Hi everyone,

I want to do a distance learning LLM in IP and I've found 2 courses that I'm interested in/should hopefully qualify for:

1) University of Edinburgh
2) University of London

I've read some discussions re. UoL's external programme and it seems that a lot of people are concerned about its legitimacy (as a result of the fact that the final parchment will note that the LLM was awarded via the external programme and, although the programme is held jointly with Queen Mary and UCL, UoL will be the only college noted on the parchment).

Can anyone tell me anything about either of these 2 colleges, your experiences, etc.?

Thanks for your help/thoughts,
A very confused LLB Graduate

Hello there,

Embarking on an LLM is an important decision. You certainly do not want to look back and conclude with a sigh that you should have chosen another course or university.
You have to ask yourself what is the reason for pursuing an LLM. Is it to enhance your marketability in the job market? Are you aiming for the top law firms? Or is it for self-satisfaction and knowledge only?
You mentioned that you are concerned about the legitimacy of UOL (or might I say that "external" would be stated on the parchment). If this bothers you in any way, then any LLM via Distance Learning would be out of the question. This is simply because even if the certificate does not state so, it is highly probable that you will be asked about your time spent studying at the unversity during your interview. For example, if you obtain LLM from UOL, the usual question would be "Which college? LSE? King's? Which hall of residence did you stay in? Did you had Professor so and so teach you Legal Aspect of International Finance? Has the rennovation at the Cruceifom Building been completed?" .....If you get my drift.
Likewise, if you had enrolled for distance learning with Edinburgh or any other university, you may also be asked about your tenure there as part of the interview process. No escaping.
If you aim to join a reputable and large firm, the issue becomes even more complicated. I've worked in an established city firm for a few years and have a LLM from UCL. Top law firms like investment banks and management consultants tend to be elitist. To be brutally honest they tend to take graduates from Cambridge, Oxford, LSE, UCL, King's, Warwick. (Note: And those who are not are usually recruited to meet their affirmative action/equal opportunity policy) Just check the profile/bio of their lawyers and their university recruitment drive event schedules on their websites if you don't believe me.
I've not taken the UOL external. I will not be surprise if it is as rigorous as an LLM from UCL or Queen Mary. And coupled with the fact that there is no tutoring, it may be even tougher. Unfortunately, most of the partners of the law firms who happened to be from UCL and QM do not regard UOL external graduates as their fellow alumni. This is the sad fact but such is life. It can be a touchy or even heated topic indeed.
My humble opinion is if you're concerned about the "external" bit, bite the bullet - go for full-time. You can recover your investment in no time but you cannot turn back the clock. I apologise if my honesty had offended anyone.

Choosing to do the LLM by distance is usually a result of having other commitments so even though going full-time is quicker and much more difficult (due to juggling many things) I wouldn't dissuade you from the distance programme. I only know about the Edinburgh programme so I can tell you that the distance students take on the same work-load as the full-time students, it is just more spread out in time. The forum discussion session that are highly utilised by the distance students give a good taste of what it would be like to be sitting in the seminar. Plus, the faculty which is involved is highly committed to ensuring that the distance students receive the exact same level of education that those who are full-time on-site students receive. You should contact Charolette Waelde and have a good chat about what you want from studying at the LLM level and whether the design of Edinburgh suits those goals.
Best of luck!
http://www.law.ed.ac.uk/ahrc/teaching/llm/llmintellectualpropertylaw/