Weird question but is there any known short cut to gaining a degree
for a professional who always regrets missing out 30 years ago but is
now a prominent lawyer. I am not looking for a $5 Internet degree nor
a wholly honorary one, but wonndering if there is something available
if I write a thesis rather than a cheque?

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Request for Question Clarification by wlk115-ga on 07 Jun 2003 09:38 PDT

Hi mickey,

It may help to know where you live and what degree you are seeking.

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Clarification of Question by mickey_one-ga on 07 Jun 2003 11:58 PDT

I live in London, England and a Law Degree preferrably, or any degree!!!

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Request for Question Clarification by jumpingjoe-ga on 08 Jun 2003 16:45 PDT

You're wise to realise that it's only worthwhile getting a degree
that's actually worth having. I would be delighted to search for
courses for you, but first I would like to clarify the following
points, in order that you get the answer that will help you most:

a) Over how long would you be willing to study for the degree?
b) How much of your time can you devote to it?

While I'm waiting for your clarification I will start compiling a list
of possible courses. That way I can give you the courses that match
your requirements.

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Clarification of Question by mickey_one-ga on 09 Jun 2003 03:29 PDT

I do not have much spare time and accept therefore that this may be
over a long period. I am not that wise, I did say I was seeking a
short-cut!

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Clarification of Question by mickey_one-ga on 09 Jun 2003 03:32 PDT

I followed up the Aberdeen lead and now see that I should be more
specific. I am looking for a degree that would centre around Criminal
Law which is my speciality in practice.

Not a short cut exactly, but the OU offer degree courses which can be
spread out over a number of years. Or depending if you can find time
much quicker.
More info here
http://www2.lawcol.org.uk/ou/IntrotoOU/clsopn.htm

I haven't checked, but I've a feeling that the OU may let you sign up
for an LLM (Master of Laws) without having done a bachelors. You have
to show them that you can study at that level - which you presumably
can.

Apologies if I actually just dreamt the above.

Aberdeen Business School has a number of postgraduate programmes,
including some taught online or by distance learning, and including
some related to law.

Their entry criteria do not necessarily require a first degree:

"Candidates applying for admission to a postgraduate taught course
should normally possess either:
a degree/Honours degree or degree-equivalent qualification in a
relevant degree subject, awarded by a UK University or recognised
Overseas Institution; or
qualifications of an approved Professional Body or Institution; or 
relevant industrial, commercial or professional experience at a level
sufficient to justify exemption from the normal requirements"

Eg online courses in Law
Law 
Employment Law & Practice - PgCert/PgDip/LLM
Information, Communication & Technology Law - PgCert/PgDip/LLM
International Commercial Law - PgCert/PgDip/LLM
International Trade - PgCert/PgDip/MSc/LLM

However, these courses do include a taught component, not just
preparation of a thesis.

http://www.rgu.ac.uk/abs/postgraduate/page.cfm?pge=4803

I do not have a great deal of time to devote and accept therefor that
it may take a long period to complete. I am not that wise, I did say I
was looking for a shortcut!

Not a short cut, but can be done part time:
De Montfort University, Leicester
Law and Criminal Justice
LLB (Honours)
Mode: Part-time; full-time
Duration: 3 years Full-time; 4-6 years Part-time
Applicants with other qualifications will be considered. Applications
from mature students with relevant work experience and evidence of
recent academic study are welcomed. In particular, students will be
considered for the part-time mode on their merits and in the light of
being able to demonstrate an ability to complete the course
successfully.
In its part-time mode the Degree will be of particular interest to
those working in the police, probation, legal professions or youth
justice areas, as well as those who wish to study the Degree out of
intrinsic interest. The modular nature of the course, and the
different paces at which the course may be taken, will appeal to those
who have to fit their studies into their existing professional and
family responsibilities."
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/Subjects/Db/course.php?courseid=280

The University of London offer degrees to external candidates. They
offer Diploma in Law, LLB and LLM. Their timetables may be more
flexible than the OU. There is no difference between an 'ordinary' and
an 'external' degree from UOL.

http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/studentarea/laws/index.shtml

Their LLM offers several courses which might interest you i.e.
Theoretical Criminology; Sentencing and the Criminal Process; and
Juvenile Justice. My reading of the website is that taking those 3 and
one other subject would, not less than two years after registration,
get you an LLM with that subject grouping included on your degree
certificate. You have, however, up to five years to complete.

http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/postgraduate/panel/llm/structure.shtml

The external programme is based at Senate House, Malet Street, WC1,
tel 7862 8360/1/2 fax: 7862 8358.

Owain

This could help you gain some ground ...

http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=177373

-K~