law careers | law courses| which university for law

Course

The core factor is obviously the course and since this is a law site, law is the focus but the advice is generally applicable. Is your Law degree valid in England? Do you want a combined Law course?

Some Scottish Universities offer a course that will only validate practice in Scotland and to practice in England would require a year conversion course called the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). The standard Law course is the M100 but there are many variations, Law with a language, or politics or human rights. In fact there are numerous combinations available and these courses often last four years rather than three.

Other prolonged Law courses exist, often named a ‘Sandwich course’, elongating a normal M100 into a four year course, which usually involves a year working in a firm. However, most potential law students stick with the standard M100.

If you are unsure about the course, do not hesitate to contact the university or your personal tutor in order to clear up any doubts.  

University

Once certain that the right course has been selected, the next step is selecting the university. A prestigious one is always preferable but it should not eclipse the course itself, many graduates have regretted sacrificing their dream course for a university.

Through the use of online university tables potential choices can be narrowed down, the search can also be filtered by subject and selected universities can be compared.

Areas of interest should be the university’s research quality, graduates prospects and student’s satisfaction. It is at this stage that as much information must be collected regarding universities and what to expect; talk to your peers, personal tutors, parents and embrace the world wide web and access student forums.

The university’s location is also important; a location further away from home leads to more independence which is part of growing up and the university experience but doing so tends to restrict contact with the family. The distance can affect some more than others but in the end its really about discovering what is right for you.

I recommend that you visit as many universities as you can; you truly get a sense of the atmosphere, lifestyle and current graduates can contribute honest opinions; allowing the formation of your own conclusions.

A personal example can be found through my visit of a certain university and how the constant odour of fish negated a university that was strong on paper. As the issue of location is important, I have further explored this factor in another article.

When visiting a university, it is important to pay close attention to the campus, as it is where the majority of time will be spent. Throughout the tenure the place will be loved, hated and looked on indifferently but it will be a constant presence.

Can you imagine yourself relaxing there? Is there enough to do on and off campus?

A social life is important and represents a break from the world of studies, be it a beach to relax on or a bar to wind down in. The level of accommodation is also important but it is not urgent and can be dealt with after securing a university.

Good luck with the search and hopefully this article has helped. The most important message is that knowledge is the most useful tool you can have and by collecting as much information, you are to make the most informed decisions. 

http://extras.timesonline.co.uk/tol_gug/gooduniversityguide.php
http://www.lawforums.co.uk/studying-law/

Ravi Pilaipakam-Thatai

2^nd Year Law student in the University of Exeter Cornwall Campus

21-09-2009