A group of law students from Oxford Brookes University have written to management to express their dismay over this week’s discontinuation of the LPC at the university.
An open letter to:
Meryll Dean, Head of Law School
Anne-Marie Kilday, Dean of the Law Faculty
Janet Beer, Vice Chancellor, Oxford Brookes University
“Having had the privilege to study at the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice, we were saddened this week to hear of the sudden discontinuation of the Legal Practice Course. This is a course of immense practical value, taught by passionate and committed staff, which brings prestige to Oxford Brookes as it seeks to establish a reputation as a centre for academic and vocational excellence.
The postgraduate law faculty has brought great accolades to Oxford Brookes as its GDL Mooting team last year won the ESU/Essex Court national mooting competition and are currently representing the UK on an international stage. Furthermore, students completing postgraduate legal study at Oxford Brookes have the opportunity to take part in an outstanding pro bono scheme, participants of which have twice been shortlisted for the Attorney General’s pro bono award in the last three years. The sudden discontinuation of the LPC will both cripple the pro bono scheme, and adversely affect the quality of the postgraduate law provision.
However, of most concern is the way in which Oxford Brookes has made this decision without regard to the welfare of students who took up its two-year part time LPC. Due to the SRA requirement that relevant modules be undertaken at the same establishment these students have been left in limbo over the validity of their partially complete courses. Furthermore, those with families or employment in the Oxford area are suddenly faced with the prospect of relocating or commuting long distances to complete their study. Many of those who have already planned to take up places promised on the LPC at OXILP after their GDL or LLB are similarly affected.
This decision to discontinue an outstanding course at such abrupt notice is thus not only saddening, but irresponsible. For an academic provider to let its students and staff down in this manner is not in the spirit of the reputation Oxford Brookes intends to foster, as a serious academic institution. Therefore, we the undersigned, urge the management of Oxford Brookes University to consider running the course for an additional year to allow those who had relied on its provision to complete their study, and giving all others fair notice of its closure.
On behalf of the Oxford Brookes law students who have expressed their views.”
Readers' comments (17)
Anonymous | 8-Mar-2013 2:09 pm
This is a completely unfair on the students who have sacrificed their time and money to study at Brookes, in good faith that at the very least they would be taught for the duration of their course. Has the university even followed it's own guidelines for the 'phasing out' of courses? I doubt it. Have they considered proposals by the faculty to make the 'business considerations' regarding the LPC feasible? Apparently not. It's utterly disgusting and disappointing that an institution that alleges to pride itself on it's reputation should behave like this, leaving staff and students with no certainty regarding their futures. Heads should roll.
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Mike | 8-Mar-2013 2:17 pm
Oxford Brookes have commented that this decision was based on the fact "Applications have declined by over 50% in the last five years" (http://l2b.thelawyer.com/oxford-brookes-responds-to-lpc-closure-criticism/3002159.article). That might have something to do with OXILP severing its ties with Oxford University and several firms.
I'm not greatly surprised at their apparent failure to consider those studying part time for the LPC. I studied the LPC at OXILP part time and it was made abundantly clear to those of us that did, that part time students were given second class treatment, (for example seminars set before lectures on the topics had been held, Lectures failing to turn up to take classes, facilities [principally the library] not be open during study weekends ...).
I'm disappointed but unfortunately this announcement fits with the profile of the Oxford Brookes as I (and no doubt others) experienced.
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kim philby | 8-Mar-2013 2:35 pm
Have the posters seen the contract? Surely OB have covered this in the small print?
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Anonymous | 8-Mar-2013 5:40 pm
This action is unworthy of all those involved. It is a clear breach of contract and wholly unnecessary. If Oxford Brookes cared a jot about its students it could find a way to wind the course down while allowing those currently enrolled to complete their studies. Instead they have left decent committed hard-working students in the lurch without the slightest regard for the consequences on their finances or their lives. Shame on you, Oxford Brookes. Of course, if you have any morality left, there is still time to change your decision.
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Anonymous | 8-Mar-2013 6:36 pm
Get some experiance in business while at uni, set up a business e.g promote disco nights etc.
Do a accountancy and joint law degree, it will keep options open.
Do work experience for firms during summer holidays
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Linda Glees | 12-Mar-2013 5:59 pm
I studied on this course 20 years ago with great benefit, and I am appalled at the incompetence of those who should be able to plan the university's finances for several years in advance. I hope that they will refund all students who may be unable to complete the course elsewhere due to the university's combination of harshness and irresponsibility. If they do not offer these refunds then I hope that these students will successfully recover their fees via a court process. Some will have their career plans terminated for good.
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Anonymous | 31-May-2013 10:50 pm
"A leading university"
???
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