hey all,

i'm completing my LLB soon from the University of London External programme and am considering enrolling for a LLM programme. Since im considering migrating to Australia in the near future, i've decided to add University of Melbourne's LLM programme to my possible options. I want to lecture law eventually, if the opportunity arises, and would like your opinion on whether getting an Australian LLM from Uni of Melbourne would aid my chances more so compared to getting the LLM from the Uni of London External programme. The latter would obviously cost less and can be completed within a year via self study while the former programme requires a little more commitment. Is the extra effort worth it or would there be little difference to my portfolio for a lecturing post in Australia? Thanks all.

Hi!

I have attended 4 Law Schools in Australia (2 on an cross-institutional basis/exchange and 2 to obtain my JD and LLM respectively - University of Melbourne is in the prior category) and, in my opinion, it would be worthwhile for you to attend University of Melbourne's LLM program.

In particular, as far as I am aware, University of Melbourne is the one of the few Australian law schools which require students to enter with a LLB at honours level so the standard of academic discussion should be relatively high (alternatively, entry can be gained by earning 2 years of work experience) - regardless, the standards is clearly higher than most which require only a pass LLB degree.

By enrolling at University of Melbourne, you would get an insight into Australian law and this would provide you with a good foundation with the Australian legal system given your intentions to lecture in Australia. Furthermore, it would also facilitate your progress into a doctoral degree be it with University of Melbourne or some other school in Australia. I am unsure if you are able to qualify for entry into a PhD directly but I am aware that the University of Melbourne allows students to elect either a full coursework program or a Minor Thesis program (i.e. 4 subjects and 1 minor thesis) - this i think would also aid your transition into academia/research positions.

I hope this helps but you will definitely enjoy your 1 year study over at University of Melbourne! :) Depending on your considerations, other universities you can consider are, University of Queensland, Monash University and the Australian National University - this would depend on what is important to you - cost? location? etc


Cheers,
Gregory

hey,

thanks for your reply. im planning to do the LLM on a part time basis, and roughly, from your own personal experience, how do u find the required commitment levels for the LLM in general?

hello,

If you are looking at Unimelb then the classes will either be scheduled on a weekly basis (i.e. 2-3 hours per week) or an intensive basis (monday to friday for 1 week 9 - 5). So if you are a part time student you just have to multiple this routine by 2.

The commitment at Uni Melb is rather high for LLMs - they have thick stacks of folders and pre-class reading - you can't really participate if you have not read the cases. Assessment can either take place as a take home exam (over the weekend) or a major essay (8,000 to 10,000 words) - there is certain amount of flexibility given the postgraduate nature of the course.


Cheers,
Gregoy

Melbourne University is an excellent place to do an LLM. The next strongest postgrad law school in Melbourne is at Monash University.

In terms of getting a lecturing position, there are now six law schools in Melbourne so it would pay to look around. Many but not all have a requirement for a diploma in education (a 'dip-ed') for lecturers and a long probationary period (up to 3 years). Monash and La Trobe require a dip-ed I believe, but not Deakin.
Regarding enrolment frustrations, I hear good things about Monash and Deakin, uneveness at Melbourne and note some spectacular disasters at RMIT (like the year marks couldn't be released).