about how my nuanced understanding of different cultures and values would allow me to bring a personal, client-focused approach as a trainee solicitor. My biological anthropology modules (sometimes involving statistics and coding) helped me to develop strong problem-solving and analytical skills, while the more essay-based modules were key for enhancing my ability to shape persuasive, critical arguments. Together, these are all crucial skills which employers look for in future solicitors/barristers - the fact that I didn't study an LLB is irrelevant!

Considering you applied for anthropology and law at LSE, I hope that you would still find a Durham degree in anthropology attractive and might consider following the same route as I have (Anthropology followed by the PGDL). For me, the PGDL has been amazing in teaching me the fundamental aspects of law in very practical, realistic ways, with less focus on the more theoretical side of law (which you're more likely to look at when doing an LLB). All it means is that I have had to do an extra 9 months of studying after my undergraduate degree - once the course is finished, I'll be back in the same position as law graduates studying for the solicitor exams (SQEs) and ready to start my qualifying work experience.

If you're still determined to study some areas of law for your undergraduate degree, I would understand if you begin leaning towards anthropology and law at LSE. However, please note that as this would be a joint honours degree, it would not count as a qualifying law degree - you would still need to follow the PGDL and SQE route as outlined above.

Let me know if you have any questions and best of luck with whichever path you take 😊

Holly - PGDL Student
University of Law

Reply 3

Original post
by UniofLawStudent6
Hi @kkimk ,
I hope you're not too disappointed about the change - this is still a wonderful opportunity and hopefully I can provide you with some reassurance here!
I actually did anthropology at Durham for my undergraduate degree and am now studying the postgraduate conversion course for law. Though I didn't realise it at the time (as I didn't decide to pursue a career in law until my final year), anthropology is a highly valuable degree for anyone seeking to become a lawyer - the transferrable skills you develop are so unique and arguably may help you stand out from law students when it comes to future job applications. For example, in my training contract applications, I spoke about how my nuanced understanding of different cultures and values would allow me to bring a personal, client-focused approach as a trainee solicitor. My biological anthropology modules (sometimes involving statistics and coding) helped me to develop strong problem-solving and analytical skills, while the more essay-based modules were key for enhancing my ability to shape persuasive, critical arguments. Together, these are all crucial skills which employers look for in future solicitors/barristers - the fact that I didn't study an LLB is irrelevant!
Considering you applied for anthropology and law at LSE, I hope that you would still find a Durham degree in anthropology attractive and might consider following the same route as I have (Anthropology followed by the PGDL). For me, the PGDL has been amazing in teaching me the fundamental aspects of law in very practical, realistic ways, with less focus on the more theoretical side of law (which you're more likely to look at when doing an LLB). All it means is that I have had to do an extra 9 months of studying after my undergraduate degree - once the course is finished, I'll be back in the same position as law graduates studying for the solicitor exams (SQEs) and ready to start my qualifying work experience.
If you're still determined to study some areas of law for your undergraduate degree, I would understand if you begin leaning towards anthropology and law at LSE. However, please note that as this would be a joint honours degree, it would not count as a qualifying law degree - you would still need to follow the PGDL and SQE route as outlined above.
Let me know if you have any questions and best of luck with whichever path you take 😊
Holly - PGDL Student
University of Law

thank u so much for taking the time to answer!

Reply 4

However, I was under the impression that anthropology and law with LSE was a SQE qualifying degree? Was there a recent change?

Many thanks

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