Hi,

I was just wondering which University is best to do an LLM in International Commercial Law? I know that Birmingham was the only law school out of the 3 to be in the top ten in both The Times and Guardian rankings. But Nottingham is also highly regarded, and Warwick has been ranked as high as fourth in the general tables. So I'm really confused. Which should I choose?

Also, would attending any of the above really improve my chances of a training contract? I got 2:1 degree, but from a new university, which is why I'm keen to attend a more established one.

Hi, can anyone offer any advice?

I have found Birmingham's academic staff to be quite impressive, especially in terms of their publications. I have learned from this discussion board that a number of academics left Durham for Birmingham (the information on Birmingham's staff profiles in its postgraduate prospectus confirms this). Nottingham is a long established, highly prestigeous law school. However, at this moment, I prefer Birmingham.

Thanks for the advice. I will take it on board. Can anybody else help! Which University will give me the best chance of getting a training contract afterwards? Which is the most highly regarded by law firms?

Please help!

I'd go to Nottingham. It's one of the best schools in the UK with an excellent reputation. Academically speaking, no doubt it's the best choice. But as regards as working perspectives I think they'd all give you the same chances (and not very good chances if I may say so, but that's got nothing to do with the universities themselves, but with the UK law market, especially nowadays).

Thanks beicon. The reason why I think a LLM may improve my chances is because I did my undergraduate degree at a new university, and I think this has worked against me. If I do a Masters at a more established one, it can only improve my chances. Further, with such a competitive UK legal market and so many 2:1s, surely doing a Masters will help you stand out that little bit more? What do you think?

Any thoughts on my last post beicon?

Can anybody else help? Come on guys I need some help!

Just curious but with a 2.1 degree, have you tried the London Universities? I may be wrong but I think you may be able to get in to at least King's and UCL. LSE unfortunately is a crapshoot.

The reason I'm suggesting the London universities is because of your aim to strengthen your CV for practice. While all the universities you have listed are good schools, they don't (i) have the range of subjects (especially 'practical' subjects) which the london universities have and (ii) have the same amount of prestige in the practising world.

I have considered the London universities but I think I have already missed the deadlines for those. London is also a very expensive place to live with high course fees so I don't really think it's an option.
What do you think about the choices above? Do any stand out? Would you say that Birmingham, Nottingham etc are the next best after Oxbridge and London?