Progressing to Postgrad: Catherine

Posted on: 7 November 2023 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

Catherine Laverick is a Class of 2022 LLB Law graduate, currently studying on a Legal Practice Course (LPC) Graduate and working as a Clinical Negligence Paralegal.

I chose to study the LPC LLM at the University of Law. The LPC is a postgraduate diploma that is an integral part of becoming a solicitor. I chose to add the LLM as instead of a diploma, I will receive a Masters. This also meant that I could apply for a Masters loan from SFE/SFW, as the LPC alone does not qualify for this.

You can find information about the LPC on the University of Law’s website.

To study the LPC at University of Law you need to obtain at least 2:2 in your LLB. I studied at University of Liverpool and obtained a 2:1 in my LLB and was therefore able to progress onto the course.

I self-funded part of the course alongside a scholarship from the Future Lawyers’ Scholarship provided by University of Liverpool. You are eligible for this scholarship if you consider yourself from a low participation background; studied at University of Liverpool, and are going on to study at the University of Law on the Liverpool Campus.

I made so many friends on the LPC. The classes were a lot smaller than undergraduate lecture theatres so we got to know each other really quickly! It felt like I was part of a community and we were all there to support each other.

After such an intense year of studying, I will be graduating with a Distinction and so many lifelong friends.             

The workload on the LPC. I studied full-time and it was very intense. However, you may choose to study the LPC part-time over 2 years.  This is a great option if you are not ready for another super intense year of studying after your bachelors, or you need to work alongside the course to help fund it.

My advice to current students: 

1. It’s your life. Do what makes you happy and not what others think you should be doing.

2. Don’t be scared to carry on making friends after University! You have your whole life ahead of you.

3. Don’t worry too much about money. Money comes and goes. Memories last.