Can You Study Law in an Open University? What It Really Offers, And What It Doesn’t

It’s a simple question on the surface—can you study law at an Open University? But like most good questions, there’s more hiding beneath it. Because what people are asking is, will this be taken seriously? Will I be taken seriously? Will it work in the real world?

And that’s fair. The idea of becoming a lawyer still carries with it the image of heavy textbooks, wooden lecture halls, and a sea of well-dressed undergrads quoting case law with unsettling fluency. Most of us weren’t raised to picture “distance learning” in that same light.

Here’s the straight answer: Yes, you absolutely can study law in an open university—and more people are doing just that. But if you’re hoping for a deeper, clearer picture of what that looks like and what it means for your future, it’s worth breaking it down properly.

Comparison of Law Programs at Popular Open Universities

1. What Does the Open University Actually Offer?

The Open University isn’t some side-hustle diploma mill. It’s a fully accredited, established university. The law degrees it offers aren’t watered down, either—they’re Qualifying Law Degrees (QLDs), which means they tick all the academic boxes for becoming a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.

Here’s what’s on the table:

• LLB (Hons) Law (R81): This is the standard route and the most direct way into the legal profession.
• Joint Honours Degrees: Law combined with business, criminology, or a modern language—for anyone who wants a broader foundation.
• Graduate Entry LLB: A faster track if you already have a degree in something else.
• Professional Certificate in Legal Practice (SQE1): This one’s specifically designed to help prepare you for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, which is now the standard route to becoming a solicitor.

When people ask whether an Open University law degree is “real,” they’re often really asking, “Is it recognized?” Will it count? The answer is yes. OU’s law qualifications are recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board. You won’t be walking away with a piece of paper that makes people raise their eyebrows.

2. How Does It Compare to Traditional Law School?

Honestly, this isn’t Cambridge. There are no ivy-covered walls, no late-night pub debates with fellow law students, and no formal dinners with visiting barristers. And for some, that’s exactly the point.

So, what don’t you get?

• No live lectures. Everything is pre-recorded, text-based, or guided through online tutorials.
• No in-person class dynamic—unless you go out of your way to connect with others.
• No campus societies, law balls, or spontaneous after-seminar chats over coffee.

But here’s what you do get:

• Freedom. You can study on your terms. Early mornings, lunch breaks, after the kids go to bed—it’s up to you.
• Access. You don’t need to move, quit your job, or put your life on hold.
• Support. OU offers a consistent rhythm of feedback, tutor guidance, and well-structured study materials.
• Affordability. You won’t be racking up tens of thousands in rent and travel while chasing a degree.

It’s not a worse option. It’s a different one. And for many people—especially those balancing work, health, or family—it’s the only one that makes sense.

3. Who Is It Actually For?

This is where things get more personal. Just being allowed to study law this way doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for everyone.

You’re probably a good fit if:

• You’re self-driven and okay with working solo most of the time.
• You’ve got other responsibilities that rule out full-time study.
• You’re returning to education after a long break and want a path that works around your life.
• You like the idea of setting your own pace.
• You don’t mind learning without the bells and whistles of campus life.

You might struggle if:

• You rely heavily on structure, deadlines, and external motivation.
• You need classroom dynamics and real-time discussions to stay engaged.
• You’re aiming for elite law firms and banking on university networks to get you there.
• Your home life makes it hard to find regular quiet time to study.

I read a comment from a student on Reddit that stuck with me:

“You have to be really motivated. There’s nobody chasing you. But if you’re serious, it’s brilliant.”

And that’s it in a nutshell. If you’re in it for the long haul and have enough discipline to manage yourself, the doors are wide open.

Is Open University Right for You? A Self-Assessment

4. Can You Actually Practise Law After This?

You can. But you need to understand the path.

For solicitors, the old route through the Legal Practice Course (LPC) has been replaced by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). OU’s LLB gives you the academic training you need, and it even offers an SQE1-focused certificate to help with the first exam.

For barristers, the process still involves getting a QLD (which the OU provides), then taking the Bar Training Course, and finally landing a pupillage.

That last part—pupillage—is where it gets tough. Not because of the degree, but because pupillage is always competitive. OU grads can and do make it through, but without the backing of an in-person law society or career office, it takes more hustle. You’ll need to be proactive in finding mentors, gaining experience, and making yourself stand out.

5. The Trade-Off: Flexibility vs. Accountability

Here’s the part I think more people need to hear.

OU doesn’t babysit. There’s no one reminding you about deadlines or chasing you for attendance. The structure is there, but the accountability is yours.

You’ll be responsible for keeping track of readings, participating in online discussions, submitting assignments, and staying on pace. There’s help available—but only if you reach for it.

So yes, you can study law in an Open University. But can you keep yourself on track through a year (or six) of remote, independent learning? That’s the more important question.

6. Does the Legal World Take OU Graduates Seriously?

There’s still a bit of prestige snobbery in parts of the legal profession. Some firms will still favour applicants from Oxbridge or Russell Group universities. That’s a reality.

But it’s not the whole picture.

Plenty of mid-size firms, public sector employers, in-house legal departments, and social justice organisations do respect Open University qualifications, especially when they come with real-world experience, maturity, and a clear sense of purpose.

And let’s not forget, the SQE is now the great leveler. Everyone, regardless of where they studied, takes the same exam. Your ability to pass that, and your practical experience alongside it, carries more weight than the name of the institution on your degree.

7. Is It Worth It?

It depends what you want.

If you’re chasing prestige, tradition, and the trappings of elite academia, OU might not give you the experience you’re after. But if what you need is a real, recognised, and flexible route into law, one that works around your actual life? Then yes, it’s more than worth it.

The students who thrive in this setup aren’t necessarily the ones who would’ve flourished in the lecture theatres of London or Leeds. They’re often older. Wiser. Balancing jobs, kids, health, and other commitments.

Career Path After an OU Law Degree (England & Wales Focus)

🔶 = Requires initiative outside OU (e.g. internships, legal assistant roles, etc.)

Final Thoughts

So, can you study law in an Open University? Absolutely.

Can you succeed? That depends—not on the university, but on you. Your habits, persistence, and willingness to keep going even when no one’s watching.

OU isn’t a shortcut. It’s not a lesser path. It’s an alternative.