Hi guys

I have been following this master since some time but I have never post until now. The thing is that I am looking to apply for a good LLM in "energy" or "oil-gas law" (I don't have any previous experience on this field). But I have a couple of doubts:

1. I have read that there are 2 main (best) places in UK: Aberdeen & Dundee. But I cannot understand why there is such a big difference about the fees:

- Aberdeen: 3.400£
- Dundee: 16.800£

Dundee is almost 5 times more expensive than Aberdeen, LOL...... does it mean that is much better or what???? I cannot see this conclusion reading the forum....

2. On the other hand, could anybody tell me what are currently the job prospects in the oil & gas field for recent LLM graduates???? I guess an LLM from Dundee will provide better career prospects....


Comments pleas

I'm facing similar a dilemma...

Hello everyone,

1. I have read that there are 2 main (best) places in UK: Aberdeen & Dundee. But I cannot understand why there is such a big difference about the fees:

- Aberdeen: 3.400£
- Dundee: 16.800£

Dundee is almost 5 times more expensive than Aberdeen, LOL...... does it mean that is much better or what???? I cannot see this conclusion reading the forum....

2. On the other hand, could anybody tell me what are currently the job prospects in the oil & gas field for recent LLM graduates???? I guess an LLM from Dundee will provide better career prospects....

Flori never fails...THX! :)

Dear Flori, thx for your comments

Only one more question: How are the job prospects for this field of law? realistic to expect a job right after the LLM without the connections/previous job experience on this field?

I supose the niche is veeeeery small (some oil companies and not many law firms)....... ¬¬

I'd really appreciate some comments on this issue...

cheers to everyone

job perspctive:

Having a degree in Oil/gas law (LLM) does not guarantee to be employed by the oil/gas companies, yet it adds up a bit promising expectation for the compay to hire you.

Honestly speaking, the company wont hire you as a legal officer if you don't have a sufficient prefessional legal backgrounds, although you have obtained your LLM in Oil/Gas from well-known Uni (Aberdeen or Dundee). However, there is a big possibility to get internship in the company before fully employed. Specially, if you intend to work here in the Aberdeen as there plenty of major oil/gas companies here.

Now, if you are from countries like Bolivio, Venezuela, Brazil or any other Latin American countries, then I would assume your likelihood of being employed by the oil/gas companies is relatively high. I don't have any specific evidence to prove it here but as least that I have seen from students who are from those countries. Similarly, this prevails in some African countries too, such as Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, etc where all these countries are still relatively new with the oil/gas industries. Thus, having a degree in Oil/gas law from a well-reputed university is pretty much demanding in those jurisdictions.

Furthermore, there are a number of students from other countries (mostly European) are also intended to work in Africa, South America/Latin, and even Asia because of the mastering in other languages. For instance, if you are from Spain, you maybe posted in branch of company that operates in Latin countries. Technically speaking, English is the medium language used during in most oil/gas companies, yet there some specific legislations/laws written in other languages which obviously need legal and language skills to interpret/understand them.

I hope it helps.

Hello Maximus,

Dear Flori, thx for your comments

Only one more question: How are the job prospects for this field of law?

realistic to expect a job right after the LLM without the connections/previous job experience on this field?

I supose the niche is veeeeery small (some oil companies and not many law firms)....... ¬¬

Happy new year everyone!

I'm facing exactly the same dilemma: Dundee or Aberdeen??

Here is another issue for discussion: Many English friends keep telling me that Aberdeen is one of the most dangerous places in UK adding that the crime rates are extremely high (i.e lots of drug dealers, assaults caused by alcohol addicts, prostitution, etc). Is that so? I believe that things in Aberdeen can't be worse than other UK cities.
Please be sincere!
Thank you in advance.

Hello MaryLaw,

Happy new year everyone!

I'm facing exactly the same dilemma: Dundee or Aberdeen??

Here is another issue for discussion: Many English friends keep telling me that Aberdeen is one of the most dangerous places in UK adding that the crime rates are extremely high (i.e lots of drug dealers, assaults caused by alcohol addicts, prostitution, etc). Is that so?

I believe that things in Aberdeen can't be worse than other UK cities.

Hello and many thanks for your reply!

Just another question though: Can anyone clarify the differences between the LLM and the diploma in Oil and Gas Law in Aberdeen? In other words do all students obtain a diploma after the two semesters and the LLM after submitting their dissertation? Does this have to do with their marks too? If, let's say, the uni is not satisfied with a candidate's skills can they first offer a position for the diploma and after successful completion give an LLM chance?
If so, how does this affect the fees to be paid and of course the duration of studies?

Thank you in advance.

On the other hand, could anybody tell me what are currently the job prospects in the oil & gas field for recent LLM graduates????

I reckon you've made your choice already, but just in case..
Dundee, Rgu, Aberdeen - it matters not. None of these would provide you with internship, contact with employers, assistance for vacation scheme and so on. From personal experience I can say: When asked CEPMLP why their fees are so high and why there is no difference for home/EU and international students, they replied - our policy. Then the next logic question was 'do you provide internships' and guess - the answer was 'it is your responsibility to pay your fees and find your own path'..So, whoever wants to study OG/energy - better go with any EU university, at least you have 3-4 times higher chances to get internship.
Further, if you are not UK/US citizen and qualified there, you stand ZERO chance to use your LLM unless having a solid back-up at your home country. Any LLB UK/US student without your LLM (and wihtout any LLM at all), but having started his/her training contract would be preferred as 60% of the law firms are US and 4/5 of them have branch in London. You do stand a small chance if you are qualified lawyer from West Africa or Latin America, having done English/American LLM (or conversion course) and then - OG LLM in the UK.
Finally, if you come from EU jurisdiction, you can do QLTT - conversion test to UK standards, yet this will bring you no job at all. It is the prestige of the US/UK law firm where your training contract has taken place (after US/UK LLB in law) what matters and not your LLM.
Greeitngs