Expectation v reality: one student’s view of the LPC

Before starting the LPC at BPP Holborn, I spoke to many people about their experiences on the LPC so I could brace myself for what was to come. After doing my research, I was left with mixed emotions. Some told me that the LPC was like nothing they had studied before – it was much harder! Others said it was more than manageable, whereas GDL students had said that the fast-paced nature of the GDL had prepared them well for the LPC. After ruminating with these thoughts for months, it is fair to say that I showed up to my first day looking like a deer in the headlights. Now, about halfway through the course, I am here to set the record straight on what the LPC is like in reality and how it differs from studying an undergraduate course.

Let’s begin with a disclaimer. The LPC is a heavy course – the material itself is not necessarily difficult, but the quantity can prove daunting at times. The course is structured with lectures and the material is then thoroughly discussed in small seminar groups. Although the lectures are helpful, they tend to only provide you with a brief overview of the material and the expectation is that students will consult their materials to fill in the blanks. This points to one of the first major differences between the LPC and studying at undergrad level – the LPC requires a lot more self-teaching. Students should not go into the LPC expecting lectures and explanations on each major concept taught – there is much more independent study than I expected. Speaking from experience, having fallen behind at times, the biggest tip I can give future students is to ensure that you are disciplined and manage your time well, as it is very easy to fall behind given the fast-paced nature of the course.

A second difference is that the LPC is much more practical than anything I saw during my undergrad studies. Long gone are the days of essay writing and researching the feminist perspective on contract law. Instead, the LPC turns your attention to the likes of drafting relevant forms to submit to the Land Registry on the sale of property. The extent of the practical application of law is what initially shocked me. The foundation I gained in studying commercially focused modules during my undergraduate degree, such as company law, tax law, intellectual property and international sale of goods, proved beneficial when studying core modules on the LPC, such as business law and practice. However, this is not to say that those who did not study such modules will be at a disadvantage.

Reflecting on my experience so far, I have enjoyed studying the LPC and learning about the practical side of law. If I could go back in time and give myself advice about the LPC knowing what I know now, I would tell myself that as long as I keep up with the required readings, it really isn’t as much of a nightmare as some make it out to be.