BPP v University of Law

Which Should I Choose?

If you are interested in pursuing a legal career, you are probably looking through thousands of websites trying to find more information about the best legal teaching facilities in the UK. Choosing the right LPC provider is very important for your future and career development. But how to decide where to study? It is worth considering BPP and University of Law as being the most popular choice when it comes to legal education. This article will help you to compare the two biggest UK LPC providers- BPP and University of Law, making sure that you make the right choice for your future.

What Is BPP University And University Of Law?

BPP University is one of the first private companies to obtain degree-awarding powers in the UK. Essentially, BPP Law School is an independent postgraduate Law School focusing more on business and professional studies and practices. It also ranks among the leading Law Schools in the UK. BPP University has centres in Abingdon, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Leeds, Liverpool, London, and Manchester.

On the other hand, University of Law has mostly public educational facilities with a much more traditional approach. It is focused on providing the necessary theoretical basis rather than learning the practical side of the law.

The main difference between BPP and the University of Law, is that BPP has a much smaller cohort, and teaching capacity.

Course Structure and Electives

Both Universities provide in-person and online teaching, as well as full time and part-time teaching.

As mentioned above, BPP University focuses more on the commercial law side with many more practice classes. In BPP, there are subjects such as Business Law and Practice (including Taxation), Property Law and Practice, Litigation (Civil and Criminal) Interviewing and Advising etc. Furthermore, it provides the optional Legal Technology Innovation and Design online module developed in collaboration with law firms, to introduce you to the project management skills that legal recruiters look for.

If you are looking for a more traditional approach for your learning experience University of Law is a good place to go. Depending on your career path you will be able to choose from a variety of different traditional modules such as Company, Commercial and Trade law. It is good to keep in mind that University of Law is likely to provide you with more “theoretical knowledge” rather than practical experience.

Assessments and Examination

When it comes to assessments and examinations, both universities have a similar “open book” approach where you are allowed to use your pre-approved handbook or textbook for written exams. At BPP University you might also be assigned some group project to work on.

Fees and Funding

Similarly, both programs allow you to qualify for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan worth up to £11,570 and also have a range of scholarships and bursaries available to make studying more affordable.

BPP University’s fees vary between £11,500 and £12,000.

University of Law's fees varies between £9,500 and £14,000.

Careers

Unsurprisingly, both facilities provide good legal education and are equally competitive in the job market, so it is arguable to say for sure which one gives you better opportunities for career development.

It has been said that BPP University has been preferred by law firms when it comes to further education or conversion of courses. Additionally, a lot of the teaching staff in BPP are international scholars, Magic Circle solicitors or Barristers. Therefore, if you are interested in a career in a Magic Circle law firm, BPP University might be the right choice.

University of Law, however, does not fall far behind as it boasts high ranked tutors. Most Universities work closely with law firms, that recruit students right after, or even before their graduation.

In conclusion

A lot has been said about both BPP and University of Law and in the end, they still look quite similar. It is good to consider the small differences and think about what sort of teaching method is more suitable for you.

Simona Simeonova