What to consider before undertaking a LLM

Having completed my LLM, and reflecting on my experience, I would argue that there are five main things to consider before deciding to undertake the LLM.  

1. MOTIVATIONS

You need to consider why it is you that want to undertake the LLM. I would argue that it is not worth undertaking a masters degree solely because you want another year in education, or, in other words, to put off entering the working world. If you do go into your LLM with this as your sole motivation, you will be in for a rude awakening because the LLM is nothing like an undergraduate law degree- much more is expected of you.

What should be your motivations then? Well, I would argue that there are two main reasons you should want to undertake further study, either A) because you have a genuine interest in a specific field and/or B) because undertaking the LLM is a step towards an ultimate career goal.

2. NECESSITY- improving employability vs necessity

There is debate as to whether or not undertaking a LLM makes you more desirable to employers. I think whether or not this is true is highly dependent on the career field you are entering. Whilst the LLM is impressive to employers, who will see your completion of the LLM as evidence academic capabilities, this does not necessarily mean that you will inevitably secure a job position over someone who does not have a masters degree.

That being said, if you intend to enter a niche area, specialising in that given area in your LLM will inevitably put you at an advantage when applying for certain jobs. Notwithstanding this, for most people, a LLM won’t be strictly necessary. I mean this in the sense that you will be choosing to undertake a LLM because you want to (for various reasons), however for some, undertaking a LLM will be a necessary step towards a specific end goal, e.g. to thereafter undertake a PhD.

3. COST EFFECTIVENESS

Your motivations for undertaking a LLM should be weighed against the financial burdens of undertaking the course. If you are an international student, you should definitely look into scholarships. I am aware that many of the international students on UCL’s LLM secured funding through Chevening scholarships. UCL now offers their own LLM scholarships too. If you are unable to secure a scholarship, and are privately funding your LLM (through a student loan or your own funds), you should give considerable thought as to whether the benefit of undertaking a LLM will likely outweigh the financial burden.

4. THE UNIVERSITY

It goes without saying that choosing the right University for you is incredibly important, whether you are undertaking an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. With regards to undertaking a LLM specifically, you should focus on choosing a University that, for the courses you wish to study, has the best lecturers to offer. In this sense, you will want to research the course leaders at the Universities your are applying to, and look at their research and practical expertise in the field that they are teaching.  

A University is also more than the lecturers it has to offer. If you want to go to a campus based University, for example, UCL might not be for you. If you want to get involved in drama or film making societies, then you might want be attracted to UCL, since UCL’s alumni includes Christopher Nolan, for example.

5. THE EXPERIENCE

One of the best things about undertaking a LLM, especially in a foreign city and/or country, is the fact that you are exposed to new people, cultures and experiences. As academically challenging as a LLM may be, it is incredibly rewarding- both in terms of the sense of achievement that you will obtain having completed your studies, but also also in the fact that you will venturing out of your comfort zone, living in a new city and making new friends.