[miss.sukhi]

(Original post by interactus)
don't take this the wrong way, but don't plan your life around your bf atm as seeing as your profile says you're only 17 now, lots could change and it might happen that in a few months from now he decides that he doesn't know what he wants and decides to chuck you away.

that being said, as you're planning on paying international fees, if I were you, this is what I would do. (this is really good advice, so please think about it as I hate seeing people make poor decisions)

settling for a middling university in the UK whilst paying international fees just isn't worth it at all. seeing as you'll get good grades, don't accept any of these universities. wait another year, take the LNAT and apply to top unis. I understand that oxbridge, UCL, LSE etc have much higher fees but there are excellent universities well known for law like durham, newcastle, nottingham which you should really look into as they rank much higher than the ones you're considering now.

also, if you can't afford tuition fees for the top London unis, don't look into 'lesser' unis just because of their location. think about it. you'll need to focus on your studies, and even if you were to live in london, with the traffic and transit times, how often would you really see your bf? I would rather live in a smaller city, attend a higher ranking uni, and perhaps plan weekends with the boyfriend.

that being said, you can now:

a) attend a uni in canada for a year and see how you get along there. I'd go for Toronto or UBC mainly because they are better known abroad because of the name, and names mean everything in UK/Europe.
b) get a tier 5 youth mobility work visa, move to england and work there for a year. see how you like the country and the people. you might find that it's not a good fit at all, or you might love it. go and visit the universities and law departments. either way, it's better than spending 20 000 pounds a year for a middling university just because you want to go there asap.

Thanks for the honesty! I appreciate it, I guess I do really need a reality check. With that being said, the problem is that I can't go to uni in Canada for just one year, I'd have to be committed to at least a 3 year program. Also, a majority of people already have a their under grads in the arts, it's impossible to find a job with that alone - I know many people who have them, who settle to work at McDonalds. Also, for me, the main purpose of attending uni in the UK was to get around the expensive tuition + duration of time in Canada. In Canada I'd be spending 20k a year for a 4 year undergrad diploma, and then at least 30k a year in law school. In England, I'd be paying roughly 18-25k a year, for 3 years, plus additional travel, residence, etc. I understand I'd also need other qualifications, on top of that, but I think it'd be better to go straight to the U.K?
Is Queen Mary considered one of the top-tiered universities? I don't think I can afford to pay to go higher ranking universities. Does ranking really matter that much? Aren't the marks you receive valued higher than the university attended?

[IneedSomeHelp]

As long as it is a recognised University, you would be okay, but employer's expectations can be different. As long as you are studying in a top 40-50 university, you should be okay i think. If you get Honours that would definetely look great on your CV. Some universities do offer a year's work-placement.

[miss.sukhi]

(Original post by IneedSomeHelp)
As long as it is a recognised University, you would be okay, but employer's expectations can be different. As long as you are studying in a top 40-50 university, you should be okay i think. If you get Honours that would definetely look great on your CV. Some universities do offer a year's work-placement.

How can I differentiate between which one are recognized and which ones aren't? Is this reliable: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/...sity-guide-law
I considered applying to Kent & Queen Mary based on that?

[forex]

My advice:

If not want to take risk, then 100% choose Kent University.

If you want to take a risk, then use Extra:

1. Because what you are achieving is much greater than what they (3 other Unis) are asking.

But do remember... You are applying for LLB at what i'm assuming will be a top 30 university (very competitive) and time is much AGAINST you.

Your call...

[interactus]

(Original post by miss.sukhi)
Thanks for the honesty! I appreciate it, I guess I do really need a reality check. With that being said, the problem is that I can't go to uni in Canada for just one year, I'd have to be committed to at least a 3 year program. Also, a majority of people already have a their under grads in the arts, it's impossible to find a job with that alone - I know many people who have them, who settle to work at McDonalds. Also, for me, the main purpose of attending uni in the UK was to get around the expensive tuition + duration of time in Canada. In Canada I'd be spending 20k a year for a 4 year undergrad diploma, and then at least 30k a year in law school. In England, I'd be paying roughly 18-25k a year, for 3 years, plus additional travel, residence, etc. I understand I'd also need other qualifications, on top of that, but I think it'd be better to go straight to the U.K?
Is Queen Mary considered one of the top-tiered universities? I don't think I can afford to pay to go higher ranking universities. Does ranking really matter that much? Aren't the marks you receive valued higher than the university attended?

I would only suggest going for a year to a uni in canada for the sake of continuing education in case you're worried about 'losing the hang' of things academically. otherwise, if you're really keen and set on the UK as your top/only choice, it would be a waste of time which I would rather spend working, volunteering, or travelling (or maybe a mix of both?).

the thing is, as LLB is a first degree in the UK/Europe, it isn't as 'professional' as it is in Canada/US. now I don't mean that it is any less valuable, but most people don't necessarily become solicitors or barristers. so if you're worried about ending up with a 'worthless' social science degree and then struggling to have a decent career in case you don't manage to get a 1st class standing and consequently sponsorship for training to become a solicitor or a barrister, then (depending on your grade 12 courses) I would suggest going for engineering or an applied science course instead (which you could do just as well in canada). however, in order to maximise your chances of success with law, higher ranking unis really are the key, especially in the UK.

there are several ranking tables, some unis rank higher than others depending on the tables so I would just use them as guides, however, you will notice a trend...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/...sity-guide-law
http://www.thecompleteuniversityguid...rankings?s=Law

you should also think about what sort of environment would be most conducive to your learning. durham is one of the most beautiful universities I've ever seen and the town is really lovely (closest to oxbridge you can get). it also ranks very high so I'd really suggest you look into that. newcastle is also a very vibrant city and a very good university for law. also warwick and leicester are highly regarded although those are younger universities. also consider the demographics of the cities. for example, leicester has a very large immigrant community so if you want a 'pure' british experience, it probably wouldn't be to your expectations.

as for London, LSE, UCL, KCL, Queen Mary, SOAS all have highly regarded law schools, so if London is where you want to be, focus on those. in the end, a difference of a few thousands a year for a top tier uni will really be negligible in the long run as you'll get so much more out of it than from a 'bargain' university.

[harmony23]

(Original post by miss.sukhi)
Thanks for the honesty! I appreciate it, I guess I do really need a reality check. With that being said, the problem is that I can't go to uni in Canada for just one year, I'd have to be committed to at least a 3 year program. Also, a majority of people already have a their under grads in the arts, it's impossible to find a job with that alone - I know many people who have them, who settle to work at McDonalds. Also, for me, the main purpose of attending uni in the UK was to get around the expensive tuition + duration of time in Canada. In Canada I'd be spending 20k a year for a 4 year undergrad diploma, and then at least 30k a year in law school. In England, I'd be paying roughly 18-25k a year, for 3 years, plus additional travel, residence, etc. I understand I'd also need other qualifications, on top of that, but I think it'd be better to go straight to the U.K?
Is Queen Mary considered one of the top-tiered universities? I don't think I can afford to pay to go higher ranking universities. Does ranking really matter that much? Aren't the marks you receive valued higher than the university attended?

UK may well be better, but maybe you could take a year out and apply again? It sounds like your academics are really good, and seeming as it's so expensive maybe take another shot at applying so you can get into a better uni? Rankings DO matter, a 2.1 from greenwich is not in the same league as a 2.1 from a 'russell group' university.

[IneedSomeHelp]

Yes, the Guardian's website is reliable. All universities mentioned above are recognised, and are considered prestigious. Derby is decent for UK (great teaching, friendly lecturers - well respected in Law), but Kent is better (according to research, prestige, ranking, closer to city).

Now Oxford, QMU are very popular Law Schools, but that's like first-class schools.

Kent is said to be the best AAB/ABB english university for law. Also the legal clinic is supposed to be very good. Very prestigious, one of the top UK universities for research.

http://www.thecompleteuniversityguid...rankings?s=Law

At the end of the day you should care more about fulfilling your goals and meeting your objectives. Perhaps , Kent is better than QMU.

Greenwich - not so great.

Kingston - not so great either.

http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/highe...bodies#Alpha_N

[calumsteele1]

personally if i was you id reject your current offers take a year out and improve your grades then reapply to lse, QM etc. cant hurt failing that Kingston but as an international student youd be paying a lot of money for a second rate university..

[miss.sukhi]

(Original post by IneedSomeHelp)
Yes, the Guardian's website is reliable. All universities mentioned above are recognised, and are considered prestigious. Derby is decent for UK (great teaching, friendly lecturers - well respected in Law), but Kent is better (according to research, prestige, ranking, closer to city).

Now Oxford, QMU are very popular Law Schools, but that's like first-class schools.

Kent is said to be the best AAB/ABB english university for law. Also the legal clinic is supposed to be very good. Very prestigious, one of the top UK universities for research.

http://www.thecompleteuniversityguid...rankings?s=Law

At the end of the day you should care more about fulfilling your goals and meeting your objectives. Perhaps , Kent is better than QMU.

Greenwich - not so great.

Kingston - not so great either.

http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/highe...bodies#Alpha_N

Thank you! Where would Queen Mary fit in the same perspective?

[IneedSomeHelp]

Thank you! Where would Queen Mary fit in the same perspective? Employment prospects Perhaps QMU has more connections, but i think Kent is better overall.

Have you applied at Kings College? KCL is the best in the world for EU Law, some big names there (lecturers are very popular).
Some say that Queen's Mary University can't be compared to KCL for example, but QMU is very competitive since their Law Dept is the heart of the university, they got 5 stars for research, but still not better than KCL, although ranked higher.

Kent is considered very reputable, best AAB but like i said, it really depends what your expectations are. For some reason employers like KCL

Law graduates from Kent will find employment, but perhaps not in the big4 firms, or top law firms, not sure about it. It's still one of the best, law schools in UK. Some people choose Kent over Durham, KCL , or even American universities.

Hope this helps.


University of Kent
___________________
Allen & Overy LLP

asb law

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert

Coffin Mew LLP

Clarkson Wright & Jakes LLP

Denton Wilde Septe

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Gaby Hardwicke

Norton Rose LLP

Palmers Law

Taylor Wessing

Thomson Snell and Passmore

Wollastons

Edwin Coe LLP

Hallett & Co

Birkett Long

Furley Page LLP

Morgan Cole

Ashurst

DLA Piper

The College of Law
Kaplan Law School
Oxford Institute of Legal Practice



It's really a personal choice.

Kent is popular for Law (perhaps a little bit under-rated, should be higher than QMU), some people consider it to be the best Law school in England but for some reason King's College is considered the best in Europe.

I think Kent is the safest option, and in my opinion it is better than QMU. I haven't heard of anyone having probs with getting a job. Kent is very strong, and you will have the opportunity to work in their Law CLinic, but for getting into the top firms , employers always look for the first-class schools, such as KCL, and maybe QMU (more popular, but not better than kent).

Looking at what modules you will be studying, and fulfilling your goals should be your main concern.

[JoPat94]

Just out of interest, what makes you so sure Kent is better than QM?

[ssmith111]

I need help too- if anyone can give some advice I would be grateful!

I have offers from LSE for law or from UPENN (university of pennsylvania, Ivy league); I think I would prefer to go to Penn but my long-term goal is to secure a training contract with a magic circle firm; will i be disadvantaging myself by choosing not to study law?

[tamimi]

Hey, you seem quite keen on London, which is a fair shout - It's a great place to live in. But it's expensive as hell.

My friends and I (In the UK) intentionally choose not to apply to unis in London because it's vastly more expensive to live in. Sure, you get a bigger loan, but the difference isn't enough to cover living costs.

In terms of quality, the unis you've chosen are roughly all in the same league.

I'd personally choose Kent. It has direct links to London but is vastly cheaper to live in (Still very expensive compared to other places, but there you go)
I also like the uni itself.

Uni is a great experience wherever you go, so don't fret if you don't go to your first choice.

Sin cera

[interactus]

(Original post by ssmith111)
I need help too- if anyone can give some advice I would be grateful!

I have offers from LSE for law or from UPENN (university of pennsylvania, Ivy league); I think I would prefer to go to Penn but my long-term goal is to secure a training contract with a magic circle firm; will i be disadvantaging myself by choosing not to study law?

I'd pick LSE. If you want to stay in London and practice law it will definitely give you a head start and connections. Any Ivy League school other than Harvard and Yale wouldn't really give you any special advantage over LSE imo.