A Dive into Masters in Law(LLM) in UK||Study Abroad||

This Article is written by Adv.Jisna V, BA.LLB.She completed LLM from Government Law college Calicut with First Rank and successfully qualified UGC (NET).Currently doing Master’s in International Business Law at University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), Preston.This article is everything you need to know about studying Masters in Law(LLM) in the UK

INTRODUCTION

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to see more of the world, which is itself a hugely rewarding educational experience. There is no doubt that seeing other parts of the world will greatly affect your character and worldview, and help you prepare for life in a global world. After finishing college and basic education, most students today prefer going abroad to complete their studies. The primary reason why people prefer studying in foreign countries is the quality of education. Due to this fact, developed countries are the prime target for students who are looking to complete their education. At the same time, many universities today also help the students to find work immediately on completing the course that helps them enjoy a relatively high income when compared to their home countries. As this is a huge financial commitment, keeping a few things in mind before finalizing your plans to study abroad can help you get the best results:

1. Choose your stream of education- Choose a course that you are passionate about. Do enough research and study the scope before finalizing a course.
2. Compare colleges and universities- Choose prestigious institutions that focus on all-around development and skills. Compare reviews and take opinions that can help you make a well-informed decision.
3. Job guarantee- There are many courses that also have a paid internship or full-time job attached to it. Choosing such courses can help you start earning immediately on completing the course.

The United Kingdom is proud of other countries in the world for offering excellent educational services to students and giving them the best overseas experience. The UK is the second most popular study destination for international students following the US at the top. The UK capital city, London, is considered to be the world’s capital city of higher education. With its four universities being ranked in the world’s top ten, London has the highest number of top worldwide ranked universities per city. Lots of foreign students are admitted to study in the United Kingdom every year. Postgraduate courses that lead to a Doctorate, a master’s degree (Taught or Research), Postgraduate diplomas, postgraduate certificates of education (PGCE) and professional degrees. To enter this level, it is usually required to have a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university (not necessarily one in England). The reputation of the British higher education goes hand to hand with its costs. Tuition fees may vary from university to university and in which zone of administration you’re looking at (England, Scotland, and Wales), so it’s always advisable to check the university’s website before making any further plan for your studies. 

In this article l will give you a brief overview of UK studies and the step-by-step process to ensure a smooth visa application and its approval. The first step is to obtain admission in a recognized University in the country.

Admission Process for post graduate students.

Master’s and PhD students can apply directly to their chosen university. Most universities allow you to send your application throughout the year, but some degree courses have specific deadlines. It’s best to contact your chosen university to find out specific details about their graduate application process.

Apply via the UKPASS system (UKPASS offered a course search facility for all postgraduate courses in the UK, and an application service to the institutions using UKPASS. Applications could be submitted online through the UKPASS website. Apply for up to five programmes, at the same time or different universities. The Applicants can track the progress of their applications). You can fill in all your details online and scan and upload any required documents such as a copy of your passport and previous bachelor’s degree certificates.

Admission Process for Undergraduate students

All applications for bachelor’s degrees in the UK are submitted using the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) it is common application website exclusively for undergraduate students. Most universities will only accept your application through the UCAS system. Graduate applicants may also be required to submit a research proposal.

FOLLOWING ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE APPLICATION FOR BOTH PG AND UG

Register and create your application on the UKPASS/UCAS website 

Complete personal information – Along with your personal information, you will need to submit photocopied evidence confirming your identity and academic history. These may include Birth certificate, Passport, national identification card Etc.

Previous educational qualifications – Copies of degree/diploma certificates /school Certificate

Add financial information – Proof of financial resource for your study and living cost, that may be Bank deposit statement, Loan letter, Scholarship approval letter Etc. Financial documents consist of two parts, that are the tuition fees and living expenses. Generally, if the university is situated inside the London the living cost should show around 10000GBP to 12000GBP.If the university is situated outside the London the living cost should show around 8000GPB to 10000GPB. (This is not applicable for the students who receives a full scholarship).

Write an effective SOP – A Statement of Purpose, also referred to as an SOP, is a reflection of your personality that you portray in front of the admission committee for getting enrolled in universities abroad. It is your chance of impressing the committee by presenting your profile strongly through an essay that describes your personality traits, which are not covered in your academic documents. the ideal word limit for any SOP is anywhere between 800–1000 words

Letter of recommendation (LOR) or Reference letters (if required) – LOR is one of the documents required when applying for universities or scholarships overseas. As a student or scholarship applicant, you will need to ask your teacher, mentor, supervisor, or manager to write a recommendation letter for you.

Evidence of English competency – Language requirements for the UK university application -At UK universities, you have a lot of degrees taught in English you can choose from. For this reason, unless you come from an English-speaking country, you will have to deliver proof of advanced English language proficiency. Accepted language tests are: IELTS (Over all 6.5 score) Academic, TOEFL iBT, C1 Advanced, PTE Academic.

Some universities may require additional tests such as LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test) for Law degrees.

You can save your application and return to it as many times as you like before submitting the final version. Most or all of the document copies will have to be certified by a professional authority, which will confirm their authenticity. If a document/statement is not in English, an official notarised translation may be required. In some cases, universities may ask for additional documents after you have submitted your application. To avoid delays or missed deadlines, send your evidence with plenty of time in advance.

University admission application deadlines in the UK

Here are some of the most important deadlines to consider when applying for a university in the UK:

• mid-October: deadline for all Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine courses 
• mid-January: UCAS deadline for EU/EEA students. High ranking universities will not accept bachelor’s applications after the UCAS application deadlines 
• end of June: deadline for international students from a non-EU/EEA country 
• Many universities have different deadlines for international students (especially for graduate applicants). Check specific university deadlines on the university websites 
• August: The UCAS Clearing process. Universities open all their remaining places for late university applicants who still want to start their degree studies in the current academic year 

Upon completion of the application process, the University will evaluate it and reply to the applicant. If the applicant is eligible to get the admission, the offer letter will be send to their mail id and to direct them to complete the initial course payment procedure as per the latest notification of the University. Once the fee payment procedure is completed, the applicant will get the confirmation of admission. This confirmation letter is called CAS (certificate of Acceptance of Study) If an applicant is eligible for any kind of scholarship the fee payments process will be done by the authority. Some UK universities require you to pre-enrol online on the university website before arriving in the UK. 

The following are the approximate Tuition fees in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Average tuition fees for law master’s degrees in England range from ,8000 to over 18000 GBP per year, but costs can get considerably higher depending on the institution and the type of study programme you plan to attend. Scottish universities have a wide range of tuition fees. You can find some programmes that start at 500–1,000 GBP/year and others that reach 17,000 GBP/year or more. Private universities can be even more expensive. Welsh universities can charge tuition fees ranging between 1,000 and over 17,000 GBP/year for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The situation in Northern Ireland is similar to that in Scotland and Wales. Tuition fees start at around 1,000–2,000 GBP/year and can go over 17,000–18,000 GBP/year. Private universities are usually even more expensive.

Scholarships

The following are the important scholarships schemes offered by UK government and certain major universities. apart from that all the universities are offering their own scholarship scheme for international students based on certain criteria’s. Previous academic excellence and English language proficiency are the main determining factors for scholarships. In addition to the below mentioned major scholarships, the applicant can check their international student’s scholarship eligibility during the time of application process. 

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships are UK government’s global scholarship programme, awarded to outstanding scholars from Chevening-eligible countries around the world. Awards are typically for a one-year master’s degree. Most Chevening Scholarships cover tuition fees, a living allowance at a set rate (for one individual), an economy class return airfare to UK, and additional grants to cover essential expenditure.

Scotland Saltire Scholarships

 Scottish Government, in collaboration with Scottish universities, are offering Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships to citizens from Canada, China (including Hong Kong), India, Japan, Pakistan and USA who wish to study full-time master’s degrees fully delivered in Scottish universities, in the areas of science, technology, creative industries, healthcare and medical sciences, and renewable and clean energy. Each award is worth £8000 to be used towards tuition fees for the duration of 1 year of full-time study.

Commonwealth Masters Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarships are intended for students from developing Commonwealth countries who wants to pursue master’s study in UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID).  Each Scholarship provides airfare to and from United Kingdom, tuition and examination fees, personal maintaining allowance, thesis grant (if applicable), initial arrival allowance, among others

GREAT Scholarships

GREAT Scholarships offers scholarships from UK universities, across a variety of subjects for students from 18 countries. Each scholarship is worth a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course. Each scholarship is jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council with participating UK higher education institutions. Applications for the 2022-23 academic year will open on 25 October 2021

Important UK University Scholarships

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from any country outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge. It also provides additional, discretionary funding.

Clarendon Scholarships at University of Oxford (UK)

 Clarendon Scholarship Fund is a prestigious graduate scholarship scheme offering around 140 new scholarships every year to eligible graduate applicants (including international students) at the University of Oxford. Clarendon Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and potential across all degree-bearing subjects at graduate level at the University of Oxford.  The scholarships cover tuition and college fees in full and a generous grant for living expenses.

Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships

 University of Edinburgh will offer 30 scholarships to outstanding overseas students who intends to pursue a PhD Research Programme in any field of study offered by the University. Each scholarship covers the difference between the tuition fee for a UK/EU graduate student and that chargeable to an overseas graduate student. The awards do not cover maintenance expenses.

University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships 

University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships are available in the majority of Sussex Schools and are awarded on the basis of academic performance and potential to non-EU international students who have applied for and been offered a place for eligible full-time Postgraduate Taught degrees at the University of Sussex.  The scholarship is 50% off international student tuition fee and is offered for one year.

Bristol University Think Big Scholarships

In 2020, Bristol University is investing £500,000 to help the brightest and best international students come to the University of Bristol. Think Big Undergraduate scholarships and Think Big Postgraduate scholarships are available for courses starting in 2020. The tuition fee awards range from £5,000 to £20,000.

University of West London International Ambassador Scholarships

 International Ambassador Scholarship recognizes and provides financial support for outstanding students who wish to pursue a full time undergraduate or postgraduate degree at University of West London. The scholars will act as international ambassadors for the University of West London.  Up to 50 scholarships worth up to £5,000 are available.

University of West England Chancellor’s Scholarships

University of the West of England, Bristol offers more than £100,000 worth of scholarships for international students each year.  This includes the Chancellor’s Scholarship wherein the recipient will be required to undertake an internship working within the International Development Office and other departments. The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for one academic year.

Sheffield Hallam University Transform Together Scholarships

Transform Together scholarships are open to international and European Union (non-UK) students applying to study a full-time postgraduate or undergraduate taught course at Sheffield Hallam University. A half fee waiver (50% discount) is available for undergraduate and postgraduate taught courses for the first year of study.

University of Westminster Undergraduate Scholarships for Developing Country Students (UK)
Westminster’s Full International Scholarships are the University’s most competitive scholarships that are open to international students from developing and middle-income countries who wish to pursue a full-time Undergraduate degree at the University of Westminster. The scholarships cover full tuition fee waivers, accommodation, living expenses and flights to and from London.

Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships

Warwick Graduate School awards up to 42 Chancellor’s International Scholarships to the most outstanding PhD applicants yearly. The scholarships are open to international and EU students in any discipline offered at Warwick.  The scholarships include the full payment of overseas tuition fee and a maintenance stipend.

Developing Solutions Scholarships at University of Nottingham

Developing Solutions Scholarships are designed for international students from Africa, India or one of the developing countries of the Commonwealth who want to study a master’s degree at the University of Nottingham and make a difference to the development of their home country. Each year, 105 scholarships are awarded– 30 scholarships will cover the full tuition fee while 75 will cover 50% of the tuition fee

UK Student Visa

United Kingdom’s Student visa is a stamp approved by the UK government that allows foreign students to study in the country. However, the UK Student Visa is only for non-citizen students in the United Kingdom. But there is an exception for students who are citizens of countries under the European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) are eligible to study in the United Kingdom without a visa. The students who are not belonging to the above categories are required to obtain a visa to be allowed to study in the United Kingdom.

The different types of UK student visas

• Short-term study visa.
• Tier 4 (General) student visa.

If your course duration is longer than 6 months, then you will require a Tier 4 (General) UK Student Visa.

Short-term Study Visa

If you are studying a short-term course in UK, you can apply for a short-term study visa. This visa will allow you to study in UK for 6 months, or 11 months if you are studying an English language course. In order to qualify for a short-term study visa you must prove:

• you have been accepted on a course in UK at a recognised place of study.
• you have enough money to cover the costs of your study and to cover your living costs for the duration of your studies.
• you can pay for your return journey.

The documentation you will require to meet the above requirements are as follows:

• a current passport.
• bank statements or payslips.
• details of your travel plans and where you intend to stay.
• a letter of acceptance from the place of your study, on header paper, stating the name of the course, the duration, and the cost.
• you may also be required to show medical test results depending on the country you’re from.

If you are under 18 you will also require prior arrangements for you travel and stay in the UK and have permission from a parent or guardian. You will also have to provide the contact details of a parent or guardian.
The short-term study visa costs £93 for a 6-month visa and £179 for the 11-month option. On a short-term study visa, you cannot work, bring family members, or extend the visa.

Tier 4 (General) Student Visa

Tier 4 General Student Visa is for applicants coming to the United Kingdom for courses lasting more than 4 months. This type of visa is that you can apply from outside United Kingdom, and you can apply while you are in the United Kingdom. However, before you can apply from outside UK, you must first obtain admission from a recognized institution in the country. Also, since English is the official language of the United Kingdom, you should strive to be able to understand English at a reasonable level that is considered appropriate for the course you are going to study. Lastly, you need to be very careful financially to finance your expenses during your study period.

You may be concerned about the longevity of the visa, as the length of your course will determine the length of the visa. However, you can always apply for an extension if you want to continue your studies or if you want to stay in the UK for higher studies.

Once the admission process is complete, you will receive an admission letter it is called CAS (Certificate of Acceptance of Studies) from the institution, which is important to your application. Find out what type of visa you want to study in the UK – the type of visa you need will be determined by the study program you choose. For example, if you are going to a postgraduate program, it means you need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa.Fill out the application form online – Often, the United Kingdom online visa application usually provides a place where applicants can provide their personal details and reasons for applying for a visa.

Documents required for a UK study visa at the time of Application – The following documents must be produced, including a visa fee (it is variable) payment receipt

• Passport
• Proof of financial documents. (Loan sanction letter, Fixed deposit receipt, Scholarship approval letter Etc.) Financial documents consist of two parts, that are tuition fees and living expense.
• Proof of parental consent if you are under 18 years of age
• Proof of acceptance to your course (CAS)
• Proof of payment of health care surcharge and visa fees (It is variable)
• Latest Medical Certificate – (The applicant needs to have a tuberculosis (TB) test if he/she is coming to UK for more than 6 months. You’ll be given a chest x-ray to test for TB. If the result of the x-ray is not clear you may also be asked to give a sputum sample (phlegm coughed up from your lungs). If your test shows that you do not have TB, you’ll be given a certificate which is valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray. Include this certificate with your UK visa application. The applicant can do this any of the recognised centre for migration medicine situated in major cities of India

When you are called for an interview, be well prepared to answer all the questions correctly. Make sure that all your answers do not conflict with the information submitted on the application form. interview process will conduct by VFS global office which is situated in all Major cities in India. The applicant can choose the available date, time, and place as per their convenience at the time of visa application. They will verify the original documents at the time of interview and take photo and fingerprint identification (thumb impression). After that they will take your passport for printing the entry permit. You can collect your passport directly either from VFS global office or they will send it you by registered post to your given address within fifteen to twenty days.

The following are the two important documents which you need to collect from UK government after your arrival.

1.Biometric Residence Permit

The biometric residence permit (BRP) is a safe and secure way of identifying a foreign national and is designed to help combat illegal working and reduce illegal immigration to the UK. Put simply, they provide a convenient and widely accepted way for a person to prove their immigration status.

Biometric residence permits hold a migrant’s biographic details (name, date and place of birth) and biometric information (digital photograph and fingerprints) and shows their immigration status and entitlements while they remain in the UK. BRPs serve as proof of the holder’s right to stay, work or study in the UK, and the holder must show it at the border, along with their passport, when traveling outside of and when returning to the UK.

The purpose of the BRP is to provide evidence your immigration status. You will not need to carry it at all times, but you will need to show it to demonstrate your entitlement to work or to access public services. Your BRP card is your visa and proof of your right to be in the UK as a student. You must look after it and keep it in a safe place.

2. National Insurance Number

National Insurance, which is often abbreviated to NI (or NIC, National Insurance Contribution or NINO, National Insurance Number), is money that is paid to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) by employers, employees, and those who are self-employed. So basically, everyone who works in the UK! UK residents receive a National Insurance Number automatically when they turn 16. But for those newly arrived at the UK to live and work, it’s something you will need to apply for.

The National Insurance Number used for, it is kind of like a tax file number, social security number rolled into one. But what it does is allows the HMRC to track the amount you have contributed in tax and NI and having one will assist you with a tax refund. It also works as a reference/ID number for other departments such as the National Health Service, because it is unique to you. Once you have received your letter from the HMRC detailing your NI number, you’ll then need to provide a copy to your employer or company’s human resources (HR) department. This will mean that you pay the correct amount of tax and NI whilst you are here. Your National Insurance number is your own personal account number. The number makes sure that the National Insurance contributions and tax you pay are properly recorded on your account. It also acts as a reference number for the whole social security system.

Legally, students on a Tier 4 (General) visa studying for a full-time degree program are only allowed to work 20 hours a week during the session. During the vacation students can work up to 40 hours in a week.

LL.M. in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland – colleges

Many international students choose to pursue an LL.M. in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland. Indeed, due to their long, storied histories of academia, these two countries have historically been some of the most popular destinations for LL.M. applicants.

And between the UK and Ireland, there are many great law school destinations for LL.M. studies. From London to Cambridge, Oxford, Dublin, Glasgow and beyond, the UK and Ireland host some of the world’s greatest law schools. 

These law schools across the UK and Ireland offer a variety of LL.M. programs, from general degrees to specialized diplomas in topics such as finance law, intellectual property law, human resources law, International Business Law and more. 

Typically, a full-time LL.M. in these locations takes one year to complete, although there are also longer degrees on offer, as well as various part-time LL.M. options.

CONCLUSION

An international education can enhance a student’s resume, especially if he is seeking employment internationally or with multinational organizations. Companies may perceive a student with overseas experience as being more flexible, mature and knowledgeable than other students.
better life style is probably the most important reasons why students are ready to leave everything familiar and venture abroad into the unknown. Indians who have studied abroad find it easier to land placements abroad.

An employer sees such a student as self-motivated, independent and willing to face multiple challenges and able to face diverse problems. It makes you ready for the ever-increasing globalized business world.

In a global world, the ability to speak more than one language is a valuable asset. An international student develops an understanding of other cultures that can bring new insight into understanding his own culture as well. The new networks that he develops while studying overseas can be important when seeking employment.

Check the below mentioned Link to see the complete list of law schools in the UK and Ireland that offer LLM programs.

https://llm-guide.com/schools/uk-ireland

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