Hi everyone,

I have a LLB from the EU, which in itself is not a qualifying degree in the UK. My grades are equal to a 2:1 with some good A grades as well.
Considering that I enjoy academics and going a bit more into depth, as well as appreciating the benefits of having an LLM/MA for a possible career in academics at some point, I was thinking about applying to Bristol, Nottingham or Durham and the like, possibly to Durham because its quite a bit cheaper than Bristol (any comments or recommendations on that are highly appreciated!).

My question is the following: I know that the 3 big law rankings usually focus on the undergrad studies, not so much on the postgrad studies. My financial situation is not the best, to say the least, but I _could_ afford the aforementioned. However, I read here that an LLM is often times considered a mere "plus", and that it in itself is not nearly as important as the LLB/postgrad, which is more important to big law firms etc. However, since my LLM/MA is going to be my qualifying law degree, is prestige/ranking still an important issue? Since this is the case, will potential future employers (e.g. UK firms) take into account that my LLM/MA is my qualifying degree and thus take into account the quality of education & the ranking/presitge of the Uni? Or would you guys say it does not matter as much as, like aforementioned, the LLB is "what counts", no matter what?!

Thanks a lot, I'd really appreciate help here as I've been going crazy over since for the last few weeks :)

Oh, sorry i just noticed that I am not entirely sure whether Durham even offers a Qualifying MA. However, Bristol does, and a lot of other Top30 Unis do so as well, but Bristol is probably the best one I got afford & get in to.

On a side note: If I fulfill the requirements and am eligible, can I expect to be accepted or is there some kind of limit of people each Uni accepts per year?!

fulfilling criteria is not a guarantee to acceptance, but means you have a good chance. only way of finding out is applying. good luck!

The earlier you apply the better. I am sure if you apply now you will get a place provided you fulfill the entrance requirements.

Bristol and Durham are excellent schools. For the MA I guess Bristol is the obvious choice!

LLM - not a qualifying law degree - Bristol is cheaper than Durham for the LLM.
MA - it is a qualifying law degree normally aimed for those who want to become solicitors or barristers in the UK. Durham does not offer an MA.

Right, Durham does not offer an MA
however, e.g. Leeds does, Bristol does and a few others such as Surrey.
(at least thats what i read here http://www.sra.org.uk/students/courses/qualifying-law-degree-providers.page)

Back to my main question:
As far as I know and read on this forum Law Firms are not only interested in the grades of a LLB student but also in the Uni and its rankings, and this may even be a decisive factor.
So, as for the MA in Bristol/Leeds/Surrey/etc (I think there is like 2-3 others), is that the case as well? Does having a Qualifying Law MA from Bristol have a significant advantage over e.g. an MA Law from Surrey (leaving aside factors such as city, prices for apartments etc)?! Or do firms still rather look at the Bachelors' degree, even if it was not the qualfying degree (I have a non-qualifying LLB in European Law)?

yes a bristol law degree is much more valued than a surrey/leeds one. if you have the option go for bristol.

Comparing with the others its Bristol....no question!!!

Well, yes, obviously, but I am rather wondering whether the difference between a "great" and a "good" university is as important for qualifying MA as it is for a qualifying LLB.. Because bristol is an notch higher, also financially.

Or instead, would anyone recommend doing a mere GDL? Altough I guess I'd prefer academics ands having an MA in case of a future career in academics?!

Yes the MA at Bristol is perceived very well in the judiciary and amongst law firms!

A GDL is not a great course to undertake as it is very crammed to take in all those subjects in a year.

Bristol is one of the top law schools in the country and I am sure perceived much better than the other two!

Hi, i have submitted my application for MA in Law at Bristol as well :D I also considered apply for GDL which takes only one year; however it turns out that top 15 universities(in law) do not accept GDL. So, Ma in Law or LLB Senior Status is the best choices left.