Gavin Howe
Studying law as a mature student can be a daunting prospect, but it's not uncommon. Many people go to university later in life, and law schools welcome applicants from all ages and backgrounds. Mature students often bring a high level of dedication and problem-solving skills to their studies, and their life experience can provide an edge. While it can be challenging to balance the workload with other commitments, law degree courses are generally flexible, and many universities offer high-level support to help mature students juggle their studies.
| 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. |
| Law school experience | Mature students may feel scared or intimidated on their first day of law school. They may feel they are stepping into the unknown, or worry about being judged. However, law schools welcome people of all ages and backgrounds, and mature students are often considered to be more focused and better equipped to deal with the pressures of studying law. |
| Support | Most law schools offer high-level support to mature students, helping them balance their studies with other commitments. Support can include peer mentorship programs, counselling services, and resources aimed specifically at mature students. |
| Time commitment | Studying law as a mature student requires a significant time commitment, with full-time study requiring approximately 40 hours of study per week, in addition to other commitments such as work and family. |
| Course options | Mature students interested in studying law have several course options, including three- or four-year undergraduate law degrees (LLB), one-year Law Conversion Courses (GDL), or the CILEx route. There are also part-time and online options available. |
| Funding | Mature students may have access to different funding options compared to traditional students, including scholarships and bursaries. |
| Benefits | Mature students may benefit from their greater life experience, resources, and connections, as well as a higher clarity of purpose. |
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What You'll Learn
- Law school applications for mature students: how to apply and what to consider
- The benefits of life experience: why your background can be an advantage
- Course options: full-time, part-time, online and hybrid learning
- Support for mature students: what resources are available and how to access them
- Challenges and opportunities: what to expect and how to prepare
Law school applications for mature students: how to apply and what to consider
Application process
Applications for most on-campus undergraduate courses in the UK should be made through UCAS. Visit the UCAS website and register your details to get started on your application. If you are a parent, make sure to tick the box on the form, as you may be eligible for additional support.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for mature law student courses vary significantly depending on the course and the institution. Generally, if you are over 21 at the start of your course and studying for an undergraduate course, or over 25 and studying for a postgraduate course, you are considered a mature student.
Course options
There are several mature student course options available: a three- or four-year undergraduate law degree LLB, a one-year Law Conversion Course (GDL), or the CILEx route. You can also choose between full-time, part-time, attendance, and online study modes.
Challenges
Juggling your work or family commitments with your studies will be challenging. 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.
Benefits
Mature students bring a high level of dedication and problem-solving skills to their studies. They are also better equipped to deal with the pressures of studying law. Your background and life experience may be considered a key advantage by law schools.
Support
Most law schools offer high-level support to mature students, helping you to balance your studies with other commitments. There are often peer mentorship programs, counselling services, and other resources available specifically for mature students.
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The benefits of life experience: why your background can be an advantage
Studying law as a mature student can be a daunting prospect, but your life experience can give you an edge over younger students.
Mature students often bring a high level of dedication and problem-solving skills to their studies. They are also better equipped to deal with the pressures of studying law. Law schools welcome people of all ages and from different backgrounds, and your life experience may be considered a key advantage.
Mature students often have greater clarity of purpose. They are more likely to know what they want and why they are studying law. This can help them stay motivated during challenging times. They may also have more resources and connections that can be beneficial during and after their studies. For example, they may have a professional network they can tap into for support or collaboration.
Many mature students have already established careers in other sectors and decide to pursue a law degree for a career change or other growth opportunities. Their previous work experience can be instrumental in their future success in law school and beyond. For instance, a student with a background in business acquisitions may find this experience useful when studying corporate law.
Mature students can also benefit from the support systems in place at universities. Most law schools offer high-level support to help mature students juggle their studies with other commitments, such as work or family. This support can include peer mentorship programs, counselling services, and resources specifically aimed at mature students. Additionally, universities often have social clubs and societies that cater to mature students, helping them connect with others in similar circumstances.
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Course options: full-time, part-time, online and hybrid learning
Law degree courses are quite flexible, allowing mature students to work around family or other commitments. You can choose between full-time, part-time, and online study modes, with some universities also offering hybrid learning options.
Full-time
Full-time study usually requires approximately 40 hours of study per week. This option may be suitable for mature students who are able to dedicate a significant amount of time to their studies and can manage the workload alongside any other commitments.
Part-time
Part-time study typically involves around 20 hours of study per week, allowing students to spread out their course fee payments and complete their degree over a longer period. This mode of study can provide a more gradual pace and better fit the schedules of those with other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities.
Online
Online learning can be a good option for mature students who require flexibility in terms of their location and study schedule. Online courses often provide the convenience of studying from anywhere in the world and allow students to work at their own pace.
Hybrid
Hybrid programs combine the benefits of in-person and online learning, offering a significant in-person experience while also providing the flexibility of remote classes. For example, the LMU Law Part-Time/Hybrid JD Program involves about two-thirds of the program being online, with on-campus attendance limited to no more than two long weekends per semester, and the fourth year being entirely online. Similarly, Suffolk University Law School's Hybrid JD program allows students to take all their first-year classes in person and then study online or a mix of in-person and online for upper-level courses.
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Support for mature students: what resources are available and how to access them
Studying law as a mature student can be challenging, especially when balancing academic work with other commitments. However, law schools welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, recognising the advantages that mature students bring, including a strong work ethic, life experience, problem-solving skills, and focus.
Scholarships and bursaries
In addition to support from Student Finance, some institutions offer scholarships and bursaries for mature students. These opportunities may be available to undergraduate students who meet specific criteria, such as having spent time in local authority care or lacking parental support.
Flexible study modes
Many universities offer flexible study modes to accommodate the diverse commitments of mature students. This includes full-time, part-time, on-campus, and online learning options. Online courses, in particular, can provide the flexibility needed by mature students with other commitments.
Personal tutors
Personal tutors are available at some universities to provide knowledge and support to mature students. Their experience working with different types of mature students can be invaluable in navigating the challenges of returning to education.
Networking events and extracurricular activities
Networking events and extracurricular activities offer mature students the opportunity to build connections and enhance their learning experience. Getting involved in these activities can accelerate learning and facilitate a broader educational experience.
Careers services
Most universities provide careers education, information, advice, and guidance specifically tailored to mature students. These services offer a friendly, inclusive, impartial, and supportive setting to explore career options and make informed decisions.
Peer mentorship programs and counselling services
Many law schools offer high-level support through peer mentorship programs and counselling services aimed at mature students. These resources help juggle studies with other commitments and provide an opportunity to connect with fellow mature students facing similar challenges.
Entry requirements and application advice
For mature students without an undergraduate degree or A-Levels, speaking directly with admissions staff can provide clarity on entry requirements and application processes. Institutions may consider relevant work experience or require completion of an Access to Higher Education course or an interview as part of the mature student application process.
Returning to education as a mature student to study law can be daunting, but it is achievable with the right support. By leveraging the resources available, such as financial aid, flexible study options, personal support, and career services, mature students can successfully navigate the challenges and embrace the advantages that their life experience brings to their legal education.
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Challenges and opportunities: what to expect and how to prepare
Studying law as a mature student comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Here's what you can expect and how to prepare for this exciting journey:
Challenges
One of the biggest challenges mature students face is balancing their commitments. Returning to full-time education while managing work, family, and other responsibilities can be demanding. Law degrees are intensive, often requiring around 40 hours of study per week for full-time students. This means you'll need to be well-organised, focused, and committed to juggling your daily life with lectures, coursework, and learning activities.
Opportunities
Law schools welcome mature students and value the diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives they bring. Your life experience and previous career can be advantageous and provide a unique edge to your legal studies. Many law schools offer flexible study modes, including part-time, online, and hybrid options, allowing you to fit your studies around your commitments.
Preparation
To prepare for your law studies as a mature student, consider the following:
- Choose the right study mode: Opt for a study mode that suits your circumstances. Part-time and online programs can offer the flexibility you need to balance your commitments.
- Connect with other mature students: Many law schools have groups like Older, Wiser Law Students (OWLS) or Parents Attending Law School (PALS). Connecting with peers can provide support and help you socialise and share advice.
- Utilise support services: Law schools often provide comprehensive support for mature students, including mentorship programs, counselling, and personal tutors who can guide you.
- Manage your time effectively: Prioritise your time and stay organised. Recognise that you may not be able to complete all the reading, and learn to work efficiently.
- Stay confident: It's normal to feel nervous about returning to education, but remember that your life skills and experiences are valuable. Your background can give you an edge in the legal profession, so believe in yourself and your unique perspective.
Remember, many people have successfully returned to university later in life and gone on to excel in their law studies and subsequent legal careers.
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Frequently asked questions
Law schools welcome people of all ages and backgrounds, and your age and life experience may be considered an advantage. Mature students are often more focused and better equipped to deal with the pressures of studying law. You will also find that law degree courses are quite flexible, enabling you to work around family or other commitments.
Balancing your commitments will be a challenge. You will be expected to complete the same amount of reading and preparation as other students on your course, so you will need to be well-organised, focused and committed. You may also face hurdles like age discrimination in the legal field.
Most law schools offer high-level support to help mature students juggle their studies with other commitments. This includes mentorship programs, counselling services and resources aimed specifically at mature students. There are also scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for.
