dear all
i am interesting in studying maritime law in uk , in university of southampton , nottingham or london metropoliatan university?What is the best?Because i want small classes and not to be considered as a number.
and how easy is to find a job in this field and do you know anything about the income?

There is no doubt that Southampton is the best one and most traditional one when it comes to Maritime. I have a friend who is just finishing his Maritime LLM and he is extremely satisfied with it.

I've generally heard that Southampton is the top law school for this topic, and it stands to sense given its location.

Swansea University also offers an excellent LLM in maritime law, which is recognised internationally. The classes are taught in small groups by a top team. I did my LLM in Swansea and I found the programme superb. The LLM is also supported by the Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law, which organises a series of guest lectures for the students and also international conferences on maritime law. Needless to say about how approchable the lecturers are.

I have been persuaded now that Swansea is the best option for me- so much is going on and my firm in Nigeria tells me that it is a place to be- so I shall

Efe
from Lagos

ladies and gentlemen

I suggest no one should go to a University where any specialisation is not done by a group of people (at least a team of 5-6).You need a good research institute,to my mind, to enhance your experience. That would rule places like London Met and Nottingham out. One or two academics interested in maritime law is simply not enough! I think it is true that Southampton was the leading place until 2000 but my understanding is that it has now lost its position to Swansea, at least that's what I understand from various sources in the sector and students. Southampton, I was told, in 2002-04 packed 150 LLM students in a room, obviously the more the merrier from finance point of view,
and the student experience did really suffer. They also lots big names, either retiring or moving on. After 8 years of loyal service my firm has awarded me a scholarship to do a LLM and the only condition attached to it was that I go to Swansea. My boss is a shipping broker and trust me he would not waste his money. I hope to meet Efe there. Please drop me a line if you can.

Jessy Chen
Claims Unit

My boss is a shipping broker and trust me he would not waste his money.

Hello, I have been offered a place of llm in international maritime law by swansea. This major is fascinating, but people told me that navigation experience was indispensable for maritime study and further practice. However, I have only one year working experience and that is international trade instead of
navigation. Since you have been a lawyer for 8 years, I hope
you may give me some useful advice according to your practical experience.

Your early reply would be very precious and highly appreciated

I can you for experience that Southampton is an excellent university! and the place is very nice as well,,lots of shops,restaurantes and in my opinion a lot of things to do in a very calm and pretty place :)

I went there in the year 2002 as a visiting student for a whole year as an undergraduate and I totally loved it! I took several subjects related to maritime law such as Carriage of Goods by Sea, Admiralty Law, International Law of the Sea etc.

Although i was taking undergraduate courses the level of teaching and the material i was given i consider was very very good and the teachers excellent. I felt very welcome!

Hope this helps and whatever you decision is good luck :)

Hi! I am Manoj Kumar, a sailor with Master's Certificate of Competency. Is anybody out there, who can advise me, whether I can pursue an LLM programme in Maritime Law with any leading University in UK, full time/part time/e-learning?

Hi Manoj, I am working in an average adjusting firm. From my experience, people have sea-going experience are very important in those major maritime law firms. So I think it would be a very wise decision for you to study law. One of my friends is taking the same route as you. Basically, you may consider the LLM in Cardiff or Southampton. But mind that LLM is not a qualifying law degree. If you want to be a solicitor, you better take CPE.

Dear Tonanini,

I, Capt.Mahesh Jayaram, Have been sailing as Master mariner with a reputed German company. I am holding a Master Class-I certificate of competency from India. I have got admission in University of Southampton for doing my LLM in maritime law, but as you have rightly put it, i had to differ my admission, because i have been informed that LLM in Maritime Law by itself does not hold in good stead without a formal LLB and hence would not be considered as a professional degree. Could you please throw some light as to how can i become a solicitor by taking up CPE. Also kindly let me know what CPE stands for exactly and how do i obtain it. Your valuble time and input is much appreciated.

Awaiting your
Thanking you in anticipation,
Best regards
Capt.Mahesh Jayaram

CPE stands for common professional exam; it is the same thing as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). It is a one year course which covers all the core subjects that the Bar Council and Law Society require people to have studied to become either a barrister or a solicitor. It is therefore an alternative to doing an LLB, but I suspect you may have to have an undergraduate degree to get admission on the GDL.

After the GDL (as llmwoods has described) you must also complete either the BVC (to be a barrister) or the LPC (to be a solicitor). All three courses are one year courses (or two years if you do them part-time). You must also obtain a training contract with a law firm, which means you work for two years after the LPC (or a pupillage with a barrister's chambers after the BVC).

If you want to work as a solicitor or barrister in the UK this is the only way, unless you are qualified as a lawyer in some other jurisdiction and are able to transfer that position.

An LLM is an option if you are simply looking at moving ashore to work inhouse or in P&I, and are not specifically looking to qualify as a solicitor or barrister, but it doesn't help you with the above.

Dear all,

Thanks a ton for those valuble inputs. On the whole, given my proffesional background as a Master mariner with 12 years of sea-going experience, do you think it would be a wise decision for me to take up the LLM in Maritime law at Southampton. (And maybe try at a later date to complete my CPE/GDL either through distace learning or full time)

Also if you could suggest someplace where people like me can take up CPE/GDL without much glitches.

For the moment ive differed the same for next year (Oct '2010).

Thanks in advance
Capt.Mahesh Jayaram

It feels like I've heard dozens of times the story of an individual working at a maritime company, from a wide variety of countries, and being advised or even sent by their employer to do an LLM in Swansea University.
That tells me that the reputation of Swansea is getting stronger and stronger and that it is an internationally recognised and respectable course.
I think that is what made me apply only to Swansea for my llm, and now I'm waiting in excitement for Septemeber!