Online/DL LLB List

In researching LLB's via DL I've only seen a few threads here and there touch on it so I'll start one and see where it goes. Hopefully this can help consolidate the information out there.

I find that the LLB isn't discussed a whole lot as an alternative to law school in the U.S. It seems as though many U.S. schools are allowing students holding LLB's entry into an LLM program. From then various states allow people holding both an LLB and LLM to sit and take the bar. I hold no illusions that this process would be very difficult and challenging. Just hearing law school via DL sounds cringeworthy.

Still I think that this board provides a wealth of information and I think this topic deserves a thread dedicated to posting links to the various schools offering this. I have no direct knowledge of any of the schools being listed but many members here do, and I'll leave that to them.

When providing a link please give any information you have regarding the school such as flexibility of taking courses (whtehr or not courses are offered one at a time, block courses, etc.), cost of the program or course, personal experiences, course rigor, etc.

For clarity purposes someone posted a thread titled "Taking a Law Degree" and the poster was asking questions regarding the University of London LLB via DL. I had personally heard of this program from reading various threads about it here. If you do a quick search you can also find a wealth of information regarding their DL LLB. Here is a link to the UoL LLB External --> LLB and Diploma in Law - University of London LLB - External System - Key points

While UoL seems to have many dedicated threads I don't see a whole lot on the other schools that offer this type of option. That's why I feel this thread can offer a consolidated spot to list the various schools offering LLB's through DL.

For the sake of tranparency I have been debating if someone taking 6 graduate hours via DL cough me cough) could handle the workload required for both programs. My reading suggests a resounding NO at least with the UoL program. Law school should not be easy (I'm not looking for that route) but are there more flexible programs that allow 1-2 courses at a time? As anyone on this board knows I'm always searching for answers to things I'm interested in but this is one that I really find interesting. Let me explain a bit more as to why I'm interested. I'm enrolling (yes I've finally made a decision) in Penn State's MPS in Homeland Security/Public Health Preparedness program. A friend of mine is enrolling in a local JD program (typical 3 year law school). My crazy idea (I fully accept that it's probably not possible) is to study with Penn State (which will take me a little over two years at the 6 hour courseload), and research the possibility of taking some of the LLB courses as well. My concern (as has been expressed before) is if it's possible to dedicate enough time to both programs and still maintain acceptable grades. I'm not suggesting taking a full master's degree load AND LLB load. Since this is my first time taking graduate level courses I've been told that I would need 6-9 hours per course per week for my Penn State courses which equals 12-18 hours a week (which I find very manageable).

Anyway, I think this thread could refresh this issue since I haven't seen it debated since around 2005. Also, so it's not just me that feels the heat from this very odd contemplation JBJunior is in a similar boat as me (I'm kidding man ).

Lastly, when listing a school please provide a link to the website and a country of origin (the school, not you ). Thanks!

 

Thanks for the thread. I am definitely interested as it isn't possible for me to do anything else for at least a few years.

 

No problem. As I posted above I'm just as interested as you are.

Searching through the boards I saw references to Northumbria University (Also out of the UK).

Northumbria University--> LLB (Hons) Open Learning - Northumbria University, Newcastle UK=

According to their site it takes 4-6 years to finish their DL LLB. Personally, I would like to finish in 2-4 years if possible although the 2 year route is full time which I think is impossible with the graduate load we are already carrying.

From looking at the site it appears that courses can be taken seperately as well. When I tried to get a cost breakdown it only lists a telephone number to contact them.

 

Another UK DL LLB is offered through Nottingham Trent --> LLB (Hons) Law (Distance Learning) - Nottingham Trent University

According to their FAQ this program takes between 4-5 years. I find this very interesting as well.

From their FAQ:

How many hours of study will I need to do each week?​

It is estimated that undergraduates studying part-time over four years will need​

to spend an average of 10 hours per week on their studies.

This doesn't address the issue as each course needing 10 hours but they consider part time 2 courses per year. Hmmm....if they mean both courses this would be very manageable.


As far as costs go this is really inexpensive per year...wow.

LLB (Hons) Law (Distance Learning) - Nottingham Trent University

"Fees 2010/11
Fees are £2,900 per year for the four year course (three subjects per year). Please note that fees may be subject to a small inflationary rise.
This fee includes:

• all tuition
• all learning materials for each module that you will study, including a teaching and learning schedule
• access to online support
• University registration
• examination fees
• all residential costs including accommodation at a leading Nottingham hotel and meals."

 

Open University (UK) offers an LLB through DL. --> B05 - Bachelor of Laws (Honours) - Open University Qualification

I honestly don't understand much about this program but I did see this about time of completion:

• six years to complete a full degree or
• if you already hold a bachelors degree completed at The Open University, at another institution in the UK or the Republic of Ireland, or at recognised overseas institutions, you must complete the remaining 240 points (that is the four compulsory courses) of the LLB degree in five years.

So for those who hold a bachelor's degree it would take 4 courses at a maximum of 5 years. I don't see any discussion as to the minimum. I guess that would depend on how in depth the courses are. To me this program just seems kind of light for a law degree. Perhaps I'm missing something.

 

Surprise surprise another UK LLB through Wolverhampton located here--> University of Wolverhampton - Course

This LLB takes anywhere from 3-6 years to complete at a cost of £9150 per academic year (for international students). My guess is this program is set up like UoL in which you pay by the year and take what you are comfortable with.

 

Do I even have to say where this one is located if the current trend holds?

University of East London LLB with Criminology--> Law with Criminology by distance learning (LLB (Hons)) - UEL Law (summary of programme specification)

Another link with more info.--> Law with Criminology by distance learning (LLB (Hons)) (programme specification) - UEL

I can find very little tuition info except that they offer a "flexible payment plan". It lists that you have up to 6 years to complete the program with no mention of a minimum time limit.

Here is a listing for "Bonus Factors" listed on their website:

Bonus factors

• No Entry requirements
• No set term/enrolment times
• Study at your own pace
• Contact with Tutors as much or as little as you want.
• The support of experienced Mentors to guide you through your studies.
• Flexible payment plan
• Contact with other students through the Online Student Community

 

University of Huddersfield (UK) --> LLB(Hons) by Distance Learning - Part-time 2010-11 Courses - University of HuddersfieldCourse not found - Part-time 2010-11 Courses - University of Huddersfield

This program takes 4 years to complete on a part time basis and costs £1,750 - £1,915 per 20 credit module.

This is offered for each module according to the site:

The following support is provided for each module:

• A Personal tutor
• Personal Development Planning
• User-friendly Virtual Learning Environment (BlackBoard) with a designated area for students on the Programme
• Student Handbook
• Module Planner (electronic) provided for each module
• Electronic text books
• Access to the University’s online library
• Access to the Business School’s Learning Development Unit.
• Weekly online discussion board activities
• Publication of suggested answers to each Study Unit question and discussion board activity
• Email helpline to the Module Leader - queries normally responded to within 7 working days of receipt
• Formative assessment - to provide individual feedback on exam technique and understanding
• Video introductions to each module
• Summaries of the main points covered in each of the 12 Study Units by way of podcasts at the end of each Unit.

You will be assessed one module at a time at the end of the 16 weeks study period. Assessment is by way of an end of module examination.

 

This is not an LLB but rather an LLM. I only post it because this is pretty awesome. Apparently Northwestern (the Northwestern) offers an accelerated LLM that can be completed in one summer (15 weeks).

The costs is mind boggling at $48,440 and I imagine the program is VERY intense but still I've never even heard of anything like this. So lets offer a hypothetical in regards to the LLB-->LLM-->Bar Exam in the U.S.

You could realistically take the UoL LLB and complete it in 2 years then proceed to the Northwestern LLM for 15 weeks and be done in less time than a traditional JD program. Of course the cost is insane but it can be done. I imagine the fact that Northwestern is highly ranked is why the cost is so high.

Here is a link--> Accelerated LLM, LLM Programs, Degree Programs, Academics, Northwestern Law: Northwestern University Law School

 

Please correct me if this information is incorrect but doesn't the UoL LLB allow you to complete it in 2 years? Maybe I misread that here on one of the threads. I'm also not suggesting I would be able to do it; just that it's possible to do so.

Ok here it is from the UoL website--"You have 3-8 years to complete the LLB (or a minimum of 2 years on the Graduate Entry Route)"Again I'm not suggesting that people rush out and try this but apparently it is possible. Maybe realistic was too strong of a word.

If you don't mind me asking what is your wife going to do with the LLB once she finishes? Does she plan on enrolling in an LLM afterwards? Thanks for your input Steve.

 

Having taken a couple of those UoL LLB courses, I can say without any hesitation that you do not under any circumstances want to take 5 of those extremely tough exams in one year. There is an incredible amount of reading that has to be done and remember that as someone who is not familiar with the UK, some courses such as public law are going to be even more difficult for you than for a UKer.

I wouldn't advise taking more than two courses at a time. Attempting to rush through a tough program like this one is going to mean you miss out on developing a deep understanding of English law.

Just my $.02.

 

I have no desire to try that at all. Most of the things I posted are just general questions or statements aside from my first one regarding my personal desires. I've read here on the forums that the UoL LLB is very difficult (as it should be considering it's law school). I guess what I'm trying to figure out (personally) is if it's possible (without going crazy) to take the standard 6 hours graduate work and still have enough time to dedicate to an LLB program (part time of course).

I enjoy hearing anecdotal evidence from members here about their own experiences (like Steve's and yours). It helps me make an informed decision. Aside from that I hope that this thread can help others by consolidating the information into one thread. Thanks for your response. I appreciate it.

I'm still looking for other schools to list in this thread although I'm deep into google and running out of info to post.

 

You also have to consider that the odds are slim that someone with a LLB earned via distance will have a good shot at earning a slot in a highly selective program like Northwestern. Typically LLM programs at top schools want you to have a minimum of two years experience practicing law, the only way that will happen is if you relocate overseas or can possibly do consulting work at a distance.

 

"To enrol on the first Level or the Full Programme you must normally hold 200 UCAS Tariff Points or equivalent."

 

Both were taken directly from the website so it is somewhat contradicting. I'm unfamiliar with what this is describing. Can you explain what the tariff points system? Here is the link to the Tariff Table--> UCAS - Tariff tables

 

Most, if not all, UK universities require a minimum level of education before being accepted into a program. For most Brits these are obtained in high school by passing GCE exams although there are lots of other qualifing exams (diplomas, etc). The UoL External has an access route program for some of their degrees.

My daughter, who was raised here in the USA but did not graduate high school here, had to pass several GCE exams prior to being accepted for her psych program.

 

Well said. Until you study law by DL you don't know how much of your time it takes. Also the British and American legal systems are different.

 

I hold a LLB (Hons) from Northumbria University I did the graduate entry (3 year) route. I completed one year at University of London External and the final two years at Northumbria, taking 3 modules per year. When I was at Northumbria tuition was GBP 300 per module. I also hold a LLM from Northumbria.

I have commented on the difficulty of online legal education previously. I think Steve's description was the best, it is intense. I loved my program, but I am not sure that I would do it again. It was a lot of work and I ended up with a law degree from another country. I was only did one year of the London LLB but I think everyone I knew who was planning on the two year LLB ended up washing out. Some people make it, but 5 University of London LLB exams in one year sounds as much fun as going to the dentist every day.

In terms of using the LLB followed by a LLM be aware that states have in general seem to have been tightening rules that allow foreign law graduates who have never practiced law to be eligible to write the state bar exam. You really have to check and make sure that this solution will fit your needs. This guide is a good first step:

National Conference of Bar Examiners: Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements

Teeside offers a LLB through RDI:

Welcome to RDI ML - LLB (Hons) Law

Good luck with whatever you decide, and if I can help with any specific questions feel free to ask.