Campaign to save Medway Law as admissions suspended

Current and former students of the University of Kent’s LLB (Hons) Law degree course at Medway have launched a campaign to save the local Law School after the University suspended admissions from 2012.

In a letter to students, the Head of the Kent Law School explained the University’s reasons for withdrawing the course, although she claims that current students, and those starting in September, will be unaffected.

The University is concerned that the rise in tuition fees to ?9,000 from 2012 will make students believe that the method of teaching – involving listening to lectures online with longer seminars in smaller groups – would be inadequate compared to the fee being paid.

However, past and present students have hit back, citing several reasons why they believe that the course should not be withdrawn.

A Facebook group, called “Save Kent Law School at Medway“, was created by recent graduate Karen Edwards, who said that “the Law School at Medway is an important asset to the Medway towns, it not only offers opportunities of study but also of help.

“The Law Clinic provides regular advice sessions in Strood, Brompton and Age UK Chatham. Many hours have been invested in setting up the Medway branch of the clinic and many contacts and close relationships formed with local lawyers.”

Another recent graduate, David McKnight, added “I know several people who have graduated this year who would not have had the oportunity if the degree had only been offered at Canterbury.

“Kent at Medway was outstanding for its provision of high quality education for people, especially mature students, with young children to care for.

“Medway allowed for them to study for a degree and also be there to do the school run.”

Medway blogger Alan W Collins, who also graduated from the Medway course, said “I am shocked by the direction that the University has chosen to take, and saddened that future students will not be able to enjoy the same teaching environment that has proved successful for so many students before them.

“This is a sad day for the University and a sadder day still for Law students.”

You can view, and sign, the petition here.