Can anyone tell me does an LLM degree from the Univ of London distance learning program have the same/similar weightage as doing it from say UCL, KCL, LSE, QMUL etc. I am asking particularly from a point of view of getting a job in a law firm in london, singapore etc.

I doubt that a distance learning program could be deemed the same way as non-distance learning programs.

At the same time, I am also interested in getting one from UoL, then sitting QLTT exams to become a solicitor. Does anyone know if UoL will make any difference when applying for a job/training contract for one year of experience in England?

That is not the case. The University of London's (external) LLM program is one of the best ones out there. They have very rigorous standards, and your course is delivered by UCL and University of St. Mary's. The program is identical to, as if you were to study at, UCL or UofSt.M. Your diploma is also issued from UCL and UofSt.M depending on your specialisation. Finally, the UofL External has been around for 150 years, so it isn't some dodgy online university.

That is not the case. The University of London's (external) LLM program is one of the best ones out there. They have very rigorous standards, and your course is delivered by UCL and University of St. Mary's. The program is identical to, as if you were to study at, UCL or UofSt.M. Your diploma is also issued from UCL and UofSt.M depending on your specialisation. Finally, the UofL External has been around for 150 years, so it isn't some dodgy online university.

The UoL external programme has the same academic standards as the LLM programmes at the individual colleges eg. you'll get the same type of syllabus, exam and same standard of grading (this is evident when looking at the results for the external LLB).

Your degree will be awarded by the 'University of London' and names the colleges involved in the instruction of the programme - BUT the degree is not awarded by UCL or QMUL.

A few years back all UoL colleges had their degrees awarded by the UoL with the certificate simply naming the college attended - thus people would put (Lond.) after their degree and not the individual college. Now many colleges are awarding their own degrees directly and the certificates are different.

I'm not sure if the certificate includes the word 'external'.

When it comes to prestige/weightage etc. doing the external LLM doesn't have the brand name of the individual colleges, and you cannot claim to have attended UCL or QMUL (who instruct the courses). But if you are using the degree outside the UK, it is debatable whether an employer will recognise any difference between an LLM from UCL, or an LLM from UoL instructed by UCL.

The UoL external programme has the same academic standards as the LLM programmes at the individual colleges eg. you'll get the same type of syllabus, exam and same standard of grading (this is evident when looking at the results for the external LLB).

Your degree will be awarded by the 'University of London' and names the colleges involved in the instruction of the programme - BUT the degree is not awarded by UCL or QMUL.

A few years back all UoL colleges had their degrees awarded by the UoL with the certificate simply naming the college attended - thus people would put (Lond.) after their degree and not the individual college. Now many colleges are awarding their own degrees directly and the certificates are different.

I'm not sure if the certificate includes the word 'external'.

When it comes to prestige/weightage etc. doing the external LLM doesn't have the brand name of the individual colleges, and you cannot claim to have attended UCL or QMUL (who instruct the courses). But if you are using the degree outside the UK, it is debatable whether an employer will recognise any difference between an LLM from UCL, or an LLM from UoL instructed by UCL.

I was wondering if anyone knows how cumbersome the exam schedule is ? Are the locations convenient? Is there flexibility for working people?

So I take it that they degree will still be from the university of london and not the individual college?

Thanks

I went ahead and applied for the LLM in international business. I am admitted to the bar in PA and just passed the QLTT so I will admitted to the rolls in the UK.

After looking at the all the LLM programs online, this one seemed to be the best for business. There are very few outside of Liverpool that seem to match the standards of U of L.

The only disappointing aspect of UL is the structure when you have to take 4 modules in depth.

really ? So many LLM's in the US, no ? Surely there are some that are better than a UL ?

There are many better LLM. The difficulty is finding a distance learning LLM that :

1) Isn't in an arcane area like quartz- mining Human rights law
2) Doesn't require time on campus in long blocks
3) Has a name that can be pronounced in the English language
4) Is reasonably priced in proportion to what you get out of the programme
5) Is associated with a reptuble school of law
6) is geared towards lawyers and not a general LLM

This is just my opinion based on my personal needs. There are some very good programs out there and I if could do an in-person LLM, the choices would be overwhelming.

If others have suggestions, alternatives, etc. I would be very pleased to hear them.

There are many better LLM. The difficulty is finding a distance learning LLM that :

1) Isn't in an arcane area like quartz- mining Human rights law (lots of specialties around)
2) Doesn't require time on campus in long blocks (most US programs usually do I guess)
3) Has a name that can be pronounced in the English language (easy to find)
4) Is reasonably priced in proportion to what you get out of the programme (I guess UL is reasonable)
5) Is associated with a reptuble school of law (well not sure if the DL program meets this criteria)
6) is geared towards lawyers and not a general LLM (most are geared to lawyers)

Thanks all for your help. I received an acceptance ( no surprise since I qualified for the bar in US and UK). The courses look good so I will give it a try.

I plan to take their International Business LLM. If any one has any addition recommendations on:

1) Good courses to take
2) Exams
3) Other groups ( lawyrs.net and egroups seem inactive) to work with other distance students.

I'm reading about the UoL external LLM and it quotes one of the students: "I recently graduated from the University of London with a Mastersof Law in Law and Development, a Diploma in International Business Law and a Postgraduate Certificate
in Law (Economic Regulation). To say I am thrilled to have been
able to achieve this within one year would be putting it mildly."

I realise that you must go through the Cert/Dipl phases to reach the LLM award, but do you receive a separate certificate for each award on the way (ie three certificates one for Cert, one for Dipl and a final one if you successfully pass the LLM, maybe in different specialisations) ?

This does seem like double-booking the study if that is the case ?
Thanks
BigD

That is my understanding. I've seen other schools in the UK offer a similar structure.

On the positive side, if you have to drop out, you have something to show for your work.

However, if you earn an LLM, I am not sure why you would add the lesser diplomas/certificates to your c.v. ?

In any event, I decided to enroll and am waiting for my course materials.

Hello, I have applied for an LLM in UoL ( long distance) . Would you be so kind as to tell me how much time it took for them to process your application and give you an answer? My application was received on the 14th of December. I realise that we are in the middle of the Christmas break. Just a rough idea....

It was about 3 or 4 weeks. They were pretty quick. However, I was already a member of the bar in the US and had also qualified in the UK. So they did not require transcripts, copies of diplomas, etc.

Thank you very much for your answer !

Interesting. The materials from U of L came today. The materials look outstanding. In fact the books had to have cost more that the course ( I paid for one module as a test of the system).

In addition, they send a bookbag, necktie and coffee mug.

It appears to be a LOT of work but probably worth it.

In terms of timing, I paid my money on the 22nd and all the materials arrived in the US today.

That's great ! So, it seems that it's worth the money ! I hope I get accepted. I want to do an LLM in Intellectual Property Law. I am about to sit the Bar Exams in Greece. Good luck with your study!

Hi,
i would like to apply for the UoL LLM - starting withe the certificate (currenlty i am about to finish MA in political sciences). Would like specialisation in public international law and/or human rights law. I am just afraid that that what i have to offer to UoL won't be enough to get enrolled :/ I have really good grades - but that's just it ....does somebody know how hard is to get there?? How big chances has somebody like me??