Dear all,

I plan to take a UK-LLM in 2008/09. Given the fact that LLM programs become more and more commonplace for German law school graduates, I am wondering how strict the conditions for admittance really are. Does anyone know about reliable sources as to the grade requirements (First Legal State Exam) for the next LLM terms in Camebridge, Oxford?

Thanks in advance and kind regards to all,

Andrew13
(Germany)

For admission to the Cambridge LL.M. you would have to have graduated with at least "vollbefriedigend".

Cambridge: "gut"; Oxford: "vb".

Are there any "official" sources? And do the requirements depend upon the number of applications?

for official sources, look at the schools' websites. They both say a first is required, though it does seem that if you have other assets like significant work experience, lots of prizes, terrific grades in another degree, publications etc.. then a high second class standing will suffice.
To translate this into german requirements, just ask yourself where you stand vis a vis your classmates. If you are inside the top 20 with other assets you have a good shot; inside the top ten and you are probably in even without these other assets on the cv.

My problem is that I cannot say how the criteria are weighed. The answers I got from Professors at my law school largely differ. Some claim that the grade in the 1st State Exam is - other than with applications for US Law School admission - the most important aspect which easily outweighs all other aspects. Others say that it is a decision which is NOT primarily based upon the grade but rather on publication, teaching experience, professional experience etc. in other words: they say that the admission process is not transparant at all but rather obscure.