In today’s Platforum9 Session, Velimir Zivkovic, an Assistant Professor at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom, shared valuable insights and practical advice for international students considering legal studies in the UK, either at undergrad or postgraduate levels. As the Director of master’s programs at Warwick, Zivkovic offered a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, application process, and key considerations for prospective students considering their courses.
The Growing Popularity of UK Law Schools
Zivkovic noted a significant increase in applications to UK law schools, particularly at the master’s level. “We have a very large number of applications. So the application numbers are rising 20 to 30 percent a year,” he reported. This growth is driven by several factors:
- Stellar reputation of UK universities
- The global importance of English law, especially in commercial and contract areas
- English language instruction
- Diverse approaches to studying law across different institutions
While Brexit has led to a decrease in EU student numbers, there has been a corresponding increase in students from other parts of the world, particularly Asia.
Choosing the Right Program
For students considering a master’s degree in law (LLM), Zivkovic emphasised the importance of careful research:
“Taking a very careful look at what specific programs and universities offer,” he advised. “Not all master LLM programs in law are the same.”
Key considerations include:
- The focus of the program (practical vs. theoretical, doctrinal vs. critical approaches)
- Location and living costs
- Networking and career opportunities
The Application Process
With approximately four applicants for every available spot at Warwick and most other universities facing similar volume, Zivkovic stressed the importance of a strong application. He highlighted the significance of the motivation letter:
“Really showing your interest and motivation and why you want to study this and why you want to study it at a particular place can actually make quite a tangible difference.”
Work experience can be a valuable asset, potentially offsetting lower grades from previous studies. Zivkovic noted, “Work experience is a very welcome thing. And, uh, yeah, I enjoy having, you know, in my seminars, people who have been practising who can share, you know, thoughts from that side as well.”
Visa and Practical Considerations
Zivkovic outlined the visa process, noting that most UK law schools are qualified sponsors. He advised:
“You can apply and you should apply as early as possible… I would say if you want to be comfortable six months from start to finish.”
Universities typically offer support for practical matters such as accommodation, NHS registration, and setting up bank accounts. Zivkovic emphasised the comprehensive support structures in place at most UK institutions.
Networking and Community Building
The importance of networking was a key theme. Zivkovic highlighted two aspects:
- Building social support networks and friendships
- Developing professional connections for future careers
He noted the value of alumni networks: “We have an alumni network, quite a large one around the world, which you can then rely on in your future career.”
In-Person vs. Remote Learning
While remote learning capabilities were developed during the pandemic, Warwick has returned to an in-person approach. Zivkovic explained, “We are for now, you know, trying to focus, to the maximum extent on in person experience because it just tends to give a fuller, overall… experience over the year.”
However, he acknowledged that other UK institutions offer remote or hybrid options.
Popular Subjects
At Warwick, the most popular master’s programs are:
- International Commercial Law
- International Economic Law
- International Corporate Governance and Financial Regulation
AI in Legal Education
Addressing the role of AI in legal education, Zivkovic emphasised a balanced approach:
“We do not discourage students, necessarily from using it in that sense because they might be using it and they will be using it in their practice.”
However, he stressed the importance of developing critical thinking skills:
“The key matter is that we need to teach you… legal reasoning, substantive law and legal thinking well enough to understand whether or not what AI is telling you makes sense.”
Career Prospects
While not guaranteeing employment, Zivkovic noted that a UK master’s degree can provide a significant advantage, especially for international students:
“Having a degree and good success from a UK law school showing your interest and your capabilities here in this system can give you a sizable advantage.”
He also emphasised that an LLM can open up diverse career paths beyond traditional law firm work.
In conclusion, Zivkovic’s insights provide a comprehensive guide for international students considering legal studies in the UK. From application strategies to career prospects, this overview offers valuable information for navigating the process and making informed decisions about pursuing legal education in the United Kingdom.
