We spoke with alumna, Zena, about her experience studying the LLB and LPC Online with us including her study tips, the power of flexible study, and how it led to her current role working as a paralegal for a litigation firm.
By Elena Carruthers. Published 20 October 2023.
I made the decision to enrol in the LLB at 18. The choice I felt was more instinctual than purposefully considered, though I did a feel an affinity for humanities having studied English and History in my A-levels. I chose to study with The University of Law because my research indicated that they were one of the best providers of the course I wanted to study. They also had the option to study online and offered an employment promise – which allows students to reclaim part of their fees if they have not found employment within 9 months of completing course. So, following my research, I opted for online study as I was staying with family in Dubai at the time.
Because my decision to study the LLB was so instinctual and I didn’t spend a huge amount of time planning my future career path, I did not have an exact idea in which practice area I wished to qualify, or even if I wanted to be a barrister or solicitor. However, during the LLB, my chosen modules were in entertainment and media law.
I decided to explore work within the media industry following the completion of the LLB, however, not in a legal role. When coming back to law, I felt that my experience led me to understand my interests lie more in corporate law, which formed my chosen modules on the LPC. I chose to study the LPC LLM as the LPC was necessary to be able to qualify as a solicitor. Whilst this pathway is now be phased out in favour of SQE, as an LPC holder I do not have to complete SQE1. Also, some law firms still only request the completion of an LPC in applying for training contracts.
I am now at litigation firm working as a paralegal and am grateful for the opportunity to better understand this practice area. Whilst corporate law remains of interest, I am keeping my options open.
Although study online can be both flexible and convenient, it does require a disciplined study approach as it is a more independent mode of study than in person. I stayed on top of weekly tasks and assignments by allocating days to each module and ensuring deadlines were noted in both analogue and digital diaries. It also helped to attend weekly live online sessions and contact tutors through email and discussion boards, as this increased my feeling of engagement.
To stay on top of my studies, I made good use of the library portal by signing up and attending webinars on how to study effectively. This included tutorials on using databases such as LexisNexis, as well as methods to improve reading and taking notes and the difference between VARK learning styles.
I also enjoyed attending webinars on the employability portal, which allowed me to gain an understanding of the importance of commercial awareness and how to approach applications and structure CV’s. I was also able to register for pro-bono opportunities through the portal, and through completing work experiences, build upon essential employability skills.
For others in similar situations to mine, where it is not possible to attend lectures and hand in assignments in person, flexible study is an ideal way to accomplish study goals and manage any outside work or personal commitments.
Learn more about studying online and our range of other flexible study options including part-time and accelerated courses.
