Hey guys!

I want to apply for the BCL at Oxford. My LLB marks aren't the greatest (I left with a 64%), but I recently obtained a masters in international law averaging 74%. What do you think my chances look like?

Alternatively, I want to apply to the Geneva Institute for the LLM in international law.

Best
K

I completed the BCL this year.

I would recommend that you apply for both and, focus on emphasizing your academic strengths(both for
Master's and LL.B level) in your application especially for the BCL. Furthermore, you could also focus on submitting an exceptional written essay in support of your application for the BCL. I understand that it is crucial, as it can help in the assessment of your legal writing skills - which are significant, particularly considering that the BCL requires writing of weekly/fortnightly tutorial essays.

I know some friends who had 'firsts' who were unsuccessful with their BCL application, yet, I know a friend who didn't have a 'First' but was in our 2019 class. (This doesn't refute the point that most of the BCL class of 2019 had first class qualifying law degrees-but that's not my point). While there could be other factors that contributted to the strength of my friend's application, it goes to demonstrate that the admissions committee most likely looks at the application wholistically. No one ever really knows whether they will get in.


Therefore, I would encourage you to apply. Just focus your efforts on writing a good written essay and demonstrating your academic excellence, be it at LL.B or graduate level. Then, cast the die and wait.

Best of luck!

[Edited by MJ1997-15 on Dec 18, 2019]