01 February 2011

Shorter degree courses are not the only way to reduce student debt

In response to the recent announcement by the College of Law that they are developing a two-year law degree, the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) is reminding aspiring lawyers that there are other ways of reducing potential student debt.

Chief Executive of ILEX, Diane Burleigh, said: “While the College of Law is hoping to launch a shorter degree to reduce student debt, ILEX has been training high quality lawyers for almost 50 years with little or no debt at the end of their study.”

The unique way in which ILEX works allows students to study legal qualifications, equivalent to an A-level and degree in law, while they work in the legal sector. This means they have a full time wage which can help off set any study costs, what’s more a survey carried out in October 2010 found that 60% of ILEX students have all their course and exam fees paid for by their employers.

As ILEX allows students to work as they study, there is also the added benefit of not having to worry about finding a job at the end of their studies.

“ILEX was created and designed to ensure that intelligent and hardworking aspiring lawyers, who may not come from privileged backgrounds, have a quality route to a career in law.” Adds Diane. “We work closely with Government and the Ministry of Justice and are one of just three main regulators of the legal profession in England and Wales, so ILEX qualifications truly are viable alternatives to the LLB.”

But ILEX qualifications don’t just end with a law degree equivalent. Students who may have decided to take a traditional route can also benefit from ILEX’s experience and knowledge. ILEX’s popular Graduate Fast Track Diploma is aimed at law graduates in place of the LPC or BPTC and costs just under £2,000 helping students to significantly reduce debt and remove the need to get a training contract or pupillage.

Diane concludes: “With students, and the parents of future students, becoming more and more concerned about the debt they may have after university, they are seeking alternative learning methods. ILEX is ahead of the game in keeping student debt low while still providing well respected qualifications. Our knowledge and experience will continue to ensure aspiring Legal Executive Lawyers are well placed to provide the quality legal services consumers expect and deserve.”

ENDS