As you get closer to finishing their law degrees, it is essential that you consider which career path you wish to follow. Many students decide to pursue employment, but a large number decide that they need to continue their education to become better qualified.

The most obvious choice after a law degree is to continue studying in that field, in courses such as BPTC, LLM or LPC. However, the skills gained in a law degree are useful in a variety of different careers, such as business, finance and politics.

In this article, we shall look at some of these options and outline the courses open to law graduates. UKEC can help with the application process for any of these courses, and our free guidance can help you to choose the career that best suits your skills and interests.

POSTGRADUATE LAW DEGREE OPTIONS

1. BPTC

If you wish to become a barrister in the UK, you must take the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). This one-year course focuses extensively on the practical skills needed to be a barrister, with core modules including advocacy and dispute resolution.

There are only eight providers in the UK that offer the BPTC, and all applications must be made using an online system called the Bar Student Application Service (BarSAS). The procedure can be quite confusing, and many students have used UKEC to prepare their best possible application.

BarSAS is split into two rounds, with a first round of offers being made on 6th March being followed by a second round that lasts until September. This means anyone who did not apply in time for the first round can still apply. Contact UKEC and we can submit your application today.

2. LLM

LLM is the Master of Law degree which is offered at various universities in the UK for students who either have or have not studied Law before. This is a good alternative for students who will be working as law researchers as well as legal consultants in countries other than the UK and Malaysia. One of the perks that UKEC can assure you is that we can find you courses that integrate both BPTC & LLM. This helps you save time and have two qualifications at the end of the course. Most of our partner universities offer this. Graduating from these programs, you are equipped with both research and practical skills of being a lawyer.

3. LPC

To become a solicitor, it is essential to take the Legal Practice Course (LPC). The LPC generally lasts one year and students are assessed through a mix of tests, presentations, assignments and coursework. As well as modules such as taxation and property law and practice, there is also a vocational element to the LPC.

Unlike the BPTC, many universities offer the LPC. However, all applications must be made using the Central Applications Board (CAB) portal. There is no deadline for applications to the LPC, but the CAB opened in September so we recommend not waiting until the last minute. If you are interested in the LPC, contact UKEC for more information and advice.

4. GDL

This is a diploma offered specifically for students who have not studied Law before and would like to do LPC and BPTC to practice Law as their career. Our partner universities also provide the course which usually lasts around 1 year.

OTHER OPTIONS

It is important to be aware that your law degree has taught you many useful skills, so it is possible to study postgraduate courses in a huge number of areas. If you are interested in a particular course or area of study but unsure if you can apply, UKEC can give you free guidance and advice. The following courses are just a small selection of the options available to you.

1. BUSINESS

A law degree gives you the option of doing postgraduate degrees in business-related subjects. Whatever your interest — International Marketing, Management, Entrepreneurship and Development — there are courses in the UK for you.

2. FINANCE

If you are interested in a career in finance, your law degree is closely related to courses such as Corporate Financial Management may be of interest. However, you may also want to consider courses such as International Finance and Banking, Economics or even Accounting.

3. POLITICS

Students who enjoyed the advocacy and rights aspects of their law degree often move into a career in politics. This does not necessarily mean they wish to become politicians, as postgraduate degrees such as International Relations, Human Rights and Development Studies can lead to careers in areas such as education, charity work and international aid.

HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUR POSTGRADUATE DEGREE IN THE UK

All of these courses require mostly the same documents including personal statement, reference letter(s), your transcript, IELTS, certificate and your different forms of ID (passport, BRP). BarSAS will depend on different universities because some universities will require interviews.

If you find it confusing, all you need to do is to contact us for totally free universities and colleges admissions service. Whether you wish to pursue a career in law or go in a different direction, your law degree can be a great starting point. However, continuing your studies with a postgraduate degree can be crucial in order to secure your dream job. At UKEC, we can offer free guidance on any course at universities throughout the UK. We can discuss your studies so far and help you to find the course that best suits you. We can also help you with your STUDENT VISA extension as well as student accommodation FOR FREE.

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