LPC distance learning

Feb 10, 2018

Written By Jos Weale and Becky Kells, Editors, AllAboutLaw

Studying your course in a distance learning format is growing to be increasingly popular these days. And LPC distance learning is no exception.

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What’s it all about?

An LPC distance learning course is spread across two years. It will allow you to continue in full-time work, and tend to any other commitments you may have which prevent you from taking the course as a full-time student.

You’ll be able to access your materials, lecture recordings and some seminars online. This means you’ll be able to complete your study when it suits you. By the time you’ve completed the course, you’ll be all set to take on your training contract, just like the full- and part-timers…and you’ll be the chief of time management!

What will I study?

The core content of a distance learning LPC is the same as any other full- or part-time course, focusing on the core practice areas, skills and additional areas, plus a selection of elective subjects specific to the provider.

A little bit terrified of technology? If yes, don’t panic! Your course provider will offer some training to get to grips with the system, such as adapting to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) – an online platform used to connect you to your materials, lectures, tutor and fellow distance learners.

Face-to-face sessions are crucial to a course like the LPC. After all, the purpose is to prepare you for practice in a law firm, teaching you to apply all that knowledge you spend hours cramming in during the GDL to real-life situations. For this reason, you won’t be able to complete the LPC purely online. You will be required to attend some sessions at your campus throughout the duration of the course, though these will usually take place on a weekend.

In some instances, the course provider will offer special accommodation or have agreed discounted rates with local hotels for occasions when distance learning students are required to attend face-to-face tutorials on campus.

Will I be at a disadvantage as an LPC Distance Learner?

As a distance learner you’ll cover the same material as those who are studying the LPC full time. The difference in struggling and doing well exists is down to how you manage to juggle your time between your work and personal commitments and your studies. Self-discipline is necessary!

Provided you are able to give the course the time it requires (the LPC is pretty full on, even in a part-time capacity) there’s no reason why you can’t do as well on the course as those who spend all week attending lectures and tutorials in person. Establish a solid routine for you studies and you’ll be half way there to nailing the course.

Have a think: would you do better to have more regular face-to-face feedback? Distance learning courses will include this element but by no means to the same extend as a full-time programme. It could be trickier at times to get in touch with your tutor when you’re stuck – it’s not like you’ll be able to toddle along to their office and knock on the door as easily as if you were a full-timer. Your campus pilgrimages may only occur every few months or so.

That said, distance learning and blended learning programmes are becoming ever more the rage. As technology progresses, VDLs are becoming more and more advanced, and professors and tutors (even the most stubborn) are assimilating with these platforms as another standard way of contacting their students.

Remember - the LPC is only going to stick around until 2020, when the new SQE qualification is rolled out. So if you're planning your future law career and have a few years until you hit this level, you'll most likely take the SQE rather than the LPC. More on the SQE here.

Distance Learning