Cambridge LLM?

I'm a final year law student on track for a first (fingers crossed) who's looking to do a Cambridge LLM (after taking a year out of studying). So, essentially, what would help my application? I have a few committee positions in my universities law and other extra-curricular societies, have had an article or two published and done some legal work experience here and there. Overall, as of now, I have a 68% average, although my degree certification is not based on averages.

Another query I have regards whether the modules i've chosen are considered in themselves. My main concern is that most of my firsts i've achieved so far are in non-traditional modules, i.e, not the compulsory criminal/contract/tort/property/administration, etc.. Likewise, most of the modules i'm taking this year that i'm banking on to help me achieve the overall first class degree are also non-traditionalist, bar the dissertation. Will this have any effect or does it not matter as long as firsts were achieved? And in that regard, does how high the firsts matter, or is a first a first nonetheless, regardless whether it be 70% or 85%? Plus, my grades in the compulsory modules are mediocre (mid 2:1s) - will this also dent my chances?

Finally, my first year marks were not, in any way shape or form, amazing - they were 2:2s on average, with a single 2:1 (borderline as well) - will this damage my application or is it predominately based on the last two years of which my degree's certification actually consists of?

Please remember that I intend to apply after having completed my degree as well. I am also planning to apply to UCL and LSE so any help for an LLM in all generality would be fantastic. Thank you very much!

Reply 1

arguendo

I was accepted to the Cambridge LLM. My undergrad profile isn't that far from yours - I have a 2.2 average in my first year but graduated with a high first.

I think one of the things that helped me most was that my proposed course was extremely focused. I chose modules that were closely related to provide a very narrow, specialised LLM. I was able to do that because I had spent my undergrad using my electives to develop my interests, had relevant ECs and work experience (related to my research interests) at undergrad, and then had a year out during which I undertook internships that directly influenced my research interests for postgrad. I had a strong academic record in second and third year, with scholarships and prizes, which I think went some way to negating my first year (and there were also mitigating circumstances), and got to know my tutors very well - which meant they were in a better place to write references for me.

Academically the best thing you can do is shore up your grades so that you definitely get the first and that your profile is more consistently firsts. LLM applications are principally focused on your academic abilities and interests - admissions want to know that you are capable of excelling at a more advanced level and that you have the necessary interest to do so. ECs are, IMO, much less relevant. If you don't have strong relationships with academic staff at your uni yet, work on this and build them over this year. References are a vital part of your application, and I think it is more helpful if they come from tutors in relevant subjects to those you want to focus on in your LLM - they're better able to comment on your enthusiasm and grasp of the subject, and to recommend your suitability for postgrad in that area.

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Reply 2

Forum User

Good luck! I was rejected from the Cambridge LLM for this academic year. Unfortunately I don't really know why, they don't tell you what in particular they disliked about your application (just the usual rubbish about 'lots of good candidates'), so I can't tell you how to avoid my mistakes.

Reply 3

Maura Kat

Original post by Forum User

thats a surprise considering you come off as someone who 'knows it all'. so whats next for you? surely you can't be camping on this forum dishing out advice to everyone when your LLM is nowhere finalized.

Reply 4

Forum User

Original post by Maura Kat

I'm doing my LLM at UCL instead :smile:

Reply 5

M.E

Original post by arguendo

...

It is reassuring to hear that having 2:2s in first year will not disbar an application! However, you said that your proposed course was narrow, because your electives and year out helped influence your LLM papers. My issue at the moment is that I want to focus on commercial papers for the LLM, albeit my undergrad modules were chosen because I was particularly interested in them and, unfortunately, they have no commercial bearing whatsoever. Again, do you think this will tarnish my chances?

As for the advice about references, that has been duly noted. I have a great relationship with several of my tutors and they have written me glowing reports on previous occasions. However, as mentioned before, these academics are from subjects of which I do not plan to get into at the LLM, but I have figured that this perhaps is not such a disaster? They know i'm a diligent student and I assume that should count towards my application, regardless of subject relevancy. Or is this incorrect?

I know you are not part of the admissions team but your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Cambridge LLM?

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