Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a pressing question please fill out the question form below and we will respond to you shortly.


Deciding on attending the University of Leicester?
Tuition for 2013/14 for a Canadian student will be £12,820 per year.  If you have an EU passport, and have lived in the EU for more than 4 years other than to study, tuition for 2013/14 will be the same as for UK students. Tuition for Canadian law schools can range from $3,000 - $20,000 per year. This depends on which province you live in, and the particular university's tuition fees.Overall it can be cheaper to go to a Canadian university, but some universities in Canada are comparable in price to the University of Leicester. You'll need to consider the value of having an international university on your resume, your ability to travel, and the quality of the educational system here.
  • What is the school year like?
In mid-to-late September there is an International Week where students from different countries come and socialize, get a feel for the town, and get acclimated to Leicester. Then there is Frosh Week where all the UK and returning students come back and everyone mingles, checks out the student groups, and gets ready to start the academic year. Actual classes start either the last week of September or the first week of October.Christmas break can start anywhere from the beginning to the middle of December. The break ends mid-January with midterm exams. Classes start again the last week of January or the beginning of February. The month of April is your "spring break."  The beginning-to-middle of May has the last few weeks of classes, and then the last week of May and the first week of June is final exams.
  • Worried about getting Accreditation in Canada?
Don't worry. The National Committee on Accreditation reviews all your postgraduate studies and relevant work experience, and evaluates what courses you may need to take to get your equivalency. There is no reason to reject your application unless you have not passed your courses, or have not passed the remaining courses assigned to obtain your equivalency. You cannot be denied equivalency based on a lack of work experience. Previous work experience and other postgraduate degrees could potentially minimize the number of tests you will have to take when you return to Canada.

A majority of Canadian students come back to Canada and obtain their equivalency. The University of Leicester has established a good track record with the Canadian Law Association, and has started to streamline the process in order to make it easier for students to get a better idea of what tests they would expect to take. Here is a good page to see what type of tests you can expect back home: "Returning to Canada."


What is living in Leicester like?

  • What is the weather like?
    Mild weather similar to Vancouver weather. It will be more cloudy than actually raining. If you bring an umbrella, beware of the strong winds. Bring a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf. It is rare that the weather goes below -5. There is some snow but it will likely be an inch or two.
  • Where can I live? Are there residences?
    Go to the University website for the explanation on residences. Opal Court is where most Canadian students go. Opal Court is apartment-style living with 5 other students. Opal is often used for postgrad, international, or older students. More explanation to come about the other residences.
  • What is the City of Leicester like?
    Great town with a thriving city centre. There is a fresh farmer's market that has the best prices for great fruits and veggies. Downtown there is pedestrian-only areas, many shops, and a large mall with a Cinema DeLux. There are many small museums in the area that are free to visit, and there is good public transport via the train or bus to get to London or anywhere else in England.
  • Can I work in Leicester?
    Yes, but only up to 20 hours a week during school time. You are free to work full-time during the summer.


Going Back to Canada?

  •  Is it easy to go back to Canada after graduation and work?
    When you graduate from the University of Leicester and make the decision to return to Canada, you still have to work on getting your equivalency to a Canadian Law Degree. It is not hard, but there is a process and some tests. Please refer to the "Returning to Canada" page for specifics. Most of this will only be during your first year back, what we call the "gap year," while you are studying for your equivalency and looking for articling positions. It is easiest if you already have connections in the legal field; either through past employment, professors, or family and friends. If you do not, obtaining a job in the legal field during your first year back (gap year) may be a bit hard but is not impossible. When you go back, you may be considered to have the equivalent level of a 2nd year Canadian law student, depending on the particular law school. There are internships and many other opportunities that you can apply for. You simply have to put yourself out there and apply.
  • When can I do my articling?
    You cannot do your articling until you complete your accreditation tests and pass them. And no, you cannot do your articling and the accreditation tests at the same time. You will have to apply for articling positions as you are studying in the "gap year" for the upcoming summer positions. Overall, applications to these positions all depend on how many exams you have to take and/or how many you decide to take at a time. It is highly suggested that you take no more than 3 or 4 exams at any one time.
  • What do I have to do to practice law when I return to Canada?
    Please refer to the "Returning to Canada" page for specific details.
  • How will employers react to a degree from the UK?
    There is no guaranteed reaction. It all depends on the employer and how well you sell yourself in your cover letter and resume. Overall, the United Kingdom has a highly-regarded education system that is revered around the world. It is impressive to show that you have traveled internationally and obtained your degree in another country. It shows maturity, independence, motivation, and the ability to take on a challenge. This can be what sets you apart from the hundreds of applicants that have just stayed home in Canada. The grading system is different, but on the "Returning to Canada" page there is an image of grade comparisons that can give an employer a good idea of the grades that you achieved here.
 

Staying in England?
  • What would I need to do to stay in the UK and practice?
    Contact the University of Leicester Law School or the Leicester University Law Society (LULS) for the appropriate steps to take.

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