Cecily Zamora
Studying law as a mature student can be daunting, but law schools welcome people of all ages and backgrounds. Mature students are often more focused, with better problem-solving skills and are better equipped to deal with the pressures of studying law. There are several course options available, including a three- or four-year undergraduate law degree, a one-year Law Conversion Course (GDL), or the CILEx route. The biggest challenge for mature students is often balancing academic work with other commitments, but many law schools now offer support to help mature students connect with each other and their communities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a mature student | Generally, a mature student is someone who starts any form of higher education when aged 21 or over. Postgraduate mature students are usually 25 or over. |
| Study modes | Full-time, part-time, on campus, and online. |
| Time commitment | Full-time study requires approximately 40 study hours a week, and part-time requires approximately 20 hours. |
| Course options | Three- or four-year undergraduate law degree LLB, one-year Law Conversion Course (GDL), or the CILEx route. |
| Entry requirements | Vary depending on the course and institution. Undergraduate courses typically require three A-Levels (grades A*-C) or equivalent. GDL courses usually require an undergraduate degree with a minimum of a 2:2 and a demonstrable interest in law. |
| Funding | Student Finance, scholarships, and bursaries may be available. |
| Social life | There will be other mature students with similar circumstances. Getting involved with clubs and societies can help with social activities. |
| Support | Many universities offer support services, including personal tutors, peer mentorship programs, and counselling services. |
| Advantages of being a mature student | Mature students are often more focused, have better problem-solving skills, and are highly motivated. They may also have more life experience and professional experience, which can be advantageous in the legal profession. |
| Challenges | Balancing academic work with other commitments, such as family or work responsibilities. Adjusting to the workload and academic expectations of a law degree. |
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What You'll Learn
Course options and entry requirements
If you're considering studying law as a mature student, you might be wondering about the course options available to you and what the entry requirements are. Here's some information to help you out:
Course options
There are several course options available for mature students interested in studying law. One option is to pursue an undergraduate law degree, which typically takes three or four years to complete. You can choose between a full-time programme, which usually takes three years, or a part-time option, which is typically completed in four years. This is often referred to as an LLB degree.
Another option is to undertake a Law Conversion Course, such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). This course is designed for those who have an undergraduate degree in a different subject and want to convert to law. The GDL can be completed in one year, providing a faster route to qualifying as a lawyer.
Additionally, there is the CILEx route, which offers a more flexible approach to studying law. The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) qualification can be obtained through part-time study, allowing you to work and gain legal experience while completing your studies.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for mature student law programmes can vary depending on the course and the institution. For undergraduate law degrees, the standard entry requirement is typically three A-Levels with grades ranging from A* to C or equivalent qualifications. Some universities may also require you to have relevant work experience or a demonstrated interest in law.
If you're considering the GDL route, the usual requirement is an undergraduate degree with a minimum classification of a lower second (2:2). However, specific providers may have their own entry criteria, so it's important to check with the institution you're interested in.
When applying as a mature student, your professional experience and skills are also valued. Law schools often welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, recognising that mature students bring a unique set of skills and perspectives to their studies and future legal careers.
Support and flexibility
Many universities understand the challenges faced by mature students in balancing academic work with other commitments. To accommodate this, they offer various study modes, including full-time, part-time, on-campus, and online options. Additionally, universities often provide support services, scholarships, and bursaries specifically for mature students.
Remember, while studying law as a mature student can be daunting, your life experience, dedication, and problem-solving skills can give you a unique advantage in your studies and future legal career.
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Balancing commitments
Balancing your commitments will likely be the biggest challenge of studying law as a mature student. With lectures, coursework and other learning activities to fit around your day-to-day life, you will need to be well-organised, focused and committed. You will be expected to complete the same amount of reading and preparation as other students on your course.
The workload of a law degree can be a shock at first. Students can never read everything; there comes a point when you have to stop. It is about learning efficiency in law work. Law degree courses are generally quite flexible, enabling mature students to work around family or other commitments. For example, you could study full-time or part-time, on campus or online. If you have other commitments and need flexibility in terms of where you study, studying online could be a good option.
Mature students are often more focused, with better problem-solving skills, more independent, and better able to articulate original ideas than their younger counterparts. They bring a high level of zeal, dedication and problem-solving skills to their studies. They are also better equipped to deal with the pressures of studying law.
Many law schools are now going out of their way to support mature students in connecting with each other and with their law school communities. From peer mentorship programs which pair incoming mature students with similar second- or third-year students who understand what they’re going through, to counselling services and other resources aimed specifically at students returning to school or pursuing second careers, most mature students have an unexpectedly strong safety net to help them on their journey.
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Student support
Studying law as a mature student comes with its own set of challenges, but there are many support systems in place to help you succeed. Here are some key aspects of student support to consider:
Academic Support
Many law schools recognise the unique needs of mature students and offer various study modes to accommodate different circumstances. These include full-time, part-time, on-campus, and online learning options. Part-time study, for example, may allow you to balance your academic commitments with other responsibilities. Online courses can provide flexibility if you have family or work commitments that make it difficult to attend classes in person.
Financial Support
Financial considerations are an important aspect of pursuing higher education as a mature student. In addition to support from Student Finance, some universities offer scholarships and bursaries specifically for mature students. It is worth exploring the eligibility criteria for these opportunities to help fund your studies.
Student Services and Mentorship
Universities often have dedicated student services to support mature students. Personal tutors, counsellors, and other support staff can provide guidance and assistance throughout your studies. Many universities also offer peer mentorship programs, connecting incoming mature students with more senior students who can offer advice and understanding based on their own experiences.
Recognition of Prior Learning and Work Experience
Law schools often value the prior work experience and professional skills that mature students bring to their legal studies. This can include transferable skills from previous careers, demonstrating a strong work ethic, and a commitment to the subject. Mature students may also have niche interests that can be leveraged in specific areas of law, such as a science background for patent law.
Social Support and Community
Starting or returning to university as a mature student can be daunting, but it's important to remember that you are not alone. Many other mature students will be in similar circumstances, and building relationships with them can provide a valuable support network. Getting involved in clubs and societies can help you connect with peers and create a sense of community.
While studying law as a mature student comes with unique challenges, there are also many advantages that can contribute to your success. Remember to utilise the support services available and recognise the strengths and skills you bring to your legal studies.
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Advantages of being a mature student
Studying law as a mature student can be a daunting prospect, but it does have its advantages. Firstly, law schools welcome people of all ages and backgrounds, and your age may even be considered an advantage. Mature students are often more focused, zealous, and dedicated, with better problem-solving skills and a stronger ability to deal with the pressures of studying law. They are also more likely to have developed excellent organisational skills and a strong work ethic.
Mature students often bring prior professional experience, which can give them an edge in the legal profession. They may have a niche area of interest within law that they can pursue, such as patent law for those with a science background, or medical negligence for former nurses. This prior knowledge and experience can also help mature students stand out to employers, who often criticise younger graduates for lacking commercial awareness.
Law degree courses are quite flexible, enabling mature students to work around family or other commitments. Part-time, flexible day and evening courses are available, and many law schools offer high-level support to help mature students juggle their studies with other commitments. This support can include peer mentorship programs, counselling services, and other resources aimed specifically at mature students.
Finally, returning to education as a mature student can provide a new perspective on life and learning. It can be an opportunity to prove something to yourself and achieve something you may have missed out on earlier in life.
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The application process
Step 1: Determine Your Student Status
The definition of a mature student can vary between institutions. Generally, if you are 21 or older when starting your law studies, you are considered a mature student. However, some institutions may define mature students as those who have been out of the classroom for a certain number of years, regardless of their age.
Step 2: Choose Your Law Course
There are several course options available for mature students interested in studying law. You can choose between a three- or four-year undergraduate law degree (LLB), a one-year Law Conversion Course (GDL), or the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) route, which offers an alternative pathway into the legal profession outside of the traditional degree paths.
Step 3: Research Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for mature student law courses can vary significantly. Some institutions may require you to have an undergraduate degree or A-Levels, while others may accept relevant work experience or require you to complete an Access to Higher Education course. Research the specific entry requirements for your chosen course and institution.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application
When preparing your application, it is important to showcase your unique strengths as a mature student. Emphasize your motivation, dedication, and any relevant work experience or legal system knowledge. If you have a career change, frame it positively, highlighting how your past experiences have led you to pursue a legal career.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
For undergraduate law degrees (LLB), you will typically apply through the UCAS application portal. There may be specific deadlines for mature students, so ensure you are aware of the application timeline. For GDL courses, you will need to submit an application through lawcabs. If you are interested in the CILEx route, research the application process through their website.
Remember, law schools welcome mature students and value the diverse perspectives and experiences they bring to the legal profession. Don't be discouraged by your age or background; instead, focus on the advantages and strengths you can bring to your law studies.
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Frequently asked questions
Mature students are often more focused, with better problem-solving skills, more independence, and better able to articulate original ideas than their younger counterparts. Law schools welcome people of all ages and backgrounds as long as they have the skills deemed necessary for success. Mature students are also viewed as being particularly well-equipped for success in law school, thanks to the breadth and depth of real-world skills they've likely acquired from their time outside of the classroom.
Balancing your academic work with other commitments such as work and family can be difficult. The workload can also be a shock at first, with full-time study requiring approximately 40 study hours a week.
Many law schools offer support to help mature students connect with each other and with their law school communities. This includes peer mentorship programs, counselling services, and other resources aimed specifically at students returning to school or pursuing second careers. Some universities also offer scholarships and bursaries that mature students may be eligible for.
