This can be divided as follows:
Vocational Study related to your Law degree
This, at present, comprises the Legal Practice Course (LPC) for aspiring solicitors or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) for intending barristers.
LPC
If you are considering applying for the LPC for September 2017 there are still places available at most providers.
There is no official closing date so providers will keep their course lists open for as long as possible.
If you study the LPC LLM, MSc in Law, Business and Management, or the new MA Law at the University of Law, you could be eligible for a £10,280 postgraduate loan from the Student Loans Company. Similarly, BPP Law School offers the LLM Legal Practice, which would also qualify you for a postgraduate loan.
How to apply
If you are applying for a full time LPC, you use the Central Applications Board website Lawcabs
You are allowed to make up to 3 choices of institution. Bear in mind, that if you are a Law student at the University of Chester, you are guaranteed a place at the University of Law centre of your choice, provided you get at least a 2:2 in your undergraduate degree.
BPTC
Applications for the BPTC have now closed for September 2017 and will reopen for 2018 in late November. Check for updates on the BarSAS website.
You will also have to pass the Bar Course Aptitude Test before starting your course. See
Bar Standards Board for further information.
You must also join one of the Inns of Court before enrolling on the BPTC.
Don't forget, there are large sums of money available in scholarships from the Inns of Court.
- The application deadline for scholarships is always the first Friday in November in the year before you wish to commence the BPTC.
- You can only apply to one Inn.
Both the University of Law and BPP Law School offer BPTC LLM course which would make you eligible for a Student Loans Company Postgraduate Loan.
Academic study related to your Law degree
LLM
You might be thinking about going on to Masters study and, in particular an LLM. This could be a good idea if you really want to focus on a particular area of law, such as Human Rights, and intend to forge a career using that expertise.
A few points to remember about studying a Masters:
- It can be expensive, though a Student Loans Company Postgraduate Loan of up to £10,280 could help you with the finances. See Find A Masters for details.
- If you had received a postgraduate loan for an LLM you would not be eligible for more funding from the Student Loans Company in order to study for an LPC or BPTC LLM
- You can often study part-time enabling you to work at the same time as studying
- You need to be motivated to study your chosen specialism at a higher level. Even if you are doing a taught Masters as opposed to a Research Masters (known as an MPhil) you will be expected to carry out hours of study outside of lectures.
- Think again, if you are considering a Masters to make up for a poor result in your undergraduate degree. Employers will see through this and look at your original degree result first!
