I am interested in the following LLM programs, however I want to know which are considered most prestigious?

Leiden
Kings College London
University College London
Université Toulouse I
Université Jean Moulin Lyon III

Obviously cost is an issue, so I wish to avoid London, however I could strech to afford it if I felt it was going to be significantly beneficial to my career prospects. Are they much better than the other universities I mention?

Does anyone have any idea how the French Universities are seen internationally? I know Jean Moulin is considered one of the top law schools in France, but what about Toulouse?

Is Leiden seen as one of the leading European Law schools? It looks very good but I have not heard much about it otherwise.

Also, what is the general opinion on the Erasmus Mundus Law and Economics (EMLE) programme? Would it be comparable to an LLM from one of the above colleges?

Any assistance or advice whatsoever is greatly appreciated

It all depends on what field you wish to study and the way you want to study.

KCL and UCL are no doubt very prestigious universities, but most people I know who've opted for the programs these two schools offer were disappointed by the way work is done within the scope of courses there. Popular classes tend to have a lot of students enrolled, so they end up being a lecture with no significant interaction between the students and the teachers. The tutorial system I've heard is kind of dysfunctional in the sense that you get very few meetings with the tutor over the year mainly to resolve queries on the readings and not to actually try to go deeper in the field the course discourses. Some students though are willing to experience the dysfunctionalities of the educational system above, in order to be in London and have more opportunities for interviews with law firms. Although I doubt that in the current economic climate a foreign lawyer with a UCL/KCL LLM degree would stand many chances of being offered an associate place in one of London's firm, I respect the view that these students have.

French Universities have no doubt a good level and excellent tradition, although I do not think that internationally they are well-regarded (perhaps with the exception of Paris I and II).

Leiden is probably the top law school in continental Europe right now. It has a rich tradition and it's reputation is growing rapidly over the last decade internationally. It is considered very strong in International Tax Law, International Business Law and Public International Law. I've met a handful of people who've made an international career in law with LLMs from Leiden, so I'd say it's a good option.

The EMLE also has a growing reputation, but I am afraid that if not complemented by another LLM degree it might end up being considered too acedemic rather than practice-oriented. Still it depends on whether you've the appetite to move around Europe for a year, as I believe you have to enroll to a different European university for every semester.

From an international perspective, I think Leiden and KCL are almost on the same level. KCL probably has a slighter better reputation, but I wouldn't say that it is enough to justify spending a fortune. The French universities lag behind quite a bit in that respect, although I wouldn't be surprised if the teaching was actually better there.
I agree with the above comment re: teaching at KCL. I have also heard that the classes are way too big and there isn't much student-lecturer time.
So I would choose in this order: Leiden, KCL, EMLE.

Thanks for your replies guys, I actually like the idea of living in Leiden as a city, and a career I am not thinking of a career in a commercial firm at this minute (though not entirely ruling it out), I would prefer to work for an NGO / international organisation, so I think that is my preference. Also my undergrad is from a common law jurisdiction, so an LLM from the UK would not necessarily be a major advantage.

One further question - the deadline for Leiden is tomorrow. If it is a rolling acceptance basis, should I just hold out and delay until 2011 to apply? Can you start the course in February? I have submitted most of the application documents online, but have not yet paid the application fee. Does the fact that I am this late seriously hinder my chances of being admitted, meaning I would be better off waiting until next semester / year?

Hi, I'm going to attend Leiden this September =)). So I'm going to reply based on what I've read during the period which I applied. (as opposed to someone who has actually studied in Leiden)

The fact that you are late does not hinder your chances of being admitted, but Leiden does say that it have limited spots if you apply too late in the game.

You can start the course in February, but it means you will start out with the later parts of the course (2nd semester), which might be difficult, and you would have classmates who are already familiar with the system (while you are still struggling).

You should just apply right away if you intend on coming this September (not worrying about the deadline). As far as I know, Leiden can keep your spot for you for 1-2 year. But if you want to come in February, there's still plenty of time for you.

Hi, I'm going to attend Leiden this September =)). So I'm going to reply based on what I've read during the period which I applied. (as opposed to someone who has actually studied in Leiden)

The fact that you are late does not hinder your chances of being admitted, but Leiden does say that it have limited spots if you apply too late in the game.

You can start the course in February, but it means you will start out with the later parts of the course (2nd semester), which might be difficult, and you would have classmates who are already familiar with the system (while you are still struggling).

You should just apply right away if you intend on coming this September (not worrying about the deadline). As far as I know, Leiden can keep your spot for you for 1-2 year. But if you want to come in February, there's still plenty of time for you.

I applied in early January for the PIL program. I got accepted at the end of the month.

I applied in early January for the advanced program. I got accepted at the end of the month.

oops.. it's the PIL. nevertheless the procedure should be the same. you should be hearing the news anytime within april or may. good luck :)

oops.. it's the PIL. nevertheless the procedure should be the same. you should be hearing the news anytime within april or may. good luck :)

Probably 3-4 weeks? (depending on how much application they get this late)

thanks mate!

hey guys,

thanks for your wishes. I got through Leiden for the LL.M in International Taxation. I am super excited!