LLM 2009/2010 - University of Edinburgh


Interalia



(ii) the facilities available in Edinburgh. How's the law school and particularly the library. Is the library well-stocked?

Thanks


The library's fine and the Uni is just round the corner from the Scottish library which is the Scottish copyright library (i.e. same function as British library). I think p/g students can use the facilities there though presumably Edinburgh postgrads could tell you more. Pack your thermal underwear though; Edinburgh is beautiful but cold.


Thanks for the information! :)

<blockquote><blockquote>

(ii) the facilities available in Edinburgh. How's the law school and particularly the library. Is the library well-stocked?

Thanks
</blockquote>

The library's fine and the Uni is just round the corner from the Scottish library which is the Scottish copyright library (i.e. same function as British library). I think p/g students can use the facilities there though presumably Edinburgh postgrads could tell you more. Pack your thermal underwear though; Edinburgh is beautiful but cold.</blockquote>

Thanks for the information! :)
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S_Dimelow

Hi S_Dimelow,

I'm interested in the theoretical side of law, especially with regards to corrective justice. MY heart lies with legal theory, but the pragmatic side of me is siding towards going to UCL which has a better reputation. Not sure which i will choose.


Ah, my knowledge is on the historical side of things. You have a few more options than I do LLM wise, but I'd still say Edinburgh is an excellent choice. Their faculty still seems to be packed with a number of notable theorists, has a 300 year history of teaching and an excellent research record- the recent RAE gave it a rating within the top 5 or so in the UK I believe, depending how you rank the statistics.

Have you only applied to UCL and Ed?If you went to UCL, would you go with the LLM or a research programme? I ask because part of my debate, noted in another thread, is about whether I feel like I really want to do a LLM(R) and miss out on the wider knowledge I could gain at this stage from a taught LLM, which still includes a 15 000 diss and probably a research methods module so essentially, you don't really miss out on the bulk of the stuff offered through the LLM(R).

What do you want to do at the end of the LL.M?! Are you heading into academia?Staying in the UK? Perhaps that could help you make a decision. Or, is the funding a concern? The fees at Ed are cheaper and the living costs will be cheaper.

<blockquote>Hi S_Dimelow,

I'm interested in the theoretical side of law, especially with regards to corrective justice. MY heart lies with legal theory, but the pragmatic side of me is siding towards going to UCL which has a better reputation. Not sure which i will choose. </blockquote>

Ah, my knowledge is on the historical side of things. You have a few more options than I do LLM wise, but I'd still say Edinburgh is an excellent choice. Their faculty still seems to be packed with a number of notable theorists, has a 300 year history of teaching and an excellent research record- the recent RAE gave it a rating within the top 5 or so in the UK I believe, depending how you rank the statistics.

Have you only applied to UCL and Ed?If you went to UCL, would you go with the LLM or a research programme? I ask because part of my debate, noted in another thread, is about whether I feel like I really want to do a LLM(R) and miss out on the wider knowledge I could gain at this stage from a taught LLM, which still includes a 15 000 diss and probably a research methods module so essentially, you don't really miss out on the bulk of the stuff offered through the LLM(R).

What do you want to do at the end of the LL.M?! Are you heading into academia?Staying in the UK? Perhaps that could help you make a decision. Or, is the funding a concern? The fees at Ed are cheaper and the living costs will be cheaper.
quote
Interalia

Hi,
Edinburgh was the only Research LLM in which I applied for. My other choices - UCL, King's and Toronto - are all taught LLMs. Personally, I prefer a taught LLM because such a LLM enables one to learn from a variety of professors whereas in a research LLM, its just you and a weekly meeting with your supervisor. One of the reasons I applied for Edinburgh's LLM by research in the history and philosophy of law is that it is different from normal research LLMs in that - in addition to the research component - it also offers a series of taught courses in legal history and legal theory as part of the syllabus.

In an ideal world, I would want to go into academia in my home country. However, entry into academia is extremely competitive, which is the reason why I am considering the more pragmatic route - which is to go to UCL as opposed to Edinbugh since law firms in my country recognize the UCL brand name more. UCL also has a lively jurisprudence community so its not like I will be totally missing out on legal theory. Its just that UCL doesn't specialize in corrective justice which is my main area of interest. I have a tough decision in the coming weeks for sure.

Hi,
Edinburgh was the only Research LLM in which I applied for. My other choices - UCL, King's and Toronto - are all taught LLMs. Personally, I prefer a taught LLM because such a LLM enables one to learn from a variety of professors whereas in a research LLM, its just you and a weekly meeting with your supervisor. One of the reasons I applied for Edinburgh's LLM by research in the history and philosophy of law is that it is different from normal research LLMs in that - in addition to the research component - it also offers a series of taught courses in legal history and legal theory as part of the syllabus.

In an ideal world, I would want to go into academia in my home country. However, entry into academia is extremely competitive, which is the reason why I am considering the more pragmatic route - which is to go to UCL as opposed to Edinbugh since law firms in my country recognize the UCL brand name more. UCL also has a lively jurisprudence community so its not like I will be totally missing out on legal theory. Its just that UCL doesn't specialize in corrective justice which is my main area of interest. I have a tough decision in the coming weeks for sure.
quote
yogi



(ii) the facilities available in Edinburgh. How's the law school and particularly the library. Is the library well-stocked?

Thanks


The library's fine and the Uni is just round the corner from the Scottish library which is the Scottish copyright library (i.e. same function as British library).


"fine" is the perfect word to use. I doubt many people would say the law library (as opposed to the University's main library which is somewhat better) is particularly excellent - especially given the size of the faculty and the supposed reputation. Few people that have studied there could, in all honesty, say that the library facilities aren't somewhat lacking though: if you try and go at 'peak' times you may find yourself hard pushed to get somewhere to sit, access to the law journals can also be tricky at these times, as is access to any texts which have been mentioned in any other particular course etc. Access to Westlaw and LexisNexus does help ensure you can access cases etc online though.

<blockquote><blockquote>

(ii) the facilities available in Edinburgh. How's the law school and particularly the library. Is the library well-stocked?

Thanks
</blockquote>

The library's fine and the Uni is just round the corner from the Scottish library which is the Scottish copyright library (i.e. same function as British library).</blockquote>

"fine" is the perfect word to use. I doubt many people would say the law library (as opposed to the University's main library which is somewhat better) is particularly excellent - especially given the size of the faculty and the supposed reputation. Few people that have studied there could, in all honesty, say that the library facilities aren't somewhat lacking though: if you try and go at 'peak' times you may find yourself hard pushed to get somewhere to sit, access to the law journals can also be tricky at these times, as is access to any texts which have been mentioned in any other particular course etc. Access to Westlaw and LexisNexus does help ensure you can access cases etc online though.
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nicemanin

How much time it will generally take to get a offer from Edinburgh?

How much time it will generally take to get a offer from Edinburgh?
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Interalia

it took them 2 and the half months to give me an offer

it took them 2 and the half months to give me an offer
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nicemanin

oh.. than i will have to wait till March as i had applied in mid of Jan... i may be lucky if i could get a offer early...

oh.. than i will have to wait till March as i had applied in mid of Jan... i may be lucky if i could get a offer early...
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PUCCA

They gave an offer on December 16. I sent my application on October 24 via DHL and they acknowledged receipt of my application on November 3rd.

I must add that they were really really friendly and I have no complaints so far. Still deciding wether to go there or to UCL if they accept me (I should know next week)

They gave an offer on December 16. I sent my application on October 24 via DHL and they acknowledged receipt of my application on November 3rd.

I must add that they were really really friendly and I have no complaints so far. Still deciding wether to go there or to UCL if they accept me (I should know next week)
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nicemanin

Thank you PUCCA... it is tough to believe that i am so late to apply in UK.... I had an impression that i should apply little bit early for my application from the deadline.. Now i believe that early application is the most effect way of reducing the last minute confusion over the law school choices....

I have heard that UCL has 350 seats for LLM ? Is it true?

Thank you PUCCA... it is tough to believe that i am so late to apply in UK.... I had an impression that i should apply little bit early for my application from the deadline.. Now i believe that early application is the most effect way of reducing the last minute confusion over the law school choices....

I have heard that UCL has 350 seats for LLM ? Is it true?
quote
EDIpostgra...

About 8-10 weeks from date of application receipt is fairly the norm for universities receiving large numbers of applicants.
As far as the library at Edi is concerned, it has just been refurbished to provide more desk/study space. Granted it is not the largest library in the history of law libraries, but as stated in another post, it is because they utilise the official library at the library of Scotland for many volumes. Old College, which houses the law school, is a historical listed buidling so planning permission to enlarge the facilities is no small feat. After 300 years in operation, the classes have outgrown the facility but there are many other buildings on site utilised by the law faculty.
Good luck to all with your applications and decisions.

About 8-10 weeks from date of application receipt is fairly the norm for universities receiving large numbers of applicants.
As far as the library at Edi is concerned, it has just been refurbished to provide more desk/study space. Granted it is not the largest library in the history of law libraries, but as stated in another post, it is because they utilise the official library at the library of Scotland for many volumes. Old College, which houses the law school, is a historical listed buidling so planning permission to enlarge the facilities is no small feat. After 300 years in operation, the classes have outgrown the facility but there are many other buildings on site utilised by the law faculty.
Good luck to all with your applications and decisions.
quote
yogi

Granted it is not the largest library in the history of law libraries, but as stated in another post, it is because they utilise the official library at the library of Scotland for many volumes. Old College, which houses the law school, is a historical listed buidling so planning permission to enlarge the facilities is no small feat. After 300 years in operation, the classes have outgrown the facility but there are many other buildings on site utilised by the law faculty.


I don't want to dwell on the point - but would point out that to access the national library (even as a postgrad student) - you would need to apply for a 'reader's ticket' and anyone can apply - it's not just a special thing for Edinburgh University postgraduate students.

And - yes - it is very odd that so many people that have been at Edinburgh accept that the law library is remarkably poor - but seem to think it's acceptable to adopt a position whereby you have to rely on the resources provided elsewhere.

With regards to the issue of space within the law faculty - there would surely be enough space at the main university library at george square for it to contain a large number of case reports etc - but that isn't an option that's really offered either.

I have studied at Edinburgh and the quality of lecturing is good BUT Edinburgh relies far too much on it's "reputation" and does fail in other areas such as access to basic casereports, access to study space, and relies far too much on it's "reputation" when it comes to their fees (especially distance learning and compared to other unis....hopefully the "credit crunch" will force them to be a little more competitive ... i doubt it though)

<blockquote>Granted it is not the largest library in the history of law libraries, but as stated in another post, it is because they utilise the official library at the library of Scotland for many volumes. Old College, which houses the law school, is a historical listed buidling so planning permission to enlarge the facilities is no small feat. After 300 years in operation, the classes have outgrown the facility but there are many other buildings on site utilised by the law faculty.</blockquote>

I don't want to dwell on the point - but would point out that to access the national library (even as a postgrad student) - you would need to apply for a 'reader's ticket' and anyone can apply - it's not just a special thing for Edinburgh University postgraduate students.

And - yes - it is very odd that so many people that have been at Edinburgh accept that the law library is remarkably poor - but seem to think it's acceptable to adopt a position whereby you have to rely on the resources provided elsewhere.

With regards to the issue of space within the law faculty - there would surely be enough space at the main university library at george square for it to contain a large number of case reports etc - but that isn't an option that's really offered either.

I have studied at Edinburgh and the quality of lecturing is good BUT Edinburgh relies far too much on it's "reputation" and does fail in other areas such as access to basic casereports, access to study space, and relies far too much on it's "reputation" when it comes to their fees (especially distance learning and compared to other unis....hopefully the "credit crunch" will force them to be a little more competitive ... i doubt it though)
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PUCCA

Hi, how are you! I am writing because I just wanted to know if it is possible to accept the offer from Edinburgh and then withdrawn it? I have been accepted by UCL but havent received the letter yet due to several reasons. Therefore I did not want to decline the offer before having the letter on my hand! My deadline is tomorrow Wednesday 18.
Are there any penalties or something?

Hi, how are you! I am writing because I just wanted to know if it is possible to accept the offer from Edinburgh and then withdrawn it? I have been accepted by UCL but haven’t received the letter yet due to several reasons. Therefore I did not want to decline the offer before having the letter on my hand! My deadline is tomorrow Wednesday 18.
Are there any penalties or something?
quote
Interalia

Hi PUCCA

i called up Edinburgh. They told me its all right to accept the offer and withdraw it later. There will be no penalties.

Hi PUCCA

i called up Edinburgh. They told me its all right to accept the offer and withdraw it later. There will be no penalties.
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PUCCA

Oh you are so nice,,thanks a lot! i already accepted my offer just in case :)

Oh you are so nice,,thanks a lot! i already accepted my offer just in case :)
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Hello guys im an irish student applying to llm law in edinburgh. they have asked me for a degree cert on the euclid site(my application via the net is in). i dont graduate till september so i dont have a degree cert. any advice would be great.

Hello guys im an irish student applying to llm law in edinburgh. they have asked me for a degree cert on the euclid site(my application via the net is in). i dont graduate till september so i dont have a degree cert. any advice would be great.
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korrasut

Dear Conor,

I'm doing LLM at Edinburgh. I think you can tell them that you're supposed to finish your degree this September so they may give you a conditional offer. Once you finish the degree, you can send them the cert, and then the conditinal offer will be changed to an unconditional offer! Some of my classmates were in the same situation as you last year.

Dear Conor,

I'm doing LLM at Edinburgh. I think you can tell them that you're supposed to finish your degree this September so they may give you a conditional offer. Once you finish the degree, you can send them the cert, and then the conditinal offer will be changed to an unconditional offer! Some of my classmates were in the same situation as you last year.
quote

ok great thanks. any advice on best way to tell them this? they are very slow at processing e mail it seems.

ok great thanks. any advice on best way to tell them this? they are very slow at processing e mail it seems.
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korrasut

By e-mail should be easier. You can contact either Emily who works at the College of Humanities and Social Science or Kirsten, a postgraduate staff. Anyway, I think Emily might be better as the person who can give you an offer is the college, not the school.

The time that I applied last year, they were quite quick to response my mail. But probably they're busy right now. i'm not sure.

By e-mail should be easier. You can contact either Emily who works at the College of Humanities and Social Science or Kirsten, a postgraduate staff. Anyway, I think Emily might be better as the person who can give you an offer is the college, not the school.

The time that I applied last year, they were quite quick to response my mail. But probably they're busy right now. i'm not sure.
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EDIpostgra...

Which email are you using? I am a postgrad at Edi, too. Try PG.law@ed.ac.uk or call the PG office directly and ask for Lene or Aimie (they montitor the PG.law email). They are the postgraduate secretaries so will be able to shed a bit of light on the situation. As they are extremely busy with applications at the moment, it may take a bit of time to respond to email.
As another post indicated, it shouldn't be an issue. I didn't graduate until after I had received my offer as well so it was basically conditioned on me producing my graduation certificate.
Best of luck!
Best of luck!

Which email are you using? I am a postgrad at Edi, too. Try PG.law@ed.ac.uk or call the PG office directly and ask for Lene or Aimie (they montitor the PG.law email). They are the postgraduate secretaries so will be able to shed a bit of light on the situation. As they are extremely busy with applications at the moment, it may take a bit of time to respond to email.
As another post indicated, it shouldn't be an issue. I didn't graduate until after I had received my offer as well so it was basically conditioned on me producing my graduation certificate.
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
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Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated!

Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated!
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