University of West London (LPC)
The Legal Cheek View
Slightly further out from the city centre, in London’s more peaceful suburbs, is the University of West London.
LPC students describe their tutors as “approachable”, “extremely friendly” and “always keen to help”. The quality of teaching on a demanding course such as the LPC matters, as many students initially find the sheer volume of work stressful. One UWL student reports: “The tutors have been supportive and positive throughout, as well as knowledgeable and helpful in preparing us for practice”.
The LPC itself is “very well structured”. The course is mostly taught through tutorials led by solicitors. Students say there are “lots of interesting” workshops to go to, and a legal advice clinic to hone your skills. Apparently, the two ‘highest performing’ LPC students will receive awards from The Middlesex Law Society. All the more reason to aim for those top distinctions.
The choice of electives is perhaps slimmer than at other London LPC providers. The list does include advanced litigation, personal injury, commercial leases and landlord and tenant law, as well as family, employment and immigration – but those planning to build a City career in transactional or corporate work may prefer to look elsewhere.
A big perk of doing the LPC at UWL is taking advantage of its new campus. You can really tell it’s had a £50 million makeover. It includes a radio studio and a bar, as well as the new Paul Hamlyn Library, which we’re glad to hear one LPC student say is “very useful” – probably because it has a separate LPC room. The highlight is ‘The Heart’: a big, sunlit social space in the centre of the campus filled with seating areas and tables. Oh, and the adjoining canteen looks pretty good.
Known as the ‘Queen of the Suburbs’, Ealing has its own attractions. Cafés, organic juice bars and small restaurants line most of its roads. Walpole Park, with its rose garden, is a popular green space. On a sunny day, picnic enthusiasts sit around its mini lake. Past sundown, there’s plenty of pubs to fill – The Grove, North Star and Crispin’s wine bar (past midnight) are a couple of student favourites. And if you need to head into the City, take the Central Line for a 30-minute commute.
Key Info
Part-time fees are paid annually over two years.