Hi all
I'm from Romania and I'm interested in (actually, I have already applied for) an LLM in Banking and Finance. Currently, I have received offers from QMUL and Warwick and I expect to receive an offer from UCL. Though in the beginning my choice was very clear (i.e. UCL), lately some question marks appeared. Thus, I saw the new 2005 Guardian Law School Rankings. At the moment when I apllied, UCL was the third in this ranking, with Warwick in the top 10 and QMUL in the top 20 (number 20, if I'm not mistaking). However, for 2005, I see that UCL dropped on 13, while QMUL reached number 7 and Warwick maintained in the top 10. Thus, I'm beginning to wonder a little bit whether UCL is the best choice now. What would you advise? Is this Guardian ranking the most relevant? My interests are to benefit of good courses (an I understand UCL is strong in banking and finance - perhaps at top, together with LSE and KCL -please correct if I'm wrong) but nevertheless, from a prestigious university (i.e. I may face the risk of people looking trough my resume and then look for the university where I attended the LLM on the web- I would prefer one in the top 10). Thanks in advance for any advice.

Hi...

I would not rely on rankings too much. There are a number of reasons for it. There is NO definite ranking for the LLM programmes in the UK. The one you might have gone through is the ranking for the LLB programmes not for LLM. While there are no LLM rankings there is an assessment by which some Law Departments are ranked 5* (excellent) for research. This would be a more suitable indicator of the reputation of the course with regards to a postgraduate degree. At present 8 Unis are ranked 5* - Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, UCL, LSE, QMUL, Keele and Southampton. From amongst the options you have I would go for UCL over QMUL over Warwick. While Warwick is excellent, it is a relatively new Uni. Thus, although it is dynamic and has got a great reputation amongst employers, it is not 'traditional' like the UoL. Between QMUL and UCL, the latter is easily the better option as its widely regarded as the best place for Law under the UoL (in academic circles). And finally regardless of where you study in London, you can take a maximum of half your credits from the other colleges (KCL, SOAS, UCL and QMUL). Thus if you get admitted to UCL you should definitely go for it, otherwise QMUL is a very good second option. Hope this helps.

Good luck!

It is generally accepted by most people in the UK legal circles that The Guardian has completely messed up the law rankings this year, after some silly change in its methodology. Put it this way - it ranks SOAS ahead of Cambridge!!

I can tell you with absolute certainty that for law, UCL's reputation and prestige is many, many miles ahead of QMUL. In law, Oxford and Cambridge are followed by the three London colleges - UCL, LSE and King's.

Ignore the Guardian rankings completely.

If u are after Banking&Finance, go for UCL. I know people who went there for LLM in B&F and were v. pleased with the course. It is highly specialized and the approach is practical; courses are taught by partners from City law firms. I don't think you could get that at Warwick.

Hi oroviceanu

I had similar problem with deciding what to choose, but the list was broader :) UCL, KCL, Warwick, Bristol, Durham (that's too much:)

I lean toward UCL. Anyway it is time to choose one (accomodation issues, visa, etc.). I would suggest you not to pay too much attention to these rankings... they will just make you nervous and add uncertainty. UCL indeed jumps from 3 to 5, then to 13. As mentioned before ranking do not cover: the gradute programmes and do not rank certain LLM programme (int.trade, finance, etc). So if you want to find good LLM in Banking and Finance you might try googling the Internet, instead of sticking to two-three "official" rankings.Try to find employer's comments (http://www.llm-guide.com/board/1328), attorney's or professor's reviews.

If you would like to see ranking, I have two in my list:
1) http://www.timesonline.co.uk/displayPopup/0,,13425,00.html
2) http://education.guardian.co.uk/universityguide2005/table/0,15905,-5163903,00.html

Good luck! May the Force be with You! ^^