I have been accepted to UCL General LLM and Advanced Master Program Leiden (Digital Technology Law) - which one should I choose?

Hi,

Congratulations on your offers. It depends on your goals.

In terms of global reputation, UCL is significantly more well known and much higher in rankings. The same goes for employability in Europe.

The quality of teaching at UCL is also very high (most believe that it is ranked third in the UK behind only Oxbridge).

I heard that the works of UCL students are used as required readings for programmes in Leiden university. I think that should give you a sense of the gap between the two universities.

@citoyen99 thank you for your answer .Well, UCL sounds great on paper. But I am really interested in technology, telecommunication, digital law etc. UCL does no offer these type of courses. It only offers general IP courses. Plus although as a general ranking UCL scores high (in the top 7 worldwide) in the law field it is only ranked 12 (Leiden is 32). I am a practicing lawyer and I do not want to spend 1 year out of work doing a llm which would not give me an added value after I am done with it. What do you think?

Hi,

I've kinda been in the same situation than you. I have been accepted to both UCL and Leiden but I chose to orientate my studies towards Leiden University.

Personally, I have studied my LLB in the UK so I felt like discovering a new country/method of teaching. Even though UCL has a really good reputation, the programs offered were too 'broad' compared to Leiden. I have talked to many people, studying both in UCL or Leiden, and it seems that Leiden was a better pick for me.

I believe that Leiden might be a better choice as it seems more orientate toward your field of interest. I've generally heard excellent comments about Leiden.

I wish I could help you more ! :-)

I'm a Leiden LDT student myself and it seems like you've answered your own question. You are interested in technology and UCL has no programme that will fit your interests, while Leiden LDT seems to be what you're looking for. I was also a practicing lawyer before joining the program and I would not have left my job for a general LLM, while I've had no problem doing so for a specific masters on law and technology. Also, I would never make a decision based on University rankings (well, maybe if they have the same programme, but not in this case).