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Oxford or Cambridge - Law?

Could anyone tell show me the argument for and against picking Oxford and vice-versa with regards to Cambridge.

Thanks.:smile:
Alex.

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Reply 1
Avatar for Elles
Elles
17
applying for law & you want someone else to tell you the argument..? ^o)


why not just give some of your thoughts first, or at least the criteria that matter to you? or make some outrageously controversial statements about them for people to "argue" against? might get things going.. :wink:
You seem to be needing a lot of help with your law application ElWilson...

Anyway, as far as i could tell, there is very little difference between the two law courses to comend either Oxford or Cambridge. I suppose that, as it usually just pips Oxford in the Times poll, you could apply to Cambridge, but on the other hand you could say (as i did) that as the degrees are very alike this made it less difficult to get into Oxford (probably a lie). Why not think about which city/uni you like the most?
Reply 3
Avatar for PDJM
PDJM
4
To restate one of my earlier posts: the main difference is the structure which is remarkably different, the Oxford system consists of 3 papers taken for Mods at the end of the second term and all of the other exams at the end of the third year; with Cambridge 4 exams are taken at the end of the first year and then 5 a year thereafter. With Oxford Administrative Law and Jurisprudence are compulsory- neither are compulsory at Cambridge; the Cambridge system also means you take two extra subjects than your Oxford counterparts- in effect you get 4 extra choices which your Oxford counterparts will not get which can be taken from a wide range of subjects. For Cambridge Roman Law is still compulsory in the first year, whereas Oxford gives you a choice between Roman Law and Introduction to Law. Although personally I would take Roman Law- the subject is fascinating and gives you a good overview about how different areas of law interact.

Cambridge supervisions for each subject run for three terms whereas Oxford tutorials in each subject tend to run for one term but be considerably more frequent during that term.

I am told that Oxford is more theoretical and Cambridge is more black letter- I am yet to conclude on this myself, since taking Cambridge as an example there are a considerable number of Oxford educated lecturers and vice versa; some have taught at both institutions. Although from what I have seen essay questions are more common on Oxford law papers than on Cambridge ones which tend to have more problem questions.

Given the choice I would take the Cambridge law Tripos for undergraduate studies- ultimately it gives you more choice in choosing your options, so you can take a wide range of subjects. I do however believe that the Oxford BCL has the edge for postgraduate studies, it is an excellent course (but considerably hard work), which unlike many other courses (including the Cambridge LLM) is taught by lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Reply 4
Avatar for sjuthani
sjuthani
6
Check out the courses and their structure in the prospectuses.
Reply 5
Avatar for ElWilson
ElWilson
OP
14
What are the application processes for both universities? Which ones pay more attention to the LNAT exam, and which one has more interview stages and rounds etc?

Thanks.
ElWilson
What are the application processes for both universities? Which ones pay more attention to the LNAT exam, and which one has more interview stages and rounds etc?

Thanks.


All is in the prospectus...
Reply 7
Avatar for ElWilson
ElWilson
OP
14
Of which there is a difference between a 2nd Class stamp and instant messaging on a forum.
Reply 8
Avatar for thorondor
thorondor
7
ElWilson
What are the application processes for both universities? Which ones pay more attention to the LNAT exam, and which one has more interview stages and rounds etc?

Thanks.


Well i believe the LNAT exam is the only required 'subject' that you need for Oxbridge, and they will accept a wide range of A levels, so long as they're not really stupid ones. The interviews and whether there are any further written tests etc, are specific to indicidual colleges, so check out the website for the unis.

At the end of the day, both unis are world reknowned and highly respected, and a degree from one is worth no more or less than from the other. Unless there is something you particularly don't like about the course at one of the unis, then base your decision upon how much you like the actual place. Visit a several colleges at each and see for yourself which you prefer. I was set upon applying for Cambridge, went and had a look and didn't find a college that i liked all the much IMO, so decided to go and have a look at Oxford and it just felt right.
Reply 9
Avatar for thorondor
thorondor
7
ElWilson
Of which there is a difference between a 2nd Class stamp and instant messaging on a forum.


Or just take a look at the online prospectus.....
ElWilson
Of which there is a difference between a 2nd Class stamp and instant messaging on a forum.


"Students are expected to read a good deal, mostly from primary sources, rather than take other people's word for things"

University Of Oxford Undergraduate Prospectus 2006-2007, Law (Jurisprudence), What is Law? (p66)

Take the hint?
Reply 11
Avatar for ElWilson
ElWilson
OP
14
:bootyshak Take this hint you rude being.
Reply 12
Avatar for thorondor
thorondor
7
ElWilson
:bootyshak Take this hint you rude being.


Just the sort of mature person i'm sure Oxford and Cambridge are hoping for.
ElWilson
:bootyshak Take this hint you rude being.


EDIT-In fact, no, i no longer care to continue this conversation. Good day to you sir. :getmecoat
ElWilson
Of which there is a difference between a 2nd Class stamp and instant messaging on a forum.


The website?
Reply 15
Avatar for ElWilson
ElWilson
OP
14
Rhmph, yes, Indeed. Is it a crime to be moderately inquisitive?
Reply 16
Avatar for ElWilson
ElWilson
OP
14
Seriously, thats a question for the current Oxford Law people, I want to see the knowledge gathered from the teaching.
Elles
applying for law & you want someone else to tell you the argument..? ^o)


why not just give some of your thoughts first, or at least the criteria that matter to you? or make some outrageously controversial statements about them for people to "argue" against? might get things going.. :wink:


That's a good point. Well, actually it's a collection of good points. :top:
Reply 18
Avatar for pixikicks
pixikicks
Elwilson you seriously need to open a prospectus for both universities be it an electronic one or a paper copy. Just email a student body rep and they'll send you one, if you're too lazy to write to them.

If you want to be in with a realistic chance at Oxbridge, you need to get your act together and do some actual research yourself. Check the LNAT website, the Denning Oxford Law site and I'm sure Cambridge have an equivalent. You really are ridiculously unaware of the resources available to you. Get a clue.
Reply 19
Avatar for eleri
eleri
5
Seriously though, the most likely outcome of asking a question like that on here is that Oxford people will plug Oxford and Cambridge people will plug Cambridge, and you won't actually end up any the wiser about what would suit you best. If you want useful feedback, find some information out yourself, then ask students to comment on specific issues in the different course formats.

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