I am not quite sure if this is the right place to seek help/advice on this subject matter, but I hope to attain some valuable information from informed posters. I already have a B.A (Honors) in Political Science and International Relations. I was recently offered a place at both City and University of Birmingham for their Senior Status LLB (LLB for graduates program), which one should I choose???? I know that Birmingham has a better reputation than city, but I intend to work in London, and I fear that staying in Birmingham might hinder my chances on securing a TC in the city? How much truth is there to this? Most people seem to be of the view that law school in Birmingham is just so-so
I have also only recently applied to SOAS for the 3 year LLB program, but have yet to hear from them. But the program is 3 years long and I am already 22 (I feel kind of old for law school) the 2 year cuts some time and cost but I can't seem to decide what to do???
Any input would be highly appreciated!

umm any one?

Just because you study in London doesn't mean you're in a better position to get a job in London. Law firms tend to recruit from the top 20 uni's which are located all over the UK!

The U. of Birmingham is a very good law school - I'd be interested to know why people are saying 'so so' about it. It's a Russell Group, red brick uni, i.e. in the top 20. City University does not come within this group.

22 is not old for law school!!!

thank you for your input Kerfuffle... do you happen to have any information on the senior status LLB program offered by uni of birmingham for non law graduates? i'm an overseas applicant and any info on the school and this program would be of great help..i have heard some horror stories about their LLb graduates unable to find a TC...especially in the city, apparently because not being in london hinders networking opportunities? i dont know how much truth there is to this. please advise!

I don't have any personal knowledge of the Birmingham (2 yr) programme, but I imagine it will cover the first two years of the standard LLB (covering all the foundations of law subjects), and then you simply miss the year that offers optional law choices.

There are lots of horror stories about law grads not getting TCs, and this is nothing new. Basically, there are too many law graduates for the the number of jobs available in the UK. I don't know the stats off hand, but if you Google you'll find that a lot of LLB grads and/or LPC holders end up with no TC, and pursue other careers. Of course, this is now compounded by the financial crisis, but by the time you graduate that should be over (hopefully!!).

I don't believe being outside London hinders networking opportunities - afterall most of the top 20 law schools are outside London, and they are visited by the law firms during the milkround. During the LLB, it's questionable just how many networking opportunities present themselves anyway, open days/work exp. will the main avenues for securing a job and this won't be dependent on your location. B'ham will probably attract more of the leading law firms than City University to its law fair.

Birmingham!!!! don't want to make a big deal out of this, but I personally do not like SOAS that much... or City for that matter...

First of all, Sophie, I understand your concerns; age matter, wanting to save time, networking etc...

As some of the users above have mentioned, London is no golden ticket to a TC. Top firms tend to visit the top 20 unis, which are located all over the UK.

Your age of 22 years is by no means old, seeing that you have done an undergraduate degree after-all and is merely seeking a graduate degree (Birmingham/City).

If you do however, have a strong desire to study in London, I would recommend SOAS without a doubt. I concur however that it is not as well known as its bigger London sisters but it is a very well regarded uni in its own right. Plus, it is part of the University of London system. Excellent choice if you were to pursue your 3 year LLB here.

Graduate degree wise, I would pick Birmingham over City. Russell Group uni, red-brick, and have a solid reputation as a whole. Nothing overly wrong with it.

In a nutshell, pick either SOAS (3 years) or Birmingham (2 years).

I would prefer city University....it is much better if you wanna to practice as a bariister or solicitor....!
I don't think SOAS or Birmingham focus on practice of law....they are more academic related courses....!
City University has more practice related courses..!
I would prefer City University..>!