The right time to study for an LLM in the UK
Most students prefer to go to England or Great Britain for their LLM studies after the first state examination. Not least because this is often an excellent preparation for the legal clerkship and the second state examination in Germany. Especially if the legal traineeship is to be completed in an international law firm or a large commercial enterprise. The technical English is at a business fluent level and you are no longer completely alien to EU law or common law.
Quite a few, however, decide after the second state examination, after a few years in the profession and even after completing a doctorate, to further specialize by means of an LLM degree. Because the LLM degree is becoming increasingly important in Germany and guarantees not only an additional reputation but also a higher salary.
Benefits of studying LLM in the UK
The reputation of the British universities abroad is high, the LLM is firmly anchored in the traditional study system and one thing is certain: If you can present an LLM degree obtained in Great Britain, many doors will open in your professional life. This is also the perfect opportunity to build up a global network, because the courses are internationally oriented and attract students and teachers from all over the world.
The large number of LLM programs in the UK also offer the option to study virtually any field of law that interests you. Since Great Britain lies within the EU, specializations can be selected that are also relevant for the state examination in Germany, such as European law. The number of course participants is limited and therefore optimal support is guaranteed, especially since British universities have an open door policy. Also the generally excellent equipment of the libraries and the well-kept atmosphere of the universities that prevail everywhere are not to be despised.
One advantage of the LLM degree in England compared to the LLM degree in North America or Oceania is the low organizational effort. EU citizens do not need a visa to study in the UK, only a valid identity card or passport is required to enter the country. A work permit is also not required in England. In addition, German students are automatically insured through the National Health Service. However, it is necessary to register in good time in order to take advantage of this national statutory health insurance. Since not all costs are reimbursed to the same extent as with German insurance companies, it can also make sense to take out additional health insurance abroad.
LLM Great Britain: requirements
A prerequisite for taking an LLM course in England is usually a first degree, i.e. the Bachelor of Laws or the first state examination. Quite a few universities require an above-average grade point average. In many cases, applicants also have to submit letters of recommendation from German professors, résumés or letters of motivation. Good knowledge of English is also mandatory. These can usually be proven by a standardized test such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
At least one year should be planned for the application phase, as it can take a long time to organize the necessary documents. It is also advisable to apply to several universities at the same time, as there is a large number of applicants.
Costs and funding options for an LLM in the UK
The Master of Laws (LLM) in Great Britain is significantly cheaper than an LLM in North America. To learn more about United Kingdom and Europe, please visit equzhou. Depending on the university, European students pay between around £ 3,000 and £ 13,000 for the LLM in the UK. Then there is the cost of living, which ranges from £ 10,500 to £ 14,000 per year depending on where you live.
Scholarships, Student Loans, and Education Funds
There are several ways to cover the costs. On the one hand, European students can, under certain conditions, apply for BAföG abroad for the LLM in Great Britain. As a rule, the academic achievements acquired there must be relevant for studying in Germany and the LLM in Great Britain must be completed before the first state examination. However, this is only possible at a few English universities. Scholarships are another form of study financing. In Germany, for example, these are awarded by the DAAD and various foundations.
Some of the universities in England also offer scholarships. A prerequisite for this type of financing is usually good to very good academic performance; many scholarship providers, for example, require a grade examination. Various large German and international law firms also award (partial) scholarships for an LLM degree.
Another option to fund your LLM in the UK is through low-interest education and student loans. A financing option in this area that is still largely unknown in Germany are the education funds. Instead of credit institutes, the donors are companies, professional associations or private individuals. Education funds are mostly aimed at students of certain subjects, including the still quite new Brain Capital LLM education fund. Under certain conditions, there is also the option of deducting the costs of the LLM from tax as income-related expenses after graduation.
