Hi there,

I finally recieved an unconditional offer from Manchester and Birmingham for a LLM in International Commercial Law. Which LLM program is the best choice? Which one is most highly regarded internationally (especially in Germany)? Which LLM is more focused on practical use?

Thanks

Thanks, Private Equity 1. What do others think? I need as many responses as possible, please. I'm really confused!

I would recommend B'ham - it has a very good name at the moment, solid RG uni, good faculty for commercial law, nice campus.

Manchester probably has better global name because it's become a super university (although it's continually slipping down the league tables on a domestic front), but I don't rate the LLM programme, nor the faculty for commercial law (most lean towards medical, socio-legal research), also the teaching hours are limited.

Thank you Kerfuffle. This was quite usefull.
Anyone else? I heared, that there a lot more students in each course in Manchester. Am I right? What else should I bother?

Really no other opinions?

I would say Birmingham.

Both Universities have good reputations and both belong to the Russell Group.

Manchester has a particularly good reputation overseas it seems, but its LLM programs are not the best, and it has slipped down the tables quite a bit recently, whereas Birmingham is clearly on the up. Birmingham was the only law school (along with Oxbridge and the London colleges) to finish in the top ten law rankings for both the Guardian and Times. Plus Birmingham has some great history, (it is partly built on a Roman Fort and was the first redbrick University) and is the only University in the country to have its own train station, which is just two stops away from the City Centre. As a city, Birmingham is really regenerated and great for shopping. A good place to spend a year. Therefore, I would say Birmingham.

Thank you, guys!

Which do you think you will choose?

Sorry, GeorgeP - I missed your last question.

I will go to Manchester. I really appreciated your advices and I definitely agree with your reasons for choosing Birmingham. But on the one hand, Ive surprisingly received a scholarship from Manchester helping me to fund my LL.M (I didn't know this when I asked for advice). And on the other hand, having a closer look to the course modules, Manchester will allow me to focus on both Commercial and Business Law. This will be a plus when I am going back in Germany (I discussed this aspect with my former employer).

But again, thank you for your advice. It wasnt in vain, even I won't go to Birmingham.

Maybe this discussion will help other students choosing between Manchester and Birmingham.

Maybe this discussion will help other students choosing between Manchester and Birmingham.