LLM Discussion Board

[Edited by joseph s on 25 Sep 2009]

[Edited by 1986 on 28 Sep 2009]

I have studied at three of the universities: UCL, LSE and City. They are different becaouse of many reasons. If somebody is only interested in studying at best ranked universities I would suggest LSE, KCL or UCL. But with choosing LLM degree other qualities should count as well. As you know, LLM is for people who want to deepen knowledge and specialise in particular area of law, hence not only the name of the school should count but the academic staff, facilities, careers prospects. Comparing LLM at City University, I would put a couple of positive comments. Firstly, the number of people studying LLM is reasonably small which enable students to build better relations with classmates and teachers. Teachers are always approachabe and friendly, because it does make difference if the professor has to take care of 120 students or 12 students. Secondly, as I mentioned above, it is very important to know in which area of law somebody wants to specialise in before starting LLM. At City University there are several excellent professors in competition law. The City University is also known from very good maritime law programme. In comparison, KCL has very good competition law programme, LSE is known from financial law courses, QM has interesting intellectual property courses, UCL- environmental law. This is also crucial for somebody planning to study PhD after LLM on specific topic.
Thirdly, LLM applicants should think about securing some internships during or after LLM. City University provides several internships in law firms such as Thomas Cooper, Sildey Austin, Hawrey LLP, Cohen, and O'Molveny & Mayers. ( if you are a bit hardworking is possible to secure the internship, do not forget that if the are much less people studing, there is much less competition for the place :) Fourthly, location, atmosphere and socialiasing events should be taken into consideration in choosing particular LLM. City Law School organises around 10 law practice forums and seminars where you have opportunity to meet legal experts and senior practitioners. There is also plenty of possibilities to build good relation with classmates. There are drinks every week and several receptions during the year sponsored by the university. What is more, the university location is great in hear of London and the university provides modern facilities. I have been lucky to have studied LLM at City and do not think it is easier to get good grades than at LSE or UCL, as I studied at both of them as well and my grades did not vary. Lastly, I would like to mention about range of people studying on these universities. There are many American at LSE, Chineese at UCL, Indian at QM and lots of nationalities at City with number of Greeks.
I hope this comment will be helpful for people hesitating which course to choose, as this comment is based on couple of years of studing at London universities not only on biased opinions put by people who never studied there.

[Edited by joseph s on 08 Oct 2009]

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