Should I study law online?
You can complete your law degree online, on campus, or you can even do blended learning, but which option is right for you?
May 05, 2023
Written By Nandini Jadeja
Can you become a lawyer by doing an online degree in the UK?
May 05, 2023
Written By Nandini Jadeja
With busy lifestyles and a rise in the number of online educational options available, online degrees are becoming more and more popular. But can you become a lawyer with one? Here we break down online degrees in the legal world.
How do online degrees differ from in-person degrees?
Online law degrees differ from in-person degrees in terms of their format and how flexible they are. There are courses that offer partial or full online teaching, enabling you to study in a location convenient to you and around your other commitments.
Are online degrees worth less than in-person degrees?
In the UK, online degrees are worth the same as in-person degrees and can be used to progress to any profession. This is provided you do not require vocational experience or an industrial placement which an in-person degree might otherwise offer.
What matters when it comes to an online degree?
The online format of the degree matters less than the quality of the degree, which is assessed in the same way as an in-person degree. The reputation of the institution and reputability of your course is more important than the actual format, and the minimum grade requirement also remains the same for an online course. For most law firms, this is a 2:1.
Are there any benefits to how an online degree might be viewed vs an in-person degree?
Depending on commitments outside of your degree and your reason for choosing an online option, employers may view your ability to juggle studying and other commitments positively. Indeed, it could form a crucial part of your application to a law firm; if you were working and studying for example you could be gaining the experience and the skills needed to become a lawyer simultaneously.
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Do law firms respect online degrees?
Law firms do not specify the format of the degree they require. As with in-person degrees, a minimum of a 2:1 is usually necessary to progress during the application process.
What if I do a degree online in another subject?
Just as if you were doing an in-person degree in another subject, you will still need to take the SQE exams and gain two years of qualifying work experience. Non-law graduates may wish to take the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (which is now replacing the GDL) and/or SQE preparation courses to give them a foundation in the legal industry.
Will it take me longer to become a lawyer with an online degree?
Online degrees do not take any longer than in-person degrees due to their format.
However, as with in-person degrees, there are part and full-time options for study. It may thus take you longer to qualify as a lawyer if you choose a part-time option. This will require less of your weekly time, meaning that you can factor in other commitments such as work. However, since the same content needs to be covered, the degree can take 1-3 years longer than a full time degree.
Where can I study an online Law degree?
Online degrees are becoming increasingly popular and are being offered by reputable universities across the UK.
Here, we look at the LLB being offered online by the University of Law, one of many providers of an online degree. The LLB Law Online at Ulaw is equivalent to an in-person LLB or BA: ‘Our online law degree, known as an LLB or Bachelor of Laws, is equivalent to a BA or BSc.’
Much like a in-person degree, the LLB Online at ULaw offers:
- The required academic stage of training to qualify as a solicitor or barrister.
- The necessary foundation for Master’s Degree study, either at ULaw or elsewhere.
- The ability to move into employment within the wider legal sector or in other fields.
How about if I need to do the SQE?
The good thing about an online law degree is that providers such as ULaw can integrate the online law degree with certain elements needed for the SQE. For example, at the University of Law, the online LLB law ‘is perfect for you as it will mean you are prepared in part for the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1) or to progress onto our Bar Practice Course (if you wish to qualify as a barrister).’ (ULaw)
This means that you will be well prepared to progress to any legal route of your choice.
Summary
You can become a lawyer with an online degree in the UK. Online degrees are generally just as respected as in-person degrees, provided that you go to a reputable institution and meet the minimum grade requirements.
If you're still asking yourself "Should I study law online?", the following handy tool will help you make this key decision:
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