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Changing to a different LLM stream - is it possible?

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smpaine1

Joined: 23 Mar 2008
Posts: 11
Changing to a different LLM stream - is it possible?
Thu Jun 12, 2008 03:36 PM
I received an offer from the University of Nottingham for the Criminal Justice LLM, but have now realised that I would like to change to the Human Rights LLM due to the better career prospects and the world renowned lecturers that teach Human Rights Law at Nottingham.

Is this possible or would I need to submit a new application?

Secondly, I have already accepted an offer from Bristol for the LLM in Public Law. If I decide to go to Nottingham would I be able to withdraw this offer? (My undergraduate Contract Law knowledge tells me that there is no consideration therefore there is no binding contract - is this correct?)
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TiGGer

Joined: 11 May 2007
Posts: 65
Changing to a different LLM stream - is it possible?
Thu Jun 12, 2008 07:28 PM
Of course you can withdraw the offer. However, you might run the risk of being charged for compensation (negative interest), if they shouldn't find somebody else to take your place. But I think that is very unlikely. However, cancel it quickly as it is a question of curtosy and you are blocking places for others.

Changing the LLM stream might cause more problems. I would call the Uni and ask. But, to my mind the actual course you are doing doesn't matter anyway. It is the international experience that counts (given that you are not from England)! In addition, you should consider that it might (!) be a bit easier to stand out in a less popular programme of a Law School than in world known programmes with usually world known students. Don't underestimate the impression a good degree makes (ie a Distinction...more than 70%)!!!
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smpaine1

Joined: 23 Mar 2008
Posts: 11
Changing to a different LLM stream - is it possible?
Thu Jun 12, 2008 07:39 PM
I am from England actually (well Wales, which is next door). You're right that good marks matter more than which programme you do, but I just think that an LLM in Human Rights would be better than Criminal Justice or Public Law in terms of career prospects. The Nottingham website even mentions that they try to guarantee internships to their Human Rights students, which would definitely enhance my CV.

Also, I think that a Human Rights LLM would help me move towards a certain type of career (e.g. working for an NGO) whereas Criminal Justice is more of a general qualification.

Hopefully Nottingham will allow me to change and I'll have a positive dilemma between Bristol and Nottingham on my hands.

Thanks for your reply.
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mourn136

Joined: 08 Jan 2008
Posts: 3
Changing to a different LLM stream - is it possible?
Thu Jun 12, 2008 10:43 PM
Well , i accepted King´s offer but i´d like to withdraw it since i ´ve got another offer.The note which King´s sent me says ""as a student of King’s College London, you are not permitted to register concurrently for more than one programme at this College or at any other higher education institution (including institutions outside of the UK), unless permission has been granted by the School of Law. Please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office if you have any queries in relation to this regulation."" Regarding this note , can i accept the other offer or am i stuck with King´s ? Thanks for replies.
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TiGGer

Joined: 11 May 2007
Posts: 65
Changing to a different LLM stream - is it possible?
Fri Jun 13, 2008 01:32 PM
I am from England actually (well Wales, which is next door).


Why are you doing your LLM in England then? Ever thought of going abroad to do the LLM, I mean in a non-English-speaking country? I am from Germany and for us an LLM (regardless the Uni) is the best way of getting an international aspect into the CV - as long as the course is done in the UK, Ireland or the US. So, I guess for English (Welsh) people it is the other way round. Don't you think it would stand out, if you get some Civil Law experience, let alone the cultural and linguistic benefits?
Btw: I am also in Nottingham, but Nottingham Law School - Nottingham Trent University. I really like it! Where are you studying at the moment?
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smpaine1

Joined: 23 Mar 2008
Posts: 11
Changing to a different LLM stream - is it possible?
Fri Jun 13, 2008 03:21 PM
I am from England actually (well Wales, which is next door).


Why are you doing your LLM in England then? Ever thought of going abroad to do the LLM, I mean in a non-English-speaking country? I am from Germany and for us an LLM (regardless the Uni) is the best way of getting an international aspect into the CV - as long as the course is done in the UK, Ireland or the US. So, I guess for English (Welsh) people it is the other way round. Don't you think it would stand out, if you get some Civil Law experience, let alone the cultural and linguistic benefits?
Btw: I am also in Nottingham, but Nottingham Law School - Nottingham Trent University. I really like it! Where are you studying at the moment?


I'm not especially interested in adding an international aspect to my CV - I just want to enhance my CV generally, and an LLM is an excellent way of doing that in a highly competitive job market.

You're right that the Civil Law experience plus the cultural and linguistic benefits would be an advantage, but I've been lucky enough to get offers from two top UK Law Schools in Bristol and Nottingham so that is an advantage in itself.

Going back to the original question in this topic, Nottingham have replied to my e-mail and say it's OK for me to change to the Human Rights LLM. So I now have a massive dilemma on my hands!
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TiGGer

Joined: 11 May 2007
Posts: 65
Changing to a different LLM stream - is it possible?
Fri Jun 13, 2008 08:37 PM
Well, I know England is incredibly crazy about University rankings. From that point of view I would say choose Nottingham. It seems to be a very good University. But living in Nottingham at the moment I can tell you that this city is so dangerous. A friend of mine from Sweden got stabbed 2 weeks ago (he survived). Therefore, choose Bristol! I am sure it is the nicer place to live. And as you say it is a good University, too, so go for Bristol. It is much safer than Nottingham!
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york


Joined: 04 Feb 2005
Posts: 90
Changing to a different LLM stream - is it possible?
Sat Jun 14, 2008 10:15 PM
I guess despite its reputation, Nottingham in reality generally is a safe place to study. The Times had a debate about Nottingham, which is worth reading www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education…
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TiGGer

Joined: 11 May 2007
Posts: 65
Changing to a different LLM stream - is it possible?
Sun Jun 15, 2008 11:17 AM
Well, nice to read, but my experience is different. Although I am very happy with the University (NTU), I would not choose to study here again. The city itself is beautiful (more or less), but it is simply to risky to study here. Don't know, if it is the same in other cities in England though.
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