10 reasons to study law at Birkbeck

Why choose to study with us?

1. We are specialists in part-time study: Birkbeck remains the only college in the University of London that specialises in providing part-time degrees. And we've been doing this since 1823, so we have a lot of experience of supporting students who choose to realise their education ambitions while working full-time.
2. You can study law at any level: we offer short courses and certificates of higher education, through to an LLB, master's degrees and an MPhil/PhD in law. Whatever level you're at, you'll find a course to suit you.
3. Our evening study allows you to do more: All our courses, both part-time and full-time (at postgraduate level) are taught in the evening, between 6pm and 9pm. Our Law School office is open until teaching starts at 6pm.
4. We are part of a unique institution: Birkbeck is part of the University of London. As such, we combine a high-quality research culture with courses specifically designed for students who have diverse backgrounds, activities and interests. Many already have successful careers and are seeking to retrain in a new sector. Others have delayed university entrance owing to negative experiences of the education system in the past or because of funding problems. What brings all of our students and staff together is an interest in law, rights and justice. And the interaction between such a range of students means you can learn as much from each other as you do from our lecturers.
5. Our staff are experts: our academic staff are recognised experts in their fields and approach law in an innovative way within a vibrant research culture. We are particularly interested in theoretically informed and multi-disciplinary approaches to the study of law with a special interest in introducing the scholarly values and methods of the social sciences and humanities into the study of law.
6. We provide the support you need: In addition to lectures and seminars, we will allocate you a personal tutor who can provide you with one-to-one advice throughout the course of your degree. We also have an academic support officer who offers tutorials and Saturday workshops to support those students who would like to improve their study skills. In addition, you can use Birkbeck's wide range of student support and services while you are here.
7. You can get access to world-class libraries: we are located in Bloomsbury in the centre of London and surrounded by many other University of London colleges and libraries. As a student here, you will have access to the College library and the University of London Library at Senate House, both of which are a short walk from the Law School. The British Library is just a short distance away.
8. Our courses offer high-quality research-led teaching: Since our foundation, we have achieved an enviable reputation as a centre of innovative scholarship, teaching and learning. Our general teaching strategy is to ensure that, as far as is practicable, staff should be able to teach to their research. This ensures that our students are introduced to cutting-edge debates about the subjects they study by teachers who are making a significant contribution to the field.
9. Our courses will help you in the future: We aim to provide an education in law that is critical, questioning and creative for students from all backgrounds. We seek to produce graduates who not only have knowledge of the relevant skills, rules and principles of law but are equally aware of the social, political, economic, philosophical and ideological aspects of the legal art. Whether Birkbeck graduates go on to practise law, research, teach, or even enter into different areas of work, we believe the training they receive will enable them to make the most of their opportunities and achieve the results that they desire.
10. Students enjoy their time with us: We have the highest student retention rate for part-time students in the College and, every year, applications are way in excess of the students we are able to admit.