Part-time/distance learning Law degree

[944fan]

Some background: I went to uni straight from college and read Chemistry. I hated it and dropped out after less than a year. At the time the Internet was really taking off and I taught myself programming and got into IT. Fast forward 12 years and I am now head of a development department, not having a degree has never held me back. I have been looking at the next step in my career to more senior IT management and it seems that a degree is a universal pre-requite. There are far fewer senior roles than developer roles so I guess the competition is tougher and not having a degree will hold me back.

I don't want to do an IT degree. I have some industry qualifications and I think I have proven my IT ability. At my current level I find I am frequently involved in contract negotiation, and more than I want to be, in contract breaches. I have an interest in the Law and want to pursue that. Not to change careers but to a give me a degree in something that interests me and will help in future roles.

Anyway on to my question: Can anyone recommend some good distance learning or part time courses? Uni of Buckingham does a 1 evening a week course which looks good - years 2,3,4 allow you to pick modules so I could tailor it to my requirements by taking business, contract, employment law modules. What is their reputation like in the job market?

I looked at the OU but you have to start with their Level 1 courses and do crap like social sciences of something - I think I would find that hard to motivate myself.

Somewhere that allows you to spread the cost would be good as I can't stump up £12K in one go but could spread it over 4 years.

[acd80]

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualifi...

You don't have to do the social sciences module for the Open Uni law degree. I am a massive advocate of the style of learning that the Open University encourages and believe me, they are very very good at their approach to distance learning and whilst it took 5 years to achieve my degree, the time flew by. I am just about to finish a second BSc(Hons) with another Uni that have supposedly an excellent reputation for what they teach but based on my experience with them, they are woefully shoddy in all aspects of their approach to distance learning.

I did the DD100 module that you mentioned. Yes, it can be a bit wishy washy at times but there are several aspects to the module that have helped me massively in my professional life especially in my analytical skills and critical thinking so don't dismiss the module.

[GTI Mom]

I agree - the OU is excellent and I think offers more resources to help you study. I did an MBA with them 10 years ago. Like any course - there were modules I hated and some which really inspired. It was hard work - trying to get essays done and work at the same time!

I know of a another person who did a Law degree with the OU. She studied Classics at Uni, got a job via mlk round with a well known supermarket chain on their management ladder. She found this did not satisfy - so she did the OU's Law degree and has a very fulfilling job with one of the big firms in Manchester.

I would say - based on my experience and that of my pal that you need to be self-disciplined with any distance learning course and make sure you set aside enough time to study and do the set work.

Edit to add (as I have discovered a new button!)

I forgot there is a site called Target Jobs. This has some useful links to Universities offering distance learning and conversion coourses into the law profession. They also have a link on funding too.

Edited by GTI Mom on Wednesday 13th February 17:18

[CCCS]

I did a law degree by distance learning about eight years ago at Nottingham Law School http://www.ntu.ac.uk/nls/ they appear to still run the same/similar course http://www.ntu.ac.uk/apps/pss/course_finder/60563-...

The course was over four years with four weekend courses per year in Nottingham, fees were spread over each year.

I went to a couple of graduate employment fairs, the course was well thought of by law firms.

[944fan]

Thanks for the posts. Looks like the OU is a good option. The only thing that puts me off slightly is that it is more rigidly defined than some of the other part time courses. The Bucks one for example lets you pick specific modules whereas it seems the OU one has a set list and you do the lot. Part of the reason for looking at Law is to supplement my IT Management experience for more senior roles so would like to focus on modules dealing with corporate law, contract law and employment law. I am sure the OU courses covers these.

I think now is a perfect time for me to study. My kids are old enough that they don't keep me awake all night, but young enough still that they go to bed early - giving me plenty of time in the evenings. My job can be demanding at times but not overly so.

[Bristolian]

I have studied both distance learning and part time courses - I would unhesitatingly recommend PT over DL. I made a lot of good friends among others mature students, but most importantly, having the encouragement of others and the chance to discuss things with fellow students was a great help in maintaining momentum throughout the course.

I did my PG Dip Law part time over 2 years. I have to say it was quite intensive (20 hrs a week : 2 per day x 5 plus one full day) but immensely fulfilling and led to a change of career in my late 30s that has been a great adventure. if you can readily access the M4 or M5, take a look at UWE. they have a great Law Faculty.

I don't think I've ever met anyone who has regretted taking up study after a few years working in the real world. The maturity and perspective that work experience gives you makes you a much more effective student.

Beware - it does change you (for the better) but you might find your horizons expanding alarmingly. Do it : seize the day.

Edited by Bristolian on Friday 15th February 22:39