Where to do PgDL?

[sarg1234]

Hiya,

I've applied to both UoL in London and BPP in Cambridge. My attraction to Cambridge is that a) it's nicer b) MUCH cheaper.

But as I want to pursue a career in commercial law at a London firm, I was wondering whether doing the PgDL in Cambridge might be disadvantageous. Basically, am I limiting myself in networking opportunities or access to the London firms by not doing it a London campus. What are people's thoughts?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hiya @sarg1234

This is just my view, but my impression is that whether you complete the PGDL in London or somewhere like Cambridge doesn't automatically impact your employability in the eyes of many grad recruiters/law firms. I think what matters far more is how well you perform on the course, how proactive you are in attending events (virtual or in-person), and how you engage with law firm opportunities. I've met future trainee here at ULaw who completed the PGDL online and still secured TCs at various City firms. Cambridge may offer fewer spontaneous in-person networking moments compared to London, but I wouldn't underestimate the benefits from a lower living costs (and a better quality of life?) standpoint. These can be really important if you're balancing study and future career planning.

Aside from location and expense, I think you'll want to factor in the relevance of the SQE. Since most firms are now hiring with the expectation that candidates will sit the SQE (rather than the LPC), you'll want to ensure that wherever you go, you learn the material in such a way that it sets you up to eventually perform well on SQE.

Hope this was helpful and didn't add more confusion to your decision!

 

[sarg1234]

Hiya @sarg1234

This is just my view, but my impression is that whether you complete the PGDL in London or somewhere like Cambridge doesn't automatically impact your employability in the eyes of many grad recruiters/law firms. I think what matters far more is how well you perform on the course, how proactive you are in attending events (virtual or in-person), and how you engage with law firm opportunities. I've met future trainee here at ULaw who completed the PGDL online and still secured TCs at various City firms. Cambridge may offer fewer spontaneous in-person networking moments compared to London, but I wouldn't underestimate the benefits from a lower living costs (and a better quality of life?) standpoint. These can be really important if you're balancing study and future career planning.

Aside from location and expense, I think you'll want to factor in the relevance of the SQE. Since most firms are now hiring with the expectation that candidates will sit the SQE (rather than the LPC), you'll want to ensure that wherever you go, you learn the material in such a way that it sets you up to eventually perform well on SQE.

Hope this was helpful and didn't add more confusion to your decision!

Thank you!