Applying to the Cambridge LLM (Law Postgraduate) in 2024: Tips and Advice from a Cantab
Why Study Postgraduate Law?
There are a multitude of benefits and reasons for advancing your legal studies past undergraduate. The Cambridge LLM itself is reflective of these diverse motivations. For some, the LLM is a career break, either to broaden their understanding or pave way to a new area of practice. For others, the world-class education on offer is a sure fire way of boosting their chances of securing a training contract or pupillage, and there are some for whom the course serves as a first-step towards a career in research and academia.
Regardless of reasoning or career ambition, the Cambridge LLM is an amazing opportunity for personal development, international networking and engaging academic debate.
The Cambridge LLM Application
To apply for the Cambridge LLM, you must:
i. Obtain a first class undergraduate law degree
ii. Provide two academic references
iii. Submit a CV or resume
iv. Provide a written submission detailing your “Reasons for Applying”
The application deadline is generally early December, so make sure you are organised and have every part of your application ready in time.
As to scholarships, the deadlines and requirements tend to vary. Provided you are well researched in advance, you should be well placed to submit a convincing application.
1. First Class Law Degree
For many existing students, the minimum requirement of a first class degree may seem a daunting prospect and for those already well progressed in their legal career, a needless requirement. Either way, do not let this dissuade you from applying.
The university admissions team view all applications in context. A wealth of practical legal experience, strong referees, various publications or outstanding extra-curricular may more than make up for a near-miss first class.
For non-law undergraduates, a first class degree alongside strong performance in a conversion course (such as the UK GDL) would be considered.
2. Academic References
Make sure you give full consideration when it comes to selecting suitable academic references. Opt for a professor you feel knows you well as an individual, whether they have taught you one on one or provided pastoral support. If possible, select a professor with a particular expertise in the area of law that interests you in line with your “Reasons for Applying”.
As the references are due prior to the application deadline, ensure you give your professors sufficiently advance notice.
3. CV/ Resume
As with most applications, you are required to submit a CV providing a breakdown of your education and practical experience to date. As the university is a UK institution, they will likely expect a well-structured CV no longer than two pages.
4. Reasons for Applying (5000 characters)
When it comes to answering this, begin by planning how you will structure your response. My advice would be to split your answer into three sections:
1. Why the university?
2. Why the course?
3. Why are you a suitable candidate?
If the 5000 character count feels daunting initially, do not worry – it will fly by!
1. Why the University of Cambridge?
With a world-class reputation for outstanding research and teaching, this is your chance to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the university itself.
At all stages, ensure you have carried out sufficient research so you are able to tailor your response. In this instance, you may wish to highlight particular university professors or additional activities on offer at the university. This could range from extra-curricular (if you are a sports fan, the university is particularly renowned for rowing) to academic related initiatives, such as the Cambridge Union or one of the university’s many research centres.
It may also be wise to draw on the university’s unique college system and how you believe this will enhance your student experience.
2. Why the LLM?
As aforementioned, there are many reasons as to why you may wish to study the Cambridge LLM. Here you should refer to your personal motivations. Focus on discussing your career goals, whether in academia or practice, and how the course will benefit your aspirations.
In addition to this, ensure you detail course-specific motivations. Some common examples are as follows:
i. The option to specialise (in Commercial, European, International and Intellectual Property law by taking 3 out of 4 corresponding modules)
ii. The ability to learn as part of a diverse, international cohort
iii. The opportunity to write a thesis in lieu of examination
iv. The teaching style (a mixture of lectures and seminars)
When it comes to preparing your answer to this, think long and hard about your motivations and ensure you can justify them. For instance, if you are expressing your interest in commercial law, be sure to demonstrate this through reference to previous practical experience or academic achievement.
Once more, it is important to be specific. Refer to specific modules that are of interest to you or particular legal debates and areas of contention.
3. Why YOU?
The Cambridge LLM is a hugely competitive application process. You should therefore take this as an opportunity to sell yourself to the admissions team.
For one, you need to demonstrate your proven academic ability. Highlight the relevance of any courses you have excelled in or any awards or scholarships you may have received. Above everything, it is important you convey your appetite for academic debate and interest in the study of law.
In addition, it is equally important to portray yourself as a well-rounded applicant. Detail how you will benefit the university community. Whether through extra-curricular or university societies, there are a variety of activities on offer that you may wish to show your desire to engage with. Here, draw on your non-academic interests and achievements, such as sport, debating, pro bono etc.
To surmise, ensure your answer is:
Tailored: -> to the course and university
Justified: -> with reference to your achievements to date
Structured: -> coherent and comprehensive
Convincing:-> make your case
If you require any support with your application, do not hesitate to reach out.
And good luck!
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Article by Sarah: Sarah graduated from St Catherine's College, University of Cambridge, with a postgraduate degree (LLM) in Law, specialising in Commercial Law. Sarah secured a place on one of the most sought after postgraduate courses at Cambridge following a 1st Class undergraduate degree in Law at the University of Manchester.
Looking For Cambridge Postgraduate Law Application Support?
We have a number of postgraduate law tutors on our team, with comprehensive experience supporting students through the Master’s application process, writing proposals and personal statements. See our Law School page for extra information on all the ways U2 can help support your application!
Sarah is one of our tutors who specialises in postgraduate Law application support - She has advised and guided three applicants in relation to their Cambridge Master of Law application and was a Guest Speaker for Law Ninjas (an international legal community) discussing and answering questions in relation to her experience applying to Cambridge. Sarah is able to support students through the full Master's application process and advise on routes into different options for postgraduate law. Contact us for more information on Sarah or another Law tutor, and how we can support your application.
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