'Law with ...' degrees less respected?
Today a friends mum (who is a solicitor) told me that law degrees with another subject e.g. a language, criminology etc are often seen as watered down equivalents of 'the real thing'. Apparently professionals think they suggest the student has less dedication / interest in law and is less academic as the offers are often easier (I don't think this is true about the offers though) and that they waste time on irrelevant modules. She concluded that combined degrees often rule out a career as barrister / top solicitor, or certainly make it much harder.
As I will apply for Law with German and I'm vaguely considering working in the legal profession after uni (although this plan could change) I got a bit worried. She has given me poor advice before so I thought I'd check for TSR’s opinions. I would be more interested in being a barrister than a solicitor if that makes a difference. If I got the degree from a well respected uni (I'm applying to Cambridge, Bristol and Exeter) would it be enough to balance out the stigma of a combined degree?
Thank you
P.S. Sorry if this should be in the legal careers section.
As I will apply for Law with German and I'm vaguely considering working in the legal profession after uni (although this plan could change) I got a bit worried. She has given me poor advice before so I thought I'd check for TSR’s opinions. I would be more interested in being a barrister than a solicitor if that makes a difference. If I got the degree from a well respected uni (I'm applying to Cambridge, Bristol and Exeter) would it be enough to balance out the stigma of a combined degree?
Thank you
P.S. Sorry if this should be in the legal careers section.
I'm not sure I agree with that, I am doing Law with Criminology and my original offer was just for Law, I added Criminology after the fact. The modules of Law remain the same, however, I am doing additional modules for Criminology. I would argue that this strengthens my dedication as this gives me a better understanding of those that I may be representing. I too am hoping to to become a Barrister. I shall watch this topc with keen interest.
Kittten
Today a friends mum (who is a solicitor) told me that law degrees with another subject e.g. a language, criminology etc are often seen as watered down equivalents of 'the real thing'. Apparently professionals think they suggest the student has less dedication / interest in law and is less academic as the offers are often easier (I don't think this is true about the offers though) and that they waste time on irrelevant modules. She concluded that combined degrees often rule out a career as barrister / top solicitor, or certainly make it much harder.
As I will apply for Law with German and I'm vaguely considering working in the legal profession after uni (although this plan could change) I got a bit worried. She has given me poor advice before so I thought I'd check for TSR’s opinions. I would be more interested in being a barrister than a solicitor if that makes a difference. If I got the degree from a well respected uni (I'm applying to Cambridge, Bristol and Exeter) would it be enough to balance out the stigma of a combined degree?
Thank you
P.S. Sorry if this should be in the legal careers section.
As I will apply for Law with German and I'm vaguely considering working in the legal profession after uni (although this plan could change) I got a bit worried. She has given me poor advice before so I thought I'd check for TSR’s opinions. I would be more interested in being a barrister than a solicitor if that makes a difference. If I got the degree from a well respected uni (I'm applying to Cambridge, Bristol and Exeter) would it be enough to balance out the stigma of a combined degree?
Thank you
P.S. Sorry if this should be in the legal careers section.
I bloody hope not! By your logic people who do history or english degrees aren't looked upon favourably as they haven't shown enough dedication to the law. And we all know that isn't the case at all.
If Law and German is what you want to do then go for it. It will make you, at least at first, stand out. And in a competitive field like the law that is an advantage.
With criminology I can see a good argument that its enhancing your knowledge as they're related. I'm not sure I could convince someone that German makes me better at law 
although college are always saying another language is useful. I'm still hoping lots of people will say that she's wrong because I don't want to rule off that career path, but I really want to carry on with German too.
although college are always saying another language is useful. I'm still hoping lots of people will say that she's wrong because I don't want to rule off that career path, but I really want to carry on with German too.
Are we talking about Law with German Law, or just Law with German? I think the concern is more often with people doing Law with some 'Mickey Mouse' subject; I really don't think you'll come up against any problems through your choice of degree, especially if you do it at one of the universities you list.
Oh, and make sure that whatever degree you do counts as a qualifying law degree. I'm sure it probably will, but it would be rubbish to find that you still need to do the GDL before you can do the BVC/LPC.
Oh, and make sure that whatever degree you do counts as a qualifying law degree. I'm sure it probably will, but it would be rubbish to find that you still need to do the GDL before you can do the BVC/LPC.
I think studying a combined degree is a benefit for a legal career, I mean you still study the same things as Law students (if you do LLB) but your degree is a year longer to fit in the other part of your degree.
Tbh, I can't see how you can be at a disadvantage particular if your combination is a language that would make you more valuable not less.
Tbh, I can't see how you can be at a disadvantage particular if your combination is a language that would make you more valuable not less.
Thank you for all the replies
I've applied to:
Cambridge - LLB and then hopefully do an exchange year in 3rd year
Bristol - LLB Law and German where you learn language, lit and history alongside English law in Bristol and 1 year abroad learning German and EU law
Exeter - LLB European / Magister which is the German equivalent of the French Maitrise, so get 2 degrees
Southampton - LLB Law with Legal studies
Sussex - LLB Law with a language
Would it make a difference if it's not law and german law? I really don't want to change the course as it sounds like the perfect course for me. If it is LLB is it definatly a qualifying law degree? The course descriptions aren't all exactly clear, but they do specify that Law and chemistry isn't a qualifying degree, so I'm assuming that my choices are. I think I'll ring up and check.
I've applied to:
Cambridge - LLB and then hopefully do an exchange year in 3rd year
Bristol - LLB Law and German where you learn language, lit and history alongside English law in Bristol and 1 year abroad learning German and EU law
Exeter - LLB European / Magister which is the German equivalent of the French Maitrise, so get 2 degrees
Southampton - LLB Law with Legal studies
Sussex - LLB Law with a language
Would it make a difference if it's not law and german law? I really don't want to change the course as it sounds like the perfect course for me. If it is LLB is it definatly a qualifying law degree? The course descriptions aren't all exactly clear, but they do specify that Law and chemistry isn't a qualifying degree, so I'm assuming that my choices are. I think I'll ring up and check.
If you went to Cambridge I think you'd only be able to do either;
a) straight law BA (Hons) with an Erasmus year in 3rd year studying in Germany (which is only possible if your DoS/tutor agrees and your academic performance is good)
or b) do 2 years of either MML (modern and medieval languages - 2 languages have to be taken, so you'd need 2 v gd A Level language grades) and then apply to your DoS and the Law DoS to change Tripos to Law, although Law is hugely oversubscribed so I think that would be quite difficult.
Either of those routes would give you a qualifying Law degree.
a) straight law BA (Hons) with an Erasmus year in 3rd year studying in Germany (which is only possible if your DoS/tutor agrees and your academic performance is good)
or b) do 2 years of either MML (modern and medieval languages - 2 languages have to be taken, so you'd need 2 v gd A Level language grades) and then apply to your DoS and the Law DoS to change Tripos to Law, although Law is hugely oversubscribed so I think that would be quite difficult.
Either of those routes would give you a qualifying Law degree.
law with something just means you have additional modules.
i asked my head of law about the degree status and he said it was the same.
i asked my head of law about the degree status and he said it was the same.
FurryFeet
If you went to Cambridge I think you'd only be able to do either;
a) straight law BA (Hons) with an Erasmus year in 3rd year studying in Germany (which is only possible if your DoS/tutor agrees and your academic performance is good)
or b) do 2 years of either MML (modern and medieval languages - 2 languages have to be taken, so you'd need 2 v gd A Level language grades) and then apply to your DoS and the Law DoS to change Tripos to Law, although Law is hugely oversubscribed so I think that would be quite difficult.
Either of those routes would give you a qualifying Law degree.
a) straight law BA (Hons) with an Erasmus year in 3rd year studying in Germany (which is only possible if your DoS/tutor agrees and your academic performance is good)
or b) do 2 years of either MML (modern and medieval languages - 2 languages have to be taken, so you'd need 2 v gd A Level language grades) and then apply to your DoS and the Law DoS to change Tripos to Law, although Law is hugely oversubscribed so I think that would be quite difficult.
Either of those routes would give you a qualifying Law degree.
I think the first option is the one I mean. In the prospectus it says exchange schemes around Europe for students who get honours in part 1B (eek), and it's only possible to apply with good part 1A results and language skills. This sounds like the same thing.
Original post by Ad-Alta
Isn't having a language an asset? Especially if you want to work in a global firm.
That is wrong Ad-Alta x
Law is the 7 main LLB legal subjects: EU law; Contract; Tort; Public; Criminal; Land & trust (including Equity).
If you can fit these subjects into your 3 year degree, you should be able to graduate with a qualifying law degree. If you have other modules in different subjects to make up the 3 years' honours degree content in addition to said 7 subjects, this should be ok too.
Alternative do a 3 year degree in subjects different to law and conversion course covering said LLB subjects (Graduate Diploma of Law, GDL).
If you can fit these subjects into your 3 year degree, you should be able to graduate with a qualifying law degree. If you have other modules in different subjects to make up the 3 years' honours degree content in addition to said 7 subjects, this should be ok too.
Alternative do a 3 year degree in subjects different to law and conversion course covering said LLB subjects (Graduate Diploma of Law, GDL).
That is such a lie! Law with.. makes you stand out which is something you definitely need as it is so competitive. Especially with a language! shows different skills
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