Hi everyone,

My decision to pursue an LLM intensified in late March and I finally decided to give it a go (initially abstaining due to money woes). This date, however, was quite inconvenient as most of the law schools had already closed. I nonetheless decided to try the law schools that were open. I did not apply to any of the London colleges because of the cost of living in London.

I have received offers from all the universities, including local ones. Edinburgh is the one I would like to accept. However, having said this, the question lingers: could I have got into Cambridge/Oxford had I applied?

I am not sure whether to apply again for next year and waste a year or start at Edinburgh. I have a first class honours and might make it into Cambridge/Oxford. However, Edinburgh is, in my opinion, the best choice for someone not wanting to live in London and, who missed the deadlines for Oxbridge.

Any thoughts?

Cheers.

capa:

Personally, I think it would be a real pity if you embark on an LLM without first trying to apply to Oxbridge. With your first, and a decent reference, your chances of getting an offer are really high.

Let there be no doubt that Edinburgh is a fantastic university with a great reputation; but it seems clear you would regret it if you didn't at least give Oxbridge a try. The only question is whether you are willing to wait until the next application season, and what you want to do in the meanwhile.

Having said that, it really is your choice, but nothing should stop you from wanting the best for yourself.

Capa,

You know me well enough via the LLM-Guide.com boards to know what I'm going to say, but I think it's worth repeating for those who might be new to these forums.... come join us in Edinburgh this year!

If you put it off another year, what might happen? Perhaps you'll buy a house, start a family, increase responsibilities with your family, start a new job... these four things are genuine examples of what I have seen happen to students who delayed their LL.M application for one reason or another and now they are some years away from being able to restart their LL.M programme. Much can happen in a year, so it could be better to join now.

If you excel in Edinburgh, you'd be in a great chance to approach any institution in the world for a PhD if that's what you're looking to do.

Having said that, if you did decide to defer entry for a year, I know that the Admissions Staff here would be most supportive and help you as best they could.

All the best in whatever you decide!

C.

Miller give it a rest.

Capa, the fact that you got a first means you are likely (99%)to get into either or even both Oxford and Cambridge. Cambridge even accepts candidates with an average of 67%.

Whilst Edinburgh may be a grand faculty, the fact remains that having Oxbridge on your cv brings, rightly or wrongly, prestige and respect to a person who has studied there. So if you want to go, you should give it a shot. A year here or there makes no difference whatsoever.

I think wtlow and C. Miller's posts really show you that the decision is one you must make on your own. How significant is a year to you?

Edinburgh is a great faculty, but applications open in about 6 months (October?). With your qualifications, you can plan on taking your LL.M a year from now, and you will have finished it two years from now. And, you've got a great chance at Oxbridge.

I fully recognize I know nothing of your priorities, but, if I were in your position, I would not be deterred by "unexpected family responsibilities" that a simple trip to the "family planning" section of my local drug shop could manage.

You've got a really enviable problem . . . . congratulations!

P. Martini

Thank you all very much for your opinions and suggestions. I agree that one year will make little difference to a career and that a degree from oxford or cambridge will make a huge difference.

is it at all possible to apply now for a conditional offer for 2008-2009 academic year? Either way, I will give Oxford and Cambridge a go. That Edinburgh offered no financial assistance has certainly helped me with this decision.

Also, if London really that bad? How does UCL compare?

Thanks kindly for any help.
Angelo

Capa, you could ask for your entrance to Edinburgh to be deferred, this means that you don't have to give an answer either way until this time next year, which gives you plenty time to pursue your other plans. Contact the Postgraduate Office and say that you'd like to defer for one year (the max you can do so). they will take your request onboard quickly, and then re-issue an offer in the late Autumn.

(off the main topic --- Comments on the teaching from R.a.j will obviously be passed on to all those that may be interested to hear. I hope that R.a.j also took time to convey his feelings via the appropriate feedback channels offered as a student at the University. The University and all its faculties, schools and centres are always looking to improve in every aspect of their operation. Whilst we witness through our students' success post-graduation of the evidence of positives from our approaches to teaching and research, the occasional negative that we, like every University receive, helps us improve further still. --- )

Capa, good luck to you - and I look forward to hearing more about how you get on over the coming weeks and months on these forums!

Thanks Colin. Will have a careful think about this.
Cheers

Hi guys!

I got an acceptance for a LLM in European Law at Edinburgh University. Does anyone of you have experiences with this program? I have also been accepted for the European Master in Law and Economics (EMLE) program at Hamburg, Gent and Manchester. In addition, I could go to Nottingham Trent University, Hull, Liverpool or Leeds. But my favourites so far are Edinburgh and the EMLE program. What would you do? Thanks for your support!

hi im a current llb student in manchester
and an RG lawsons scholar for law and economics.

If you're interested in the L&E paradigm a multi dimensional perspective to regulation, incorporating behavioural studies , empirical analysis to an understanding of law,this is the place to be. Unfortunately Mr Anthony Ogus is away on sabatical this year but gosh he's brilliant.

but i was so advised that if you truly wish to pursue a masters in L&E, you should head to the states.ie chicago, george mason. Self evident. Mr coase used to juggle with transaction costs there.