London - Best LLMs?

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Posted Jul 28, 2024 13:40

How would you rank the top London schools for LLMs? I'm particularly interested in Tax Law. Are LSE and UCL considerably more highly regarded than KCL and QMUL or is the difference not that big?

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Mike33

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Posted Jul 29, 2024 12:57

These are all very highly regarded schools, so you can't really go wrong, but if you want to get to the specifics, UCL and LSE are usually more highly ranked than the other two. KCL is still up there, whereas QMUL falls a bit further behind and the student satisfaction levels are quite a bit lower.

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nucjake

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Posted Aug 02, 2024 14:18

Thank you. I guess I'll get more into the specific details of each program now that I have a clearer idea :).

[Edited by nucjake on Aug 02, 2024]

Thank you. I guess I'll get more into the specific details of each program now that I have a clearer idea :).

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balloonlaw

101 62

Posted Aug 03, 2024 01:13

For overall reputation in law, the difference between UCL, KCL, and LSE is slight. In fact, all three very often rank right after Oxbridge in the top 5. QMUL is typically further down, but still very good.

For tax specifically, I’d suggest LSE or King’s, probably in that order, before UCL. QMUL is actually well-known for tax and you might want to consider it too. Look at the individual modules and see what appeals.

For overall reputation in law, the difference between UCL, KCL, and LSE is slight. In fact, all three very often rank right after Oxbridge in the top 5. QMUL is typically further down, but still very good. For tax specifically, I’d suggest LSE or King’s, probably in that order, before UCL. QMUL is actually well-known for tax and you might want to consider it too. Look at the individual modules and see what appeals.

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csaa26

51 42

Posted Aug 11, 2024 02:04

Thank you. I guess I'll get more into the specific details of each program now that I have a clearer idea :).

I recommend you to set expectations according to career goals. Why are you doing a LLM? Becoming an academic? Going to market as a solicitor or a barrister? Looking for in-house positions or training contracts?

In general, there is no such difference on the LLM “reputation” in the UK as most solicitors do not take further studies after the LLB + training contract + SQE route (do some research on law firms teams). Therefore, big City law firms will look at the reputation of your LLB just to offer a training contract no matter you have completed a LLM at Oxbridge (remember, all the firms look at the ranks considering the LLB courses and not the LLM - simply because the ranks reflects bachelors/undergrad evaluations). More important than ranks are lecturers, specific modules you want to study or learn, networking and careers’ opportunities.

If I may as someone selected by Durham, UCL and QMUL and have completed a LLM in the UK, I recommend you define your career goals and look at the modules and lecturers of the universities rather than the uni brand before applying. Any of the Russell Group will be a good choice and “employable” if you apply for doctorate studies at any UK uni or in-house positions. Get in contact with alumni to learn the pros and cons.

I had friends studying in the LLM in all of these unis. Those in the specific Tax Law LLM told amazing things on the course and had a lot of choices to deepen their studies on US and UK tax regimes with well-regarded lecturers who stimulated and pushed the learning process.

[Edited by csaa26 on Aug 11, 2024]

[quote]Thank you. I guess I'll get more into the specific details of each program now that I have a clearer idea :). [/quote] I recommend you to set expectations according to career goals. Why are you doing a LLM? Becoming an academic? Going to market as a solicitor or a barrister? Looking for in-house positions or training contracts? In general, there is no such difference on the LLM “reputation” in the UK as most solicitors do not take further studies after the LLB + training contract + SQE route (do some research on law firms teams). Therefore, big City law firms will look at the reputation of your LLB just to offer a training contract no matter you have completed a LLM at Oxbridge (remember, all the firms look at the ranks considering the LLB courses and not the LLM - simply because the ranks reflects bachelors/undergrad evaluations). More important than ranks are lecturers, specific modules you want to study or learn, networking and careers’ opportunities. If I may as someone selected by Durham, UCL and QMUL and have completed a LLM in the UK, I recommend you define your career goals and look at the modules and lecturers of the universities rather than the uni brand before applying. Any of the Russell Group will be a good choice and “employable” if you apply for doctorate studies at any UK uni or in-house positions. Get in contact with alumni to learn the pros and cons. I had friends studying in the LLM in all of these unis. Those in the specific Tax Law LLM told amazing things on the course and had a lot of choices to deepen their studies on US and UK tax regimes with well-regarded lecturers who stimulated and pushed the learning process.

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csaa26

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Posted Aug 11, 2024 02:39

A note: the LLM is not worthless, as many Brits say. For foreign lawyers, it is a first point of contact with the UK law regime, and you can land on in-house positions (even a law firm if you have significant experience).

I received two job offers for compliance analyst positions from a brokerage firm and an offshore law firm. The modules related to compliance demonstrated my interest to the subject during the interviews. Further, I know Kings and QMUL alumni who received job offers at big and small law firms. Nevertheless, they have more than 10 years of work experience, just as I.

[Edited by csaa26 on Aug 11, 2024]

A note: the LLM is not worthless, as many Brits say. For foreign lawyers, it is a first point of contact with the UK law regime, and you can land on in-house positions (even a law firm if you have significant experience). I received two job offers for compliance analyst positions from a brokerage firm and an offshore law firm. The modules related to compliance demonstrated my interest to the subject during the interviews. Further, I know Kings and QMUL alumni who received job offers at big and small law firms. Nevertheless, they have more than 10 years of work experience, just as I.

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dunson 541

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Posted Aug 23, 2024 19:18

Please beware that the KCL LLM is merely a cash-cow for milking International Students. There is no substantive value in comparison to the undergraduate degree. This is reflected in how it is even taught and the administration of LLM students. Before you waste time, money and precious resources, please look to see who is actually in a senior position of employment because of a KCL LLM.

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nucjake

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Posted Aug 25, 2024 13:02

Thank you for the warning, dunson.

I see what you mean csaa26. I am indeed a foreign lawyer so I'm seeing an LLM as a good pivot and first point of entry. I'll look more deeply into the specifics of each program, as you suggest, based on my goals and expectations. I appreciate the detailed insight you've provided and will reflect on it!

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