Are law degrees the saviour of UK Universities?
Law: Saving universities from the brink? A new report by LexisNexis.
The Higher Education sector faces a perfect storm of challenges following COVID-19 and Brexit. LexisNexis may have the answer to the three most pressing issues:
- Dropping demand. The policy pendulum has swung from degree to apprenticeship and the appeal of the ‘University experience’ has been sucked dry by COVID.
- Lost income. Universities are missing out on lucrative international students, as they spurn the UK’s complex visa requirements and higher costs. Law sees the second highest proportion of international students.
- Student dissatisfaction. Amidst fast-changing student expectations, the closure of universities campuses and transition to remote learning has been far from smooth and costly for universities.
Over the last year, universities are estimated to have lost anywhere between £3.1-£18.6 billion; up to half of their average annual income. 86% of students, meanwhile, say online learning isn’t worth the tuition fee.
In the latest report by LexisNexis, we look at how law degrees can save Universities.
Comparatively cheap to run, well respected by the international community and easily delivered through blended learning – law courses can get Universities back on track. International applications for law are still growing (up 4%) compared to other degrees that have seen a drop of 3%.
In times of economic turmoil, students turn to vocational degrees that will give them secure employment. Sure enough, a year after graduation and 95% of law graduates found employment.
It’s not just about learning the letter of the law. Students need to leave University ready for the world of work. This means that Law course providers need to further invest in employability skills and legal tools so their graduates are more attractive to legal employers.
The LexisNexis report unpicks exactly how Universities can maximise the value of law degrees and save the Higher Education sector.
