I'm really torn right now. I have been accepted into the LLM program at LSE and LLM in International Human Rights at University of Essex. I'm waiting on UCL and SOAS.

Any advice out there on which LLM Human Rights Program is better?

I know that UCL and LSE have the big name reputations but they are large (and expensive) programs. I am concerned that if I go there I will just blend into the sea of LLM students and come out with a degree and no job prospects.
Essex, on the other hand, is a smaller (and cheaper) program and seems much more specialized. That being said, the university seems to have a DISMAL reputation as a whole.


At the end of the day I just want to be working at an NGO or in the field somewhere. Maybe even in an UN regional office.

I guess I'm just scared that I'll pay the painfully expensive tuition at LSE (or UCL) only to find myself at a crumby corporate law firm (again) when I can't find a real job.

Hi,
Why don't you try University of Warwick? The Uni has a very good HR LLM n also holds a real good name, I think better than Essex. Also, LSE is a very popular LLM program but it does not hav a name in human rights and yes you are right you will end up paying a very large amount of fees in london but warwick is much cheaper n has quite a good reputation, rest its on you to decide evaluate your options and take your pick as money shud not be the only criteria.

I'm really torn right now. I have been accepted into the LLM program at LSE and LLM in International Human Rights at University of Essex. I'm waiting on UCL and SOAS.

Any advice out there on which LLM Human Rights Program is better?

I know that UCL and LSE have the big name reputations but they are large (and expensive) programs. I am concerned that if I go there I will just blend into the sea of LLM students and come out with a degree and no job prospects.
Essex, on the other hand, is a smaller (and cheaper) program and seems much more specialized. That being said, the university seems to have a DISMAL reputation as a whole.


At the end of the day I just want to be working at an NGO or in the field somewhere. Maybe even in an UN regional office.

I guess I'm just scared that I'll pay the painfully expensive tuition at LSE (or UCL) only to find myself at a crumby corporate law firm (again) when I can't find a real job.

the post above is spot on. the post before worringly off the mark (about LSE that is, not sure about Warwick). You say you don;t want to work in a crumby corporate outfit. But if you things don't work out and you change your mind, then at least LSE's name may help you get into a top notch crumby corporate outfit. I do also seem to remember that LSE's expense is mitigated a bit by quite a lot of scholarships going.

I'd go for the lse llm. You really can't make these types of decisions with the cost being the paramount consideration. A difference of 20 grand might seem like a lot now, but presumably (I say this bc I believe that you indicated you're a Canadian) you've already funded an undergraduate degree and an LLb, plus worked like a slave for much less than you deserve as an articling student at a 'corporate outfit'. So, really, what's another 20 grand if it helps you land your dream job? And on this point let there be no debate: the repuation of LSE, especially in the field of international law and human rights, is top notch and will give your CV an appreciable bounce. Besides, if you go to Essex and then can't land your dream job, you'll regret it for the rest of your life. Grab hold of this terrific oppurtunity and use to help you put your best foot forward with the UN, NGO's, or whatever it is you want to do.