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A degree in law is being offered in Guernsey for the first time from September.
The GTA University Centre, in partnership with the Institute of Law Jersey, is offering islanders the chance to study the University of London’s LLB Law Degree without having to leave Guernsey.
‘At last week’s Careers Fair, students who wanted to study law at university said they had been put off by the high cost of obtaining a law degree at university. This course is aimed at exactly those people. UK university costs are £9,000 a year plus thousands of pounds for accommodation, living costs and travel so this provides a cost-effective, recognised law degree from a respected university,’ said Kate Lenfestey, GTA University Centre programmes manager.
‘Although we would always recommend Guernsey students to experience university education off island if they have the opportunity, we understand that there will always be a demand for people wanting to undertake qualifications locally. It’s important that the GTA University Centre meets that demand which is why we have introduced this undergraduate law degree.’
The three-year course will be comparable with any law degree in the UK and consists of eight hours tutor teaching time and 16-20 hours of self-study recommended per week. Taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, the course will allow the opportunity to carry on in work whilst studying. The course is divided into two 12 week semesters from September to Christmas and then from January to Easter, with revision and exams after the Easter break.
The course has a standard entry requirement of BCC at A-level or 25 International Baccalaureate points but is also open to mature students who may not have the standard entry requirements.
‘The degree offers some flexibility which makes it appealing to mature students considering a change in career. For students who do not meet the entry criteria for direct entry onto the LLB, they can still apply for entry onto the Diploma in Law, and on successful completion of this programme may be eligible for direct entry onto year two of the LLB,’ said Ms Lenfestey.
She added:
‘Interest is expected from legal secretaries and paralegals already working within the legal industry as well as from those who are looking for a career change. The degree can be used as a stepping stone to qualifying as a barrister or solicitor and is recognised across the world.
‘The University of London is one of the UK’s top collegiate universities and so students will receive tuition from experienced UK academies which will be complemented by on-island mentoring and tutorials from local lawyers and advocates.’
The cost of the course is £7,995 per year and students will be able to apply for a means-tested grant from the Education Department on the same basis as if they were studying at a UK university.
Rachel Richardson, senior associate at Carey Olsen and president of the Guernsey International Legal Association, expects take up of the course to be strong.
‘We have a thriving legal sector in Guernsey and so to be able to offer local students the opportunity to gain their degree on-island is something GILA is extremely supportive of. I am sure it will also be popular for those already involved in the industry at an administrative level who want to pursue Law as a career but either don’t have the entry requirements or the right personal situation to be able to go off-island,’ she said.
‘This is a fantastic opportunity and the GTA University Centre should be congratulated for their efforts in delivering relevant on-island courses which meet the needs of islanders.’
Anyone wanting more information about the course can contact Kate Lenfestey on 721555 or by emailing kate.lenfestey@gta.gg
