Hi there.

I've been accepted into both the ANU and USyd LLB programmes starting in March 2009. I understand that USyd is perceived to be the more prestigious law school locally but ANU is better known internationally.

Right now I'm inclined towards ANU because I hear the intake is smaller than USyd's and the classes are more personal ie you get more individual attention. Moreover, it is not as competitive as USyd which takes the very best students from NSW hence, other factors being equal, there's a possibility I might do better at ANU than at USyd - there's no point going to the more prestigious school and getting mediocre grades when I could be getting better grades at the less prestigious school.

In a nutshell, I'm putting precedence on the quality of teaching and the possibility of getting better grades over prestige. Am I being silly here? I'm a mature age student (25) and would eventually like to go into community law or NGO type of work. I have no problems living in either Canberra or Sydney. I have to make a decision really soon - help! Would really appreciate input from students actually studying at these two institutions.

I have attended several law schools in australia (either towards my degrees or as a cross-insitutional student). I can say for one that ANU is a good institution but Canberra is absolutely boring! I am not sure on what basis you are indicating that you have no problems living in Canberra but I would recommend going down for a week to see if it is bearable for you - it wasn't for me.

Personally, I would attend USyd. The career prospects for a graduate in NSW/Victoria is much better if you eventually decide to remain in Australia. Also, there are many Australians who desperately want to have a law degree from USyd but cannot enter. The entry requirements for ANU is much much lower - USyd is one of the leaders in legal education and has a long history (generally as a university).

At the end of the day, law relies alot on on self-study so i wouldnt' worry too much about the 'attention' thing. I can't really comment on the attention given to each students. however, my impression was that USyd delivers its courses in small seminar groups while ANU had them in large lecture halls. I might be wrong on this though!! Please double/triple check this with the Faculty.


Cheers,
G

Hi, sorry i'm not come in to answer. i just wondering have you guys heard that if some have finished a LLB before,he can require exemp some courses in several famous AU universitis which means the three year llb courses can be shorten to two years. is that true? what condition should i have if i'm going to apply the course exemption? Now i'm swinging between sevral programs. since i'm also mature enough. In addtion, gavel ,if you glad to do so,could you tell me how you got the admission?your ielts scores? your gpa? or some other outstanding condition?
thanks

Hello,

It is true that if you have a LLB from another jurisdiction you MAY be able to shorten your Australian LLB studies. The exact extent would depend on a case-by-case basis.

I know for a fact that some Australian universities are willing to consider granting exemption/credit towards the elective component of the LLB degree based on an LLB from a foreign jurisdiction (i.e. you only complete the compulsory components). The amount of exemption/credit would depend on whether your LLB is from a common law or civil law jurisdiction. LLBs from common law jurisdictions like UK would normally obtain a higher amount of exemption.

Of course, the amount of credit they can give would also be constraint by universities rules (most university require students to complete 50% in the institution). In other words, exemption/credits are usually capped at 50%. If you don't mind not having an Australian LLB, you can always enrol in subjects on a non-award (bridging basis).

Do double-check this information.

Cheers,
G

I have attended several law schools in australia (either towards my degrees or as a cross-insitutional student). I can say for one that ANU is a good institution but Canberra is absolutely boring! I am not sure on what basis you are indicating that you have no problems living in Canberra but I would recommend going down for a week to see if it is bearable for you - it wasn't for me.

Personally, I would attend USyd. The career prospects for a graduate in NSW/Victoria is much better if you eventually decide to remain in Australia. Also, there are many Australians who desperately want to have a law degree from USyd but cannot enter. The entry requirements for ANU is much much lower - USyd is one of the leaders in legal education and has a long history (generally as a university).

At the end of the day, law relies alot on on self-study so i wouldnt' worry too much about the 'attention' thing. I can't really comment on the attention given to each students. however, my impression was that USyd delivers its courses in small seminar groups while ANU had them in large lecture halls. I might be wrong on this though!! Please double/triple check this with the Faculty.


Cheers,
G

Sorry about that! :) Re the class size of ANU :)