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Keele University is a campus university located near Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire, England. The University occupies a 617 acre rural campus close to the village of Keele and houses a Science Park and a conference centre. Founded in 1949, Keele is most notable for pioneering the dual honours degree in Britain. Keele’s reputation is certainly on the rise after being named O2’s campus of the year and being ranked 40th out of 109 institutions in the Times Good University Guide. The Law school was also ranked 25th out of 87 in the same survey.

The Law School is situated in The Chancellor's Building in the middle of campus. It has its own specialist Law library and the University has excellent online legal research facilities and online resources which enable staff and students to maintain the highest levels of scholarship.

In short loans, books are loaned for one day and must be returned by 11:30 the next day, but there are also one week and three week loans. Most of the time, books are easy to find and are in a good number, although during essay times, some books may be in high demand. There are some group study areas and private rooms, as well as large computer rooms and various clusters around the building.

As the Keele GDL is only available to just 20 full-time and 16 part-time students, you can expect an impressive amount of personal support during the course. Students come from across the UK and from abroad, and have a wide variety of first degree subjects and backgrounds. It is usual to have a number of mature students in the group. The course focuses on the seven core subjects: Criminal, Public, Land, Property, Tort, Contract and Equity & Trusts.

A module on English Legal System and Legal Method is provided to GDL students for four weeks before the normal start of the autumn semester. The module includes court visits, meetings with practitioners, careers information and advice, and an emphasis on learning legal skills.

In the core subjects GDL students attend lectures alongside undergraduates, but have their own small group seminars. You will also be required to complete a 3,000 word research project in an area of law of your choice. Various skills modules focus on drafting, interviewing, advocacy and research. The majority of GDL students choose to progress in the following year to the Legal Practice Course or Bar Vocational Course. Some decide to take a year out first, and others take up a law-related career outside of the legal profession.

Keele University is located within 600 acres of stunning parklands, woodlands, fields and lakes, making Keele probably one of the UK’s most beautiful campuses. Although, some of the architecture ranges from brand new buildings to an old hall, there are also some ageing 1960s buildings. Although this peaceful, quiet location may not suit those who hanker for city life, good transport links enable many students to strike the balance they are looking for.

The campus itself boasts good facilities for students including a number of shops and restaurants on campus. On the main part of campus there is a Newsagent, a Waterstones, the student union shop and a small supermarket.

Outside the University is the tiny village of Keele, an extremely quiet place that consists of no more than a few houses and a pub. However, Keele is situated close to the small town of Newcastle-Under-Lyme and also the city of Stoke-On-Trent. Both of these can be easily reached via excellent bus links, which students can take advantage of at a reduced fair.

Newcastle –under-Lyme (15 minutes away) has the usual amenities of a modern cinema complex, diverse restaurants, cafes, a museum, parks and a theatre. There are also plenty of bars and clubs, which are particularly popular amongst Keele students due to the location. However, for better shopping and nightlife, venture to nearby Hanley.

Course fees for the Keele GDL are set at £3,000 for full-time students and £1,500 per year for the part-time programme. Overseas students are charged at £6,200 for the programme.

Prices for the Student Union vary on the night and are always changing. However, in general, the cost of admission is between £3-4.50 and drinks are reasonably priced. Joining societies usually costs around £3.

The cost of accommodation can vary a large amount depending on the type of room and halls of residence chosen. It is usually pretty easy to get accommodation on campus and is guaranteed for First year and Third year students. There are five halls of residence on the Keele campus. Barnes, Lindsay, Horwood, Holly Cross and the Oaks – all have their own facilities usually including a bar, shop and laundrette.

Keele University has a thriving social life, although as a relatively small university it differs those in large cities. The Student Union supports over 40 societies covering a hugely varied range of activities from Drama to the Christian Union. Indeed, starting your own society is relatively easy. Keele has a tradition of participation in many different sports and the Athletic Union runs over 30 student sports clubs including Football, Lacrosse, Mountaineering, fencing and sailing to name a few.

The University Leisure Centre has excellent indoor and outdoor facilities, including a well-equipped Fitness Centre. There are many social events, particularly in the Student Union or in various bars located near the accommodation blocks. Most events happen at the Student Union, generally involving regular club nights, a variety of external gigs (recently The Sugarbabes, The Subways, Dirty Pretty Things and The Rifles) and Paramount comedy nights.

Other notable events of the year include Kinky Valentine Night, Summer Party and Las Vegas Graduation Ball. Furthermore, each Halls of Residence has its own bar (apart from Hollycross) and these remain fairly popular. The Pig and Rat (near Barnes) is perhaps nicest as it enjoys a more intimate, yet exciting atmosphere.

There is an active Law Society, Critical Lawyers Group and Bar Society which usually hold separate events throughout the year. There are mooting and client interviewing competitions which have one complete cycle per year and benefit from the involvement of law firms in the judging and sponsorship of prizes.

The careers centre is strong and is able to be used by graduates for up to five years after leaving. There are two careers advisers, one of them a specialist in law, both of whom operate on a drop-in and appointment basis.

There is help with CV writing, applying for work experience and training contracts/pupillages. Furthermore, they always have plenty free copies of various useful legal careers books.

'The Law School maintains strong links with the legal profession including Fiona Woolf, past president of the Law Society and a Keele graduate and regional high court judges. Regular events enable current students to meet key figures in the legal profession in order for them to develop their own understanding of practice and make connections with potential employers.