http://www.llm-guide.com/board/45400 en PhD or Master - LLM GUIDE Discussion Board Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:10:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/45400/last#45400 I graduating this year and I am having a hard decision to decide whether to take up a PhD in Birmingham thus skipping master or do a master in Edinburgh or Oxford. The reason being so is I am only aiming for part time studies whereby Edinburgh have the new distance learning part time master in law such as IP or Medicine law and Oxford have the distance studies or Mst ( International Human Right Law). Reason for choosing PhD part time cause it is mostly self studies so I can regulate my own time. I am planning to do a LPC or BVC concurrently with either one of those and don't ask me if I am crazy or what, I just trying to maximise my time and need some advice here which is the better course for my career in litigation. Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:49:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/45400/last#45732 If you are going to go to the effort of doing a distance programme you should choose one that is in your field of interest. You say you want to have a career in litigation but what type? The programmes in IP and medical law will be far different than one in human rights law. I did my LLM at Edinburgh in International law with a focus on private law and am now at Edinburgh doing a Phd with a focus on public law. Edinburgh is great in both fields. I don't know much about the Oxford distance programme but the IP and medical distance law programmes are treated as integral courses of study by the same professors teaching the on-campus programmes--which is very helpful. As a PhD student, I can also say that doing the masters first is crucial. Those students that went directly from uni into the PhD are struggling with elements of research and discipline that is required by the PhD. Best of luck with you decision! Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:09:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/45400/last#45736 lakaria, Be realistic in what you plan to do. An LPC or a BVC has a HUGE workload and my advice is do not do them both at the same time. If you want a nervous breakdown then go ahead! Both are virtually heavy courses and it requires you to do work 24 /7. Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:15:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/45400/last#45737 If it is part time you can manage!!!! Good luck!! Litigation wise, both LPC and BVC are good, however to find a pupillage is a nightmare!!! LPC is a lot better! Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:39:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/45400/last#45793 Thank you for the encouragement. Most likely I am going for the BVC and start looking for pupillage. The reason why I am doing both together is because I am getting old so need to make full use of time.