What should I do?

So I’m a first year law student at City University and I hate it to say the least, for a number of reasons and I made a transfer application to SOAS, but unfortunately they’re making me start from first year again as opposed to going straight into second year.

My issue is that is SOAS really worth that extra year of debt?

I’ve heard mixed reviews about SOAS, but I know both unis are non RG which makes me question whether SOAS is really much of a step up to justify an extra year.

Reply 1

SOAS Rep Marjaan

Official Rep

Original post by masterly-by-prod

So I’m a first year law student at City University and I hate it to say the least, for a number of reasons and I made a transfer application to SOAS, but unfortunately they’re making me start from first year again as opposed to going straight into second year.
My issue is that is SOAS really worth that extra year of debt?
I’ve heard mixed reviews about SOAS, but I know both unis are non RG which makes me question whether SOAS is really much of a step up to justify an extra year.

Hi @masterly-by-prod,

This is quite a personal decision to be honest but as a Law LLB student at SOAS, I can give my input.

Despite both univerisities not being Russell Group, there are still substantial differences between both options.

SOAS is known as the 'World's University' becuase it specialises in the areas of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Our Law Department specifically has "unrivalled expertise and produce world-leading research in comparative law (China, Africa, South/South-East Asia, the Middle East), complemented by specialists in international and transnational law, human rights, transnational commercial law, environmental law and socio-legal method."

That broken down to students' interests means our law degree goes beyond just the English Legal System to consider law in the globalised context. So practically, in your first year, this means international comparisons in lectures and tutorials to other legal jurisdictions to really cement your understanding and make sure your learn beyond just the theory. Then in your second and third year you have the option to study modules like Legal Systems of Asia and Africa I and Islamic Legal Theory (the full list of module options is available on the SOAS website: https://www.soas.ac.uk/study/find-course/llb).

In terms of employability, SOAS is recognised for attracting international talent. Studying law at SOAS gives you an advantage particularly if you are interested in practising internationally or in the fields we specialise in. Our graduates have gone to work at Clifford Chance, A&O Shearman and the United Nations. A longer list of where our recent graduates have been hired by is available on our LLB page near the bottom. You can also hear directly from our alumni regarding why studying at SOAS had a massive impact on my career as a lawyer in Dubai.

I hope this helps 🙂