I am a current MJur student. I like my programme, its great. However, to be fair I have to clarify some things here:

1. the MLF is perceived as the elite programme here. It is widespread knowledge here that it is more selective. But dont take my word for it, just check out the statistics published by the Law Faculty. I personally did apply but didnt get in!

2. It is administered by the Law School, not the Business School. Still I know that they mostly hang out at the Business School, if you ever come to Oxford, you will find out why.

3. They share the same exact courses with us, in which we sit together. The difference is that they do less law courses and instead have finance classes at the Business School. As far as I know they share the same electives with the Master in Finance and MBA.

3. It has great prestige among employers. I know for a fact from my friends who take the MLF, that from this years cohort for example at least 3 made it to major investment banks in London (im talking Goldman, Lazard etc). Others will start at magic circle firms in London. I know from 2 who have offers from Clifford. One guy has an offer from a hedge fund, others go into consulting.

In fact that is the most impressive part about the programme. Many of them did not have a finance background before they came here, or are only qualified in different jurisdictions. And yet they get offers from major investment banks and law firms in London. I want to see ANY other programme that can claim that!!

Also, just for illustration, Freshfields organizes a weekend recruitment event later this year. Applications open to Oxbridge and London Law Schools. Those guys are the only ones I know of who dont have to apply but can just sign up!! This programme is exceptionally well regarded by employers!!

I can personally guarantee who ever says anything else either doent know what he is talking about or is just angry for getting rejected. I understand, I was disappointed too. But I take it with honor and fairness!! "jsd" (who is member of llm-guide since 2009, what are you actually doing with your life mate, re-applying to llm's for 6 years know???) might want to do the same.

4. Lastly, everyone I talked to from the programme is totally happy with it!! I heared nothing bad about it ever.

In fact thats the reason why I signed up to llm guide just now. I saw this rediculous ill-informed comment and wanted to correct it first hand.

In summary: If you want to stay in law and work for magic circle in London, MLF is the way. If you want to move out of law into finance or consulting, MLF is the way. If you are just interested in finance and quantitative stuff, MLF is the way.

ps: everyone agrees that "MLF" is not so nice, too close to MiLF. I made fun with my friend about it. He said thats why they carry "MSc". However, most people here dont really feel its necessary to run around carrying that title like: look I went to Oxford. Thats kind of lame my friend.

I am a current MJur student. I like my programme, its great. However, to be fair I have to clarify some things here:

1. the MLF is perceived as the elite programme here. It is widespread knowledge here that it is more selective. But dont take my word for it, just check out the statistics published by the Law Faculty. I personally did apply but didnt get in!


2. It is administered by the Law School, not the Business School. Still I know that they mostly hang out at the Business School, if you ever come to Oxford, you will find out why.

3. They share the same exact courses with us, in which we sit together. The difference is that they do less law courses and instead have finance classes at the Business School. As far as I know they share the same electives with the Master in Finance and MBA.

3. It has great prestige among employers. I know for a fact from my friends who take the MLF, that from this years cohort for example at least 3 made it to major investment banks in London (im talking Goldman, Lazard etc). Others will start at magic circle firms in London. I know from 2 who have offers from Clifford. One guy has an offer from a hedge fund, others go into consulting.

In fact that is the most impressive part about the programme. Many of them did not have a finance background before they came here, or are only qualified in different jurisdictions. And yet they get offers from major investment banks and law firms in London. I want to see ANY other programme that can claim that!!

Also, just for illustration, Freshfields organizes a weekend recruitment event later this year. Applications open to Oxbridge and London Law Schools. Those guys are the only ones I know of who dont have to apply but can just sign up!! This programme is exceptionally well regarded by employers!!

I can personally guarantee who ever says anything else either doent know what he is talking about or is just angry for getting rejected. I understand, I was disappointed too. But I take it with honor and fairness!! "jsd" (who is member of llm-guide since 2009, what are you actually doing with your life mate, re-applying to llm's for 6 years know???) might want to do the same.

4. Lastly, everyone I talked to from the programme is totally happy with it!! I heared nothing bad about it ever.

In fact thats the reason why I signed up to llm guide just now. I saw this rediculous ill-informed comment and wanted to correct it first hand.

In summary: If you want to stay in law and work for magic circle in London, MLF is the way. If you want to move out of law into finance or consulting, MLF is the way. If you are just interested in finance and quantitative stuff, MLF is the way.

ps: everyone agrees that "MLF" is not so nice, too close to MiLF. I made fun with my friend about it. He said thats why they carry "MSc". However, most people here dont really feel its necessary to run around carrying that title like: look I went to Oxford. Thats kind of lame my friend.

I'm a current BCL (hello there! :D), and I agree with most of what you're saying. As far as I can tell, the MLF is a very respectable programme.

1. I'm surprised to hear that the MLF is more competitive than the BCL/ MJur; I was always under the impression that the BCL/ MJur are seen as the Law Faculty's flagship postgrad programmes (but to be fair, the MLF is relatively new) I imagine they might look at slightly different things - I've been told the Finance stuff is pretty Maths heavy, so someone with a pure Law background might be better suited for the BCL/ MJur.

2. Well, Said and the Law Faculty are on the opposite ends of town, so I guess it depends on where they have classes more often? :P

3. Yep - they have 2 Law courses and 3 Finance courses, BCL/ MJur have 4 law courses. There are some restrictions on the law courses that MLFers can do though - they can't do courses like Restitution or Commercial Remedies or International Commercial Arbitration. This might be worth checking out for prospective applicants who wish to study specific subjects.

My personal view is that a BCL/ MJur would possibly be advantageous for the bar, but I suspect that the MLF is seen as on par or possibly even better (eg finance-specific jobs) by the other employers.

hi all, just wondering when to expect any news regarding applications to the mlf? official website states march and it is fast approaching.

does the mlf programme only accept first class honours degrees exclusively?

Well, hello there. A fellow Oxonian - even if you're just a year long MJur tourist.

Your lack of understanding of the British legal market is evident from this statement

In summary: If you want to stay in law and work for magic circle in London, MLF is the way. If you want to move out of law into finance or consulting, MLF is the way. If you are just interested in finance and quantitative stuff, MLF is the way.

Well, hello there. A fellow Oxonian - even if you're just a year long MJur tourist.

Your lack of understanding of the British legal market is evident from this statement

The MLF is simply no substitute for a graduate law degree, leave aside the BCL. Anyone who ever seriously considered the MLF and the BCL as alternatives at the same time is unfocussed and must reflect on their professional goals. Even an LLM from LSE / KCL is more directly beneficial for a career as a city lawyer than the MLF. I cannot comment on whether the MLF is more beneficial in order to get an offer as a financial consultant as that is outside my area of expertise (law) - though I suspect an MBA from Said would be more helpful in that respect.

p Your last line had me in splits. No doubt you committed a year to read for the MJur not because of the advantage of an Oxford label and the pride that comes with it but for the sights and air of the south of England.

I think you severely undervalue the amount of work required just to cope on the BCL/ MJur. Also, I don't see anything inherently wrong with making use of one's time in Oxford to travel and learn more about the UK/ Europe. Not everyone comes from this part of the world, and chances are it's unlikely that such an opportunity will arise again, at least in the near future.

I'm honestly not very sure to what extent a postgrad degree really value adds to one's career as a city lawyer as far as recruitment goes. As far as I can tell, most law firms don't see it as a requirement for recruitment (the bar, of course, is a different story), although you might get some brownie points for it (which in my mind doesn't wholly justify the price tag + additional year out,

Even though the argument on wether this program is a total crap that is just intended to suck our money without offering us any future or the best program ever for a lawyer interested in financial law is delightful, I would like to ask if any of you has already received any admission offer as they began offering them last year in the first week of march.

Thanks a lot

Even though the argument on wether this program is a total crap that is just intended to suck our money without offering us any future or the best program ever for a lawyer interested in financial law is delightful, I would like to ask if any of you has already received any admission offer as they began offering them last year in the first week of march.

Thanks a lot

I think you severely undervalue the amount of work required just to cope on the BCL/ MJur. Also, I don't see anything inherently wrong with making use of one's time in Oxford to travel and learn more about the UK/ Europe. Not everyone comes from this part of the world, and chances are it's unlikely that such an opportunity will arise again, at least in the near future.

I'm honestly not very sure to what extent a postgrad degree really value adds to one's career as a city lawyer as far as recruitment goes. As far as I can tell, most law firms don't see it as a requirement for recruitment (the bar, of course, is a different story), although you might get some brownie points for it (which in my mind doesn't wholly justify the price tag + additional year out,

The BCL/MJur, like most courses marketed for international students is ridiculously easy (by Oxonian standards). Last year some >40% received a pass with distinction. By comparison less than 15% in my BA class were awarded a first. Risk of failure is very real in the BA compared to the BCL/MJur. Perhaps I am a bit harsh but that's how it is.

The rest of your post I am completely in agreement though I would say that a BCL with a first would make a real difference in obtaining pupillage.

The BCL/MJur, like most courses marketed for international students is ridiculously easy (by Oxonian standards). Last year some >40% received a pass with distinction. By comparison less than 15% in my BA class were awarded a first. Risk of failure is very real in the BA compared to the BCL/MJur. Perhaps I am a bit harsh but that's how it is.

The rest of your post I am completely in agreement though I would say that a BCL with a first would make a real difference in obtaining pupillage.

I did my BA at Oxford, and I concede that our First rate is pretty low compared to other subjects, and certainly low compared to the BCL. In fact, there has been a concerted effort to raise it; the rate for my batch was 21%.

I don't agree with your assertion that the "risk of failure is very real in the BA" though. The number of people attaining 2ii has been low in recent years, and the number of people getting Thirds/ Pass/ Fail has been 5 or less in the past 4 years. Maybe it was different in previous years (looking at the oldest examiners report available online, the 2ii rate was above 10% for both 1999 and 2000, but fell dramatically to 6% in 2001), but it's actually quite rare to get a 2ii (or lower) under the current rubrics. Whether that's a good thing is another kettle of fish.

Hi there,

I have just received a call from the university. They said that I have been made an offer (will be sent via e-mail today or tomorrow), but it is conditional. Anyone knows what these conditions may be?

Regards and good luck to you all!

Awesome news, congratulations! Go get wasted.

I wonder if everyone will also receive calls from them. Was this standard procedure in the previous years?

Just got an offer from Cambridge, but I'm still waiting to hear from Oxford.

Congratulations!
About the condition: it may have something to do with the English language requirements (so you'll have to send them some info about your IELTS/TOEFL scores etc.) or, if you're still doing your M.A. they may ask you to submit proof of your final results at the end of the academic year.

Does anyone know if Oxford will be calling overseas applications? or calling only local applicants?

thokk, would you mind telling us where you are from and your credentials? Don't get me wrong, but you joined the forum last night and this morning got a call from Oxford? Sounds suspicious, to say the least.

thokk, would you mind telling us where you are from and your credentials? Don't get me wrong, but you joined the forum last night and this morning got a call from Oxford? Sounds suspicious, to say the least.

thokk, would you mind telling us where you are from and your credentials? Don't get me wrong, but you joined the forum last night and this morning got a call from Oxford? Sounds suspicious, to say the least.

I joined the forum just after receiving the call in order to ask question about conditionality of the offer (previously I only read without signing up). I'm from country in CEE. Lady that called me said that they are going to call some other persons too and this is why I shall expect delivery of mail with an offer today afternoon or tomorrow. I'll let you know when it comes.

As regards the conditionality of the offer I am curious what it might mean since I am already a graduate and I passed IELTS on demanded level last year. Any other ideas what the conditions may be?

Well, here's another idea: if you are currently doing some other course (eg. Master or you've started PhD/any other course that requires your presence) they may ask you to submit proof that you'll suspend it for the time of the MLF.
Anyway, don't worry too much - they'll give you enough time to do whatever they expect you to do. (And you'll know by tomorrow what it is).
You're the lucky one here [to have been offered a place:)]

Well, here's another idea: if you are currently doing some other course (eg. Master or you've started PhD/any other course that requires your presence) they may ask you to submit proof that you'll suspend it for the time of the MLF.
Anyway, don't worry too much - they'll give you enough time to do whatever they expect you to do. (And you'll know by tomorrow what it is).
You're the lucky one here [to have been offered a place:)]