Hi, I am 31 years old and am looking to start the OU law degree (W100) in October but am wondering whether people are finding it hard to get into a law firm after studying with the OU compared to mainstream universities such as Cambridge or Oxford? I don't want to set myself up for years of hard work to result in no prospects at the end of it and I am getting worried the closer I get to applying for a student loan.
Hi
I'm Yvonne from the OU's Platform team. Hope the following may help:
Comparisons to Oxford and Cambridge universities as mainstream are not useful. They are the top universities and their qualifications will always be valued above other universities. You need to compare the Open University with other part-time and distance learning providers such as Northumberland, Nottingham, Birkbeck, Staffordshire etc.
A law degree from the OU is valued by employers as they appreciate that to undertake study by this route requires dedication, good time management and organisational skills. Students have to balance conflicting demands on their time. To succeed, they must be committed to their study, and show perseverance, diligence and a strong desire to succeed.
OU law graduates are now working as solicitors and barristers, and statistics show that law graduates who do not enter the legal profession generally earn higher than median salary as a law degree is valued in many professions.
The legal profession is very competitive, but if you have a first or 2.1 law degree and have other work and life experience you may be more attractive than a young, graduate who has no work/life experience.