Distance learning is part of a modern-day law school

The uncertain environment in which the legal world finds itself offers challenges not only to those already a part of that world, but also to those who are seeking to establish themselves for the first time. Gaining access to the legal profession can be costly, in expenditure of money and time. Even once qualified, standing out can be tough in a competitive setting. Not only is the world of legal education having to take a long, hard look at what it delivers, it must also review and refine the way in which its courses are delivered, and flexible distance learning modes of delivery are gaining increasing traction.

At Nottingham Law School we have seen a growing proportion of our distance learning LLB students joining us at the age of 18, straight from school or college, taking on study in parallel with a job in law. That pattern is replicated on our graduate courses; the distance learning modes of our Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course contribute a considerable share of the student body.

Gateway to law

There is little doubt that the opportunities offered by flexible and distance learning courses offer a gateway to law and the legal professions for many who would otherwise be deterred by the time and cost of full-time study. Equally, those who come to law as a career change - bringing with them a welcome wealth of experience from other sectors - could never contemplate that change without the possibilities offered by these modes of delivery.

The possibilities presented by flexible and distance learning are not limited to those seeking to access the legal profession, but extend to individuals already in practice. At Nottingham Law School we have recently taken the opportunity to extend our delivery of LLM, Master of Laws, courses on a distance learning basis. The LPC can now be "topped-up" to an LLM by undertaking a research project, again on a distance basis. The range of topics available through LLM study offer significant scope for those wishing to enhance expertise in a particular area, or to take the opportunity to refocus their specialism. Similarly, law firms can take advantage of the array of advanced distance learning legal education as a means of supporting the development and enhancing the expertise of their workforce.

Sophisticated learning technologies

Let's not pretend that distance or flexible learning are wholly new concepts; many, or even most law schools have offered part-time or similar modes of study over many years, particularly at undergraduate level. The difference in the current era is the emergence and embedding of sophisticated learning technologies which not only replace many of the features of education previously solely available through a physical presence in the classroom, but also substantially augment the learning experience.

By the same token, we should also acknowledge that alternative modes of delivery bring their own unique challenges. Taking on study in a tough discipline, while juggling the stresses and strains of work and family life, is no mean feat. While full time students benefit from the natural structure and routine created by regular lectures, tutorials and seminars, study by alternate means requires significant determination and self-discipline to make space for study in the face of considerable other demands.

It is undoubtedly the case that there remains a place for the readily recognisable, classroom-based courses with which we are familiar. These courses, particularly at undergraduate level, provide significant opportunities for students to mature and to develop the sort of life and practical skills essential for a successful professional career. However, as the legal sector evolves there is a growing role for courses which are delivered on a flexible or distance-learning basis.

While in the not so distant past "e-learning" was regarded as new territory, the modern law school must now embrace learning technologies as a means by which to augment, enhance and extend learning experiences, and in delivering a diverse and accessible portfolio of courses. The legal profession must seize on the chance to utilise exciting new routes to wider access and extensive opportunities for enhancing their skills and knowledge base.

Simon Boyes is the LLM programme leader at Nottingham Law School

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