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KCL law + LLB/JD Program

I completed my A-levels from an extremely competitive public school and ended up doing law at King's. I originally got an offer from the LSE but decided to go for Oxford again. During the process, I got rejected from Oxford and the LSE. To be absolutely honest, I would have definitely gone to the LSE if I could turn back time.

I got an offer from UCL but felt it was too 'mainstream' for me and I think I made the right decision. While students studying A-levels are obsessed with league tables - which I completely understand - I would really recommend they research the actual course structure offered. For example, in the 1st year of UCL law you study 8 subjects whilst at KCL you study 4. I actually prefer the KCL structure, since you acquire a very deep understanding of the fundamental subjects (contract, criminal, european, public). My close friend at UCL often asks me for help in contract. This depth leaves you with professionalism and the extremely valuable opportunity to consider the law properly.

Indeed, I would go so far as to say traditional employers prefer the intellectual rigour of the KCL course.

You should also consider that the Centre of European Law,Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR), Centre for Crime and Justice Studies (CCJS), Centre of British Constitutional Law and History, Civil Liberties Research Unit (CLRU) and the Tax Research Unit are at KCL. European law is one of the most overarching and important issues in law at the moment - and the KCL European lecturers and tutors are amongst the best in the UK and Europe.

I feel that KCL is let down by some of the subjects, but as far as the Law School goes I would strongly recommend it. Especially so if you are considering international law.

There is also a University of London - Columbia University Double Degree program, which most people don't seem to know about. This is a four year course, where you end up with a LLB and JD. This would usually take 6 years to complete separately. Indeed competition is fierce, but it will make you exceptionally qualified for international law.

For those unfamiliar with the US unis, Columbia University Law School is amongst the top 4 in America, and arguable the best place for international law in America.

Anyway, I hope everyone gets into the uni they want and approach the entry process as a useful experience in itself. Employers don't just look at what uni you're from (although, of course it could give you a head start). Remember to get involved in additional activities that set you apart!! Thousands of excellently qualified law students graduate every year from university fighting for a place in the City!!

Reply 1

young_free

1

Very well articulated piece of information, thank you for that it was a good read! I am still waiting to hear from KCL myself.

Reply 2

kingslaw

14

If what you say about employers prefering the intellectual rigor of KCL, then I think you have just convinced me!!!

Thankyou!

Reply 3

Kurdt Morello

kingslaw

If what you say about employers prefering the intellectual rigor of KCL, then I think you have just convinced me!!!

Thankyou!

if only king's would now offer me a place for law ... oh well i shall have to settle for UCL's higher offer :smile:

and hope for the best

Reply 4

kat

1

valentina

There is also a University of London - Columbia University Double Degree program, which most people don't seem to know about. This is a four year course, where you end up with a LLB and JD. This would usually take 6 years to complete separately. Indeed competition is fierce, but it will make you exceptionally qualified for international law.

For those unfamiliar with the US unis, Columbia University Law School is amongst the top 4 in America, and arguable the best place for international law in America.

Anyway, I hope everyone gets into the uni they want and approach the entry process as a useful experience in itself. Employers don't just look at what uni you're from (although, of course it could give you a head start). Remember to get involved in additional activities that set you apart!! Thousands of excellently qualified law students graduate every year from university fighting for a place in the City!!

what is this double degree programme you are talking about? and how can you get onto the course? can u be admitted when you are actually at Kings? and why does it only take 4 years not 6, and what is a LLB and JD? just wondering beacause ive always ben interested in law, and was not sure what to decide to do at uni, finally choosing something else, but still considering swopping courses at KIngs(if its possible) when i get there!

Reply 5

LH

15

kat

what is this double degree programme you are talking about? and how can you get onto the course? can u be admitted when you are actually at Kings? and why does it only take 4 years not 6, and what is a LLB and JD? just wondering beacause ive always ben interested in law, and was not sure what to decide to do at uni, finally choosing something else, but still considering swopping courses at KIngs(if its possible) when i get there!

LLB = English Law Degree
JD = US Law Degree

Reply 6

kat

1

ReturnofGnostic

I graduated with a 2.1 LLB from King's in 2002, and let’s just say I have done very well financially. Within the legal profession King's is very esteemed. However, to non-law students King’s is seen as an average university (even though the FT and Telegraph place it within the top 10), and they have no understanding that the King’s law school has an international reputation.

Although the King's Law School is very prestigious nevertheless I get somewhat tired of explaining this to certain ignorant twats on UKL every week. At least when I go to the LSE this summer I wont have to explain to people its distinction :smile:

yeah i know! i was reading the prospectus and the law course sounds very good, and from what i have read about it it seems to sound very impressive, and in some league tables it is placed jst afta ox and cam, but it gains the whole point that you are in lodon and all that goes with that.

what have you done since graduating? do you have to do more courses to become what you wanted to be? and who did you find life at kings? was it hard working doing law?

Reply 7

kingslaw

14

ReturnofGnostic

I graduated with a 2.1 LLB from King's in 2002, and let’s just say I have done very well financially. Within the legal profession King's is very esteemed. However, to non-law students King’s is seen as an average university (even though the FT and Telegraph place it within the top 10), and they have no understanding that the King’s law school has an international reputation.

Although the King's Law School is very prestigious nevertheless I get somewhat tired of explaining this to certain ignorant twats on UKL every week. At least when I go to the LSE this summer I wont have to explain to people its distinction :smile:

I know the law department is very prestigous, but rumours have it that its suffering from lack of funding.

Do you think Kings is going to have lost its prestige for law by the time I graduate (I start next October) if such problems do continue? Is it really that bad anyway, or is it just UCLers trying once again to beat any other competition to a pulp? I cant really see it happening as the legal world seems to revolve around established values, so if Kings is already established it should take a lot to lose its prestige among firms.

I ask you cause you clearly know a lot about Kings Law department.

KCL law + LLB/JD Program

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