Hello everybody!
My name is Katerina and I come from Greece.I'm about to apply at the UoL for the LLM with specialisation in Maritime Law(external program).Does anyone has an experience of this program?Is it difficult for somebody being accepted??What about studying?And most of all,does LLM via external system has the same value with LLM via non distance-learning way??I'm sorry to ask so many things but this external type of learning is something completely new for me and before applying I want to be sure what this is all about.Thank you for your time.

Katerina.

hi Katerina,

well, maritime law is not my field but would like to tell you something about distance learning programs:
1. Consider that one of the feature why firms hire an LL.M graduate is no only because they have study a specific subject but also for the in depth training in the language you will get during the program. This, will come not only studying and attending class but also you will miss in having a social life there, something you will miss in a distance learning program;

2. watch out because distance learning program sometimes are not modular. That means there you have to pass ALL the exam to graduate. If you fail one you have to re- sit till you pass it. if you fail you will lose ALL of them. I don't know if UoL LL.M is like this but get information about that; also get infomation about when they have sessions because I think you can sit 1 or twice a year not more;

3. your LL.M will be released by the external system not LSE or QMUL but by a parallel system called external program. Think about it also in the light how employers in your country will consider it.

I hope it helps.
Good luck!!

Lawyer9436,first of all thanks for your time and answer.
The thoughts you mention are mine as well.The reason I'm looking for external programs is that I'm already working in a law firm speciaIised in the aforesaid field but I would love to to improve my knowledge,skills and english as well.And this combination may be achieved only by this kind of postgraduate studies.The maximum time given by UoL to finish succesfully LLM program is 5 years according to what I've learnt through web search.What I'm afraid of most is that studies taken the distant way are too ''modern'' for shipping companies based in Greece.Maybe I should choose the Postgraduate Studies in Maritime of Piraeus University although this program has more economical rather than law basis.Whatever my decision will be,I still have some time to sleep on it.Have a good luck too!!!!

Hello Katerina!my name is Natasa and I am from Greece too! . Well, I was thinking exactly the same things as you did,but,at the end,I decided to register to this programme(LLM in Maritime Law),cause i have also started my practise in Athens and in my opinion,being a lawyer in Athens,is only a matter of practise and hard work!I am not underestimating of course any LLM or PHD title,but as you may have also realized, greek conditions in our occupation are a bit...odd!:)But,things are changing, if you think of working abroad.And although this is an external programme,you are permitted to register in 1 among 5 universities of London and finish your studies there,provided that you fulfill its one's standards of course.Well,Since,i officially started my studies,2 days ago, I think I will be able to give you more details in the future.If you have any questions,I would be glad if I could help you.
Have a good luck!

Hello Natasa, how is your LL.M at UoL going? I am thinking of doing it, but I am not sure about it yet. Do you think it is worth the price it costs? Have you any idea about how is the UoL External LL.M transcript or Certificate (diploma to put on the wall). Does it says University of London or UCL & Queen mary? Does it says "external/distance"?

My e-mail is marcos.davidovich@agu.gov.br. I would be glad to hear from you.

Thanks.

hi sorry to interupt, anyone can explain further on the UOL LLM, i also interested in taking the maritime law

my query is on the entry point, according UOL one can get accepted into certificate, diploma or the LLM directly.
what is the difference ? the price ? the module needed to be complete i see is the same.

Hi Katerina
I understand where you are coming from. You want to stay in Greece work in the firm and do the LLM at the same time (long distance). I do not, however, think that it is the same as doing the degree in the UK. In the UK, you are actually taught by the professors and you also live in the foreign country and you socialise with foreign students (which is part of the LLM student experience).
You may have a job in a law firm at the moment but you also have to plan ahead.
Have you alse checked how employers consider external LLM programmes? In addition, is it recognised by DOATAP?
Hope I have helped you.
Kosta

Thank you all for your interest in answering my post.
Having considered all the pros and cons of the matter under discussion I finally decided to do the Master in Maritime of the University of Piraeus.
I have the feeling that Greek employers are too traditional to take under serious consideration such kind of studies.

Good luck to everyone!