i am a graduate of the university of Lagos i graduated in 2003 and called to bar 2004, i made a third class in my first degree but want a masters degree in international trade law from a university in the uk. iam currently doing my masters in University of Lagos to boost my first degree i now that i am capable intellectually to undergo a llm program, what are my chances.

You're right to pursue a further qualification prior to seeking entrance to a UK LL.M. I'm not sure which institutions would accept you with your current score.

I presume that your current programme is something broadly related to law, if not an LL.M itself? Also, the higher your postgraduate scores from your current courses and dissertation on your programme are, the more offers you will likely receive - so it's in your interests to set your sights high - go for distinction or other such reward based on high marks if you can! Show them what you can do.

Good luck with your current postgraduate programme, and best of luck with your LL.M admission!

Colin.

C. Miller, what are the addmisson requirements for Edinburgh? Also, what is your opinion on goig directly into the PHd programme there, ie after a BA and LLB, rather than doing an LLM? I spoke to an admission's secretary and apparantly this is possible, but, in your view, is it advisable?
Also, what's the international reputaion like?
I appreciater your thoughts.

Hi, The University of Edinburgh states the following for LL.Ms :

"Upper second class degree or equivalent.

English language standard: 7.00 IELTS or equivalent"

If you're interested in a PhD then there's no reason not to put your case forward. Best way to do that is find an academic who you think could be a suitable supervisor and email them directly outlining your situation. You can check the law school's website at www.law.ed.ac.uk for details of the academics here. Having support from an academic would be a huge plus in your PhD application.

Is it advisable? That depends entirely on your own ambition, I assume that you've already thought about that yourself? PM me off the board if you're having troubles weighing the pros and cons of an LL.M against a PhD.

What's the international (particularly postgraduate) reputation of The University of Edinburgh? I'd say it's very strong almost everywhere in the world, but don't just take my word for it ;-). There has been discussions elsewhere on these forums about various institutions' international reputation - it's quite a long debate, but well worth a read: http://www.llm-guide.com/board/8826.

Recent reports (such as Newsweek's World Top 100 - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14321230/site/newsweek/%3Cbr%20) and other such guides place Edinburgh in good positions, which also assists with recognition amongst potential students and employers of our graduates too, I imagine.

Hope this is helpful to equity's darling and to the original creator of this thread also.

Colin.