The College of Law is to re-brand as the University of Law after being granted university title, Legal Cheek can exclusively reveal.
As you can see below, the College of Law registered the www.university-of-law.co.uk domain name some months ago. However, the name change – and associated re-branding – has remained a well-guarded secret…
The news follows the College of Law’s acquisition by Montagu Private Equity for £200m in April – a deal that is expected to be formally concluded next week.
The deal saw the creation of the Legal Education Foundation, a separate entity into which the College of Law’s former charitable activities have been spun-off. The foundation will invest around £7m a year into funding bursaries, scholarships and grants for law students, as well as other charitable activities.
The new ‘University of Law’ name will take immediate effect.
Update:
Professor Nigel Savage, chief executive of the College of Law University of Law, said:
“I am absolutely delighted for our students, staff and the sector in realising this ambition. As a specialised ‘University of Law’ we are a new type of institution, focussed on teaching and learning, working alongside the research intensive universities which continue to provide leadership in research and our existing partners such as the Open University. We will help to bring diversity and increased student choice to the higher education spectrum; broaden access to the legal profession, and export high quality British education to aspiring lawyers across the globe.
“English law and English law firms are at the heart of today’s global legal framework and cross-border business world. Our students gain world-class, transferable skills, knowledge and qualifications that enhance their CVs and increase their attractiveness to future employers. Having a university title will give further credibility to that and will support their global recognition as future lawyers of the highest calibre.
“All of our programmes are accessible to students via our centres or the internet at home or in the workplace without the need to incur the cost of expensive residential accommodation. Our focus will continue to be on accessibility, employability and enhancing the preparation of our students to deliver client value within the traditional ethical values of the sector and the pre-eminence of the rule of law.”