The proliferation of programmes – in terms of subject specialisation and mode of study – means that you can almost certainly find one tailored to your needs
Many LLM programmes are entirely coursework based, others require a serious paper (of perhaps 10,000–20,000 words) in addition to coursework, and still others allow students the choice of taking additional courses or writing one or many papers in their stead. Many LLMs can be studied either full or part time:
Full-time LLM programmes generally last nine to twelve months, although some are two-year courses. There are several advantages of doing the degree in this way:
- you can focus entirely on the programme without distractions
- you can take full advantage of non-course offerings, such as student organisations, lectures, lunches with professors, and so on
- you can travel to a far-off programme to take advantage of a particular specialisation (or quality) not available locally
- you can qualify for a visa if attending a foreign programme (many visa regimes do not permit part-time study).
Part-time programmes are generally two-year affairs, although some offer the flexibility of longer time periods or, indeed, require longer periods. A typical programme requires you to take one or two courses per term, with class sessions most often taking place during weekday evenings.
Advantages
There are numerous advantages to studying part time, which include:
- you can keep getting paid while working
- employer is more likely to pay your tuition for a part-time programme than for a
- full-time programme
- you can continue to progress on your job
- you need not relocate for your studies
- you eliminate the cost and risk of searching for employment at the end of the programme (assuming you stick with your current employer).
Disadvantages
The disadvantages include:
- you will not be able to commit yourself to your studies and to your classmates the way you could if you attended school full time
- the demands made by the combination of a
- full-time job and part-time study can be overwhelming, making the possibility of a rewarding personal life remote
- your classmates may be only from the surrounding area, if classes are offered in the evening, given that full-time students often avoid evening classes.
Richard Montauk
|
