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Historically, being in close vicinity of Sussex University, a comparison has always been made between the two universities. Brighton University is slowly but surely rising through the ranks and becoming a well established, respected university.

The Brighton Law Society is in discussion with the Law Society of Sussex University, hoping for a chance to work together by the start of the academic year 2008. The University of Brighton Law department is ever growing and expanding, going from strength to strength. It must be noted that the Brighton GDL is only offered as a part-time option.

The Law department falls within the Brighton Business School at the University because a straight law degree is not offered. The classrooms and lecture theatres contain computers and projectors for interactive PowerPoint presentations. There is also a common room for Law and Business students with easy access to computing facilities. As well as having access to the online library and the library at the University of Sussex, Brighton law students have a large section of The Aldrich Library dedicated to them, containing up to date law magazines, journals and statute material.

The university also offers each law student free subscriptions to the WestLaw, Lexis Nexis and Lawtel online databases.

Student support is a particular halmark of the Brighton GDL, with all students assigned to a personal tutor at the beginning of the course who assists with any issues or concerns that may rise during the programme. As for the course content itself, students begin with an introductory programme that focuses on the English legal system and various legal research skills.

Following the first four weeks, students then dive into the compulsary subjects, focusing on contract, tort, public, EU, criminal land and equity & trusts. You are also required to complete an extended essay on an area of law of your choice. All in all, a very comprehensive programme.

The law department is located in Mithras House which is approximately a 25 minute bus journey from the centre of Brighton. Parking is easy before 9am and free to students of the university. Brighton town centre has hundreds of shops, bars, pubs and clubs.

When not studying there is always something to keep you occupied. With so much to do in Brighton, the main problems are finding the time and money to do all of them. For those not into clubbing, there is a huge range of museums, galleries and theatres to go to.

Course fees for the Brighton GDL (part-time only) are capped at £2,100 per year. This amount is payable either on the first day or term, or in two instalments, by 1st November and 1st March.

There is also a vast range of other clubs and societies to choose from, ranging from the Amateur Film Showcase Society to the Wine & Cheese Appreciation Society. Halls of residence cost between £2500 and £4000 per year depending on where you stay. The average price of a pint is £2.50.

Clubs and societies are always putting on events such as club nights, guest speakers and debates. The Law Society organises trips abroad and to places such as the Houses of Parliament as well as help with mooting and debates. The university also offers an invaluable opportunity to take part in a simulated magistrates court where the ‘’lawyer’’ has the opportunity to cross examine a student police officer.

Brighton is renowned for its thriving social scene which is dominated during the week by university students. Being part of the Student Union gives students the opportunity to take advantage of discounts all over the city in shops bars and clubs.

For students on a Sandwich Law Degree, a program is set up in the second year to help students find internships and placements for their third year. Guest speakers frequently come to the university to encourage students to pursue a career in law by taking an LPC or a BVC.

Every other year the university holds a law careers day, where firms of solicitors, the police force, chambers and the government come in to talk to students about careers in these different areas. The university is very close to, and in easy reach of Lewes Crown Court and Brighton Magistrates Court.

Visits to these places are encouraged and incorporated into selected modules in the first year of study on the Undergraduate degree.