Postgraduate law course providers: pick a path

Choosing where to study your postgrad course(s) can be a tricky business. It is by no means a scientific process, as much will depend on your personal circumstances and predilections, but there are a few factors that you should be using as a guide (location, fees, facilities are but a few). Read on to find out more.

You have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing somewhere to study your postgraduate law courses. There are over 30 institutions - some with more than one site - offering the LPC alone. Whether you are about to do the GDL, LPC or BPTC, a number of factors should guide which law schools you apply to.

Those of you with the easiest choice have already secured a training contract or pupillage and your future firm/chambers will have specified the provider that you should attend. It's pretty sensible just to do as you're asked! Quite a few others with training contracts or pupillages will find yourselves in a position where the firm/chambers is paying all of your fees, and with a bit of luck some maintenance as well. In this case, you don't have to pay too much heed to financial considerations.

The rest (and the majority) of you should pay close attention to each of the factors listed below.

Course fees

This boils down to how much money you can afford to hand over for the privilege of attending the course. Fees for a one-year course can be as much as £17,350 (for the BPTC in London in 2013-14). However, do not make the mistake of thinking that the more expensive the course, the better it is going to be. That's not always the case.

For more discussion and detail on how to finance your postgrad studies, check out this Feature.

Course structure/type

It is essential for you to do an LPC or BPTC that reflects the type of law you wish to practise. The LPC at its core remains the same course for everyone (see LC.N’s LPC page for more on its structure), but in recent years institutions have begun to offer versions with different emphases. For example, BPP Law School offers a business-focused LPC, developed in conjunction with leading firms that include Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. It also now offers High Street Extra, an optional programme on the areas of law that are key to high street or small firms. The University of Law offers its LPC+ course, available to the trainees of a variety of firms, including Baker & McKenzie and Pannone. Ask potential providers what they have to offer and how this differs from what is available elsewhere.

Teaching quality

Some courses have better teachers and teaching methods than others. The SRA continually monitors course quality and rates LPC providers. The system focuses on six different areas:

• teaching, learning and the curriculum;
• assessment;
• students and their support;
• learning resources;
• leadership and management; and
• quality assurance and enhancement.

Contact the SRA to find out more (follow the link or 0870 606 2555).

Facilities

Not all courses and institutions offer the same level of facilities, resources, support and class sizes. Some institutions include books and materials, while at others these are additional costs. Don't be afraid to ask some searching questions about what you get for your money!

Housing/living costs

London is an expensive city in which to live, while the rest of the country is (mostly) cheaper. This should be factored in when you consider how much you will be paying for the course. Ask the questions and do your research.

Location

If you study somewhere near home, you can live there and save on costs. Plus you will know people and have a life outside the institution you are joining. If you are keen to move elsewhere, first work out whether you are likely to be happy there. You might like to do a preliminary visit to get a sense of the place. The BPTC and LPC are usually completed in a year, which is a manageable amount of time wherever you are, but be sure to consider the factors that are important to you.

Reputation

This is listed last as it is the most nebulous of considerations. There are plenty of people whose opinion you can elicit (eg, potential employers, tutors, careers advisers, friends, relations, colleagues and fellow students). With all that advice, you should garner a fair amount of insight as to the best place of study for you. Just remember to pay more heed to those who actually know what they are talking about!

The amount of weight you attribute to each of the above will depend entirely on your own personal circumstances and personality. There is no one-size-fits-all equation to work out where to study, so be guided by the above, the advice of those you trust (use our Course Search) and your instinct. Good luck!