Flexible learning
Increasingly universities are offering a diversity of methods of study towards the degree. The traditional route, namely the full-time course lasting two, three or four years, is now supplemented by part-time degrees and distance learning. These are still in their formative stages and are likely to be of most interest to those people who are already in full-time work. Part-time degrees in Scotland are currently only offered by the University of Strathclyde. They can be taken over a five year period and the degree is taught in the evenings. Fees for part-time degrees are not available from government sources.
A few universities offer a qualifying English law degree as a sandwich course. For example Bournemouth University, Brunei University and the University of Nottingham Trent all offer four year degree courses which include one placement year where students work within a law firm or other commercial organization to gain the necessary legal skills to equip them for legal practice. Such an approach arguably provides you with a competitive edge over those graduates who have limited work experience. Before making your mind up about which is the most suitable course for you, consider precisely what is involved in the placement year as it may mean a year in a location inconvenient for you. You should also be clear about the funding position. Are you paid while on placement or do you still have to fund yourself?
One final word about method of delivery of courses
Education generally is moving towards a more flexible system whereby credits can be gained by students at one or more institutions, and possibly over a variety of courses, and used in the construction of sufficient credits to make up a full degree. Again this process is in its formative stages and it would be premature to speculate on how this method might be experienced by students or received by employers. However, the present government's intention is to maximize access to education for all sections of society, and part of the way to achieve that is to increase flexibility in the way that courses are delivered. As institutions vary in how they accredit courses, it would be best to speak directly to the institution at which you wish to study if you want to find out about issues such as taking time out from a degree, moving between faculties within an institution, or moving from one institution to another to continue your studies.
To find out more about what it means to practice as a solicitor or at the Bar, a useful career guide is produced by Ivanhoe entitled The Legal Profession. Although this publication is directed at those who wish to practice in England and Wales, it has much information of wider application, especially in relation to types of legal practice. The current edition is entitled The Legal Profession 1999 and there is a new edition produced each year. The book is available on the internet for those interested in a professional career. The Faculty of Advocates in Scotland produces a booklet entitled A Career in Advocacy which can be obtained from them.
To conclude
There is a wide variety of courses available for the study of law providing an equally broad spectrum of careers. The most complete guide to degree courses is found in the CRAC series published by Hobsons, which is produced annually and can be accessed on the internet. To find out what type of courses might be available from the universities of your choice it is best to contact them directly. These courses tend to be added to and improved upon annually so do not rely on old literature and prospectuses-check with the university.
