What is an LL.B.?
	Will the University of London Degree (LL.B.) in laws earned under the External Programme receive standing in Canada?
	Individuals who already hold a University degree who seek an education in law - but who do not desire to practice law - should enroll in the Graduate Route Entry A or B Scheme.
	How fast can I complete the LL.B. degree from the University of London?
	What is an LL.B. degree? Is it the same as the Juris Doctorate (JD) degree?
	What is the academic requirement for the University of London External Programme in Laws (LL.B.)?
	How long will I be studying for my LL.B. degree?
	Will an LL.B. degree from an accredited UK university permit me to practice law in other countries?
	Can I go on to earn an advanced law degree such as an LL.M. degree after I complete the LL.B. degree?
	Will I be studying the law alone?
	Are my final examinations given online?
	Do I need to be a computer expert to use the ICLS e-learning platform?
	Will I need any special computer software or hardware to use the ICLS e-learning platform?
	How do I apply for admission if I am not already enrolled in the university of London External Programme or other British university laws programme?
	What are the benefits of online learning?
	What is E-learning?
	What is a Tutorial College?
	What level of education does The University of London External Programme require for Graduate Route Entry "A" and "B"?
	I need to know about study requirements.  Can the programme be accomplished completely with online research and sources, or is access to a good law library important?
	What does the University of London External Programme in laws provide by way of study material?
	Can I have direct contact with my law tutors?
	When does the University of London External Programme in law start each year?
	When do I need to apply to ICLS?
	Is the tuition payable to ICLS at the time of application or once I receive an acceptance offer letter from the University of London?
	How hard is it for US students to be accepted to the University of London External Programme in Laws?
	Do I pay The International Center for Legal Studies ("ICLS")  for University of London fees?
	What reasons can you cite as preventing External Programme students from doing well on their University of London law examinations?
	Is there any difference in degree standard between External Programme Graduates of the University of London compared to full time student graduates who attended the University of London at one of it's colleges?
	Is the online law degree an external law degree?. Is it possible for me to study from Australia?
	Why does ICLS provide Lexis-Nexis to UOL students if the University also provides this service?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

"The degree of Bachelor of Laws is the principal academic degree  in law  in most common law countries. It is abbreviated LL.B. - LL. is abbreviation for the plural legum (of laws); thus LL.B. stands for Legum Baccalaureus in Latin. In the United States it is sometimes called "Bachelor of Legal Letters" to account for the double L.

After completion of this degree, graduates are generally qualified to apply for membership of the bar or  law society (a test is often required and maybe an apprenticeship).

In the United States  the LL.B. and J.D., are three year graduate degrees taken after completion of a four-year undergraduate degree. Foreign law graduates must often study to receive an LL.M.,  the masters degree equivalent, before qualifying for bar admission procedures. In the United States the LL.B. has mostly been replaced by the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, although the form and structure of the degree is little changed.

In most of the Commonwealth, the LL.B. remains the qualifying degree for the practice of law, though some universities award the degree of Bachelor of Civil Law (B.C.L.). In the universities of Oxford and Cambridge the principal law degree is a B.A. in law (or "Jurisprudence"), the B.C.L. and LL.B. (recently renamed LL.M.) being postgraduate degrees not needed to practise law. "

• What is an LL.B. degree? Is it the same as the Juris Doctorate (JD) degree?

The LL.B. is the law degree that meets the legal education requirements in nearly every country that follows the Common Law of England. One notable exception is the United States. However, this needs a bit of explanation. Until the mid 1960’s, the LL.B. degree was also conferred in the USA. However, around that time US law schools began to offer law graduates the option to earn a JD degree instead. In fact, many American law schools continue to offer their law graduates the option of earning an LL.B. or a JD. The real question is, is there a difference?

By and large, this is merely an issue of semantics and the JD is not deemed to be of lesser standing than the more traditional LL.B. The American Heritage Dictionary (Second Edition) defines the Juris Doctorate as, "An academic degree that is the equivalent of a [LL.B.]." In the United States, as with the rest of the world, the advanced law degree above the JD continues to be the LL.M. or Master of Laws and the degree above that is the SJD, JSD or LL.D. - – true "Doctor of Laws" degree.

• What is the academic requirement for the University of London External Programme in Laws (LL.B.)?

United States

 Advanced Placement (AP) Examination of the American College Board, provided that at least two full subjects are passed at grades 3,4 or 5 (with the exception of  Studio Art).

Canada: 

Alberta: Passes in five acceptable Grade 12 courses provided that lat least 70 per cent is achieved in each of those courses.

B.C.: Passes in five acceptable subjects in the Senior Secondary Graduation Diploma, provided that not less than grade B is achieved in each of those subjects.

Manitoba: Not less than five credits at the 300 Level in at least four subjects areas in the High School Graduation Diploma, provided that at least 70 per cent is achieved in each of those subjects.

New Brunswick: Passes in five acceptable subjects in the High School Graduation Diploma, provided that at least 70 per cent is achieved in each of those subjects.

Newfoundland: Passes in a least five acceptable subjects in the Grade 12 High School Diploma, provided that at least 70 per cent is achieved in each of those subjects.

Nova Scotia: Passes in five acceptable Grade 12 subjects in Honours University Preparatory Courses or in University Preparatory Courses in the High School Completion Certificate, provided that at least 70 per cent is achieved in each of those subjects.

Ontario: Passes in six Ontario Academic Courses (OAC's) provided that at least 70 per cent is achieved in each of those courses.

Prince Edward Island: Passes in five acceptable Grade 12 subjects in the High School Graduation Diploma, provided that at least 70 per cent is achieved in each of those subjects.

Quebec: Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) [Diploma of Collegial Studies].

Saskatchewan: Passes in five acceptable subjects of Division IV standing, provided that at least 70 per cent is achieved in each of those subjects.

For information about other countries and regions please contact the ICLS admission office  - click here.

• How long will I be studying for my LL.B. degree?

Depending upon the track you choose, the LL.B. degree takes between 2 to 4 years of study. However, ICLS recommends that if you study full time, you may want to choose the 3-year track, and if you study part-time, you may want to choose the 4-year track. This will allow you ample time to digest and absorb the course material properly and give your studies the time and attention they require.

• Will an LL.B. degree from an accredited UK University permit me to practice law in other countries?

An LL.B. earned from a UK law school by itself, will not permit one to sit for a bar exam in the USA, unless it was earned full or part time at the institution. However, there are USA states that will allow you to sit for the bar by continuing your education and obtaining an LL.M. degree from a US ABA APPROVED law school. There are also U.S. states that will allow you to sit for the bar exam with an LL.B. by earning an additional specific number of law school course credits.

For a helpful listing of states which permit you to sit for their bar exams with an LL.B. Degree, please visit The Malet Street Gazette, or click on the country listed herein for further information: United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. 

• Can I go on to earn an advanced law degree such as an LL.M. degree after I complete the LL.B. degree?

Yes you can. Many LL.B. law graduates go on to earn advanced degrees. What most admissions committees require is that your first law degree be from a recognized, fully accredited University. ICLS only tutors and prepares its students, enrolled in fully accredited law schools and Universities, to maximize their potential on their respective University law examinations.  In the United States, for example, according to a US Law School study conducted in November of 2001 by the Malet Street Gazette, virtually all US ABA Law School will accept the University of London LL.B. for purposes of meeting the educational prerequisites to enter their LL.M. degree programs.

• Will I be studying the law alone?

No, you will be given lectures every month by experienced law professors, barristers, educators and practitioners.

Further, ICLS has developed a fully interactive e-learning format from which you will be interacting with your fellow classmates and lecturers to discuss lectures, lessons, assignments and exams.

ICLS will be there as your partner in learning.  In fact, ICLS provides a personal academic advisor to help you every step of the way unitl your exams finish.

• Are my final examinations given online?

No. As with most law schools, your final grades are based solely upon your final examinations. These final exams are proctored and conveniently scheduled during May and June of each year at test sites throughout the world, as scheduled by the University in which you are enrolled. Many major cities have at least one location.

• Do I need to be a computer expert to use the ICLS e-learning platform?

No, however, you should have some familiarity with the following:

• Basic word processing

• A sound knowledge of the procedures for sending/receiving email, including email with attached files

• A fundamental awareness of common computing terms

• General familiarity with your hardware, software, and operating system

• Will I need any special computer software or hardware to use the ICLS e-learning platform?

ICLS has designed its program in such a way that you should not need to add any software or hardware to your existing system. The current system requirements are:

An IBM compatible computer (Macintosh users cannot access our system at this time.).

IE Internet Explorer 5.0 or later Internet Browser by Microsoft Inc. (We apologize, but these lecture presentations include features available only through Internet Explorer WEB-Browser)

Media Player Plug In by Microsoft Inc. Please check on Microsoft’s site for the latest available version for your operating system

250+ MHz CPU (250+ megahertz central processing unit/computer)

512+ MB RAM (64+ megabytes random access memory) -

Sound card and speakers (or headphones) for audio capability

Screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels (recommended) or 800 x 600 pixels, minimum

Students are advised to use a broadband connection where possible for best results.

Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP or Vista

• How do I apply for admission if I am not already enrolled in the University of London External Programme or other British university laws programme?

ICLS is not an agent of the University of London External Programme (Although the director of ICLS, George D. Pappas, is an "authorized agent" for the University of London External Programme in Canada and the USA) or other law schools. However, we are experienced with the application process and will supply you with the necessary applications, paperwork and assist you through the admission process. We strongly recommend that your University application be processed through ICLS.

• What are the benefits of online learning?

Flexibility is one big benefit. With online learning, you set your own schedule, although you will still have assignment deadlines and your course may have set online chat times or other synchronous elements as mentioned above.

Convenience is another benefit. Lecture notes are often available online, as are recordings and transcripts of class chats and discussions.

• What is E-learning?

The term "E-learning" refers to the use of the Internet to deliver course materials and facilitate teacher-student interactions. Students use computers to connect to online classrooms, which often provide message boards, chat rooms, audio, video and multimedia technologies, in addition to text content. Online learning is also called "e-learning."

• What is a Tutorial College? 

A Tutorial college is a private school or institution that prepares students for a range of subjects and examinations.  In Britain, the traditional tutorial college prepares students for O' levels, A' levels and undergraduate University examinations.  Unlike the US and other countries, academic success is based largely on examinations.

The University of London External Programme in laws, as well as other Universities, have established an informal web of privately run tutorial colleges in the UK and around the world to help students prepare for their University examinations.  For the most part, tutorial colleges developed as more and more distance learning students around the world demanded more teaching aids and instruction to prepare for the University of London examinations.

Tutorial colleges do not award degrees, unless they specify otherwise.  Tutorial colleges however, do work closely with the University of London External Programme to ensure that the right materials and subjects are covered to maximize a student's potential on the examination.

• What level of education does The University of London External Programme require for Graduate Route Entry "A" and "B"?

According to the 2001-2002 University of London External Programme Regulations, Sections 6.1 and 6.2, "Entrance Requirements and Exemptions," the regulations state:

"6.1 Applicants who wish to register for the LL.B. degree must satisfy the University's general entrance requirements.

6.2  The following are eligible to apply for graduate entry:

• graduates holding a full First degree from a state University in the United Kingdom or another European Country or in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa or the West Indies.

• graduates holding a full First degree from a regionally accredited institution in the USA

• graduates holding a full First degree from an Indian Institute of Technology or a four year full-time First degree from a limited number of acceptable universities in India.

Professional qualifications cannot be considered for graduate entry.  Students with other degrees not listed above should seek advice from the External Admissions Office..."

• I need to know about study requirements.  Can the programme be accomplished completely with online research and sources, or is access to a good law library important?

Your course can be accomplished completely with online research (subject to purchasing the required textbooks and case books).  A good library always helps however. ICLS will fill that need by giving you a free Lexis-Nexis account to conduct research online.  ICLS delivers lectures online every week; bulletin boards online everyday, and your essays will be written and sent via-email to our examiners in London.  Your exams, however, will not be online. In order to ensure that the quality and standard is the same as full time students , candidates will have to physically travel to an exam center and take the University of London External Programme law exams when they are scheduled in May and June of each year.  For example, if you live in Atlanta, you will take your exams in a center in the Atlanta area.

• What does the University of London External Programme in laws provide by way of study material?

You receive the University of London External Programme Subject Guides, a "Resource Guide", a major text book for each subject, a book on "legal learning" and a CD giving you access to many UK cases and/or statutes.  You do not receive any teaching, or day to day support.  During the year, the University of London External Programme will send you a "spring supplement" and "examiner" reports giving you up dates on current cases or legislation.  The examiner reports are helpful in terms of what examiners see as recurrent weaknesses with student exam papers.  Outside of this, you are on your own in terms of preparing for your law exams.

• How fast can I complete the LL.B. degree from the University of London?  

If you're not interested in entering the legal profession, but prefer instead to use your law degree to enhance your career, you can complete the LL.B. in two years under the Graduate Route Entry Scheme A option if you already hold a University degree in another subject area.  You save a whole year compared to the normal route.  The only qualification to this statement is that your prior University degree must be recognized as such by the University of London External Programme admissions committee.

Individuals who already hold a University degree who seek an education in law - but do not desire to practice law - should enroll in the Graduate Route Entry A or B Scheme.

Scheme A or B is the perfect option for candidates who seek to enrich their career with a law degree.  If you already have a University degree (in any subject area), you can apply to earn your LL.B. two (full time) or three years (part time) with The University of London External Programme in laws. To see the course requirements for either Graduate Route Entry A or B, click here.

Students are advised that many common law jurisdictions require three years of legal education.  Applicants are strongly advised to make sure that if they opt for the Graduate Route Options (i.e., two year equivalent option) that they are in compliance with bar admission rules in their jurisdiction.

Can I have direct contact with my Law Tutors?

Absolutely

When does the University of London External Programme in Law start each year?

Enrollment starts as early as January of each year in the year PRECEDING THE EXAMS.  The latest you can apply to the University of London External Programme is September 17th, 2006  for non-UK or EU Students (Oct. 17th EU Applicants) for the 2006 exams.

 

When do I need to apply at ICLS? 

The sooner the better.  Your enrollment should be no later than September 2006 for the 2007 exams. 

Is the tuition payable to ICLS at the time of application or once I receive an acceptance letter?

Your tuition to ICLS is payable with your application since your legal program will start upon payment (usually within 7-10 days after processing your application and setting you up with your introduction package). No, you do not have to wait for your acceptance letter from the University of London to start with us so long as you have evidenced an application to the University of London External Programme in laws.

 

How hard is it to get accepted for US students?

If you already hold a University degree in another subject area, your application for admission should be a formality.  If you also have at least one year of college credit, again, you will be a strong candidate.  If you also possess professional or career experience, the University of London External Programme will also place great weight on this.  If you only have a High School Diploma, and no work experience, you will not meet the education requirements for admissions.

 

Will the University of London law degree (LL.B.) earned under the University's External Programme Receive standing in Canada?

University of London External Programme Law  (LL.B.) Graduates can receive advanced standing for purposes of entering the legal profession in Canada so long as they achieve at least a  Second Class Degree Result. 

According to the Canadian National Committee (NCA) on Accreditation:

"Applicants from England (including External LL.B. degree programs), Wales, Australia, New Zealand, West Indies, Hong Kong and Singapore can expect to be required to take 30-60 credit hours in a Canadian law school or equivalent challenge examinations if they have obtained a Second Division degree (or better) in a 3 year honours law program following upon an undergraduate degree. Applicants who take a 2 year law honours program with a Second Division standing (or better) are usually asked to complete more credit hours or examinations than applicants with three year degrees. The Committee looks behind the applicant's class of degree and also takes into account actual grades in all subjects (including first year grades). In particular, the Committee looks closely at Second Class degrees and evaluates the range of marks achieved.

Factors to be taken into account include: age of degree, academic standing in all years of the LL.B. program, the content of courses, subject matter studied, relevant graduate legal education, law teaching experience and the quality of undergraduate education or training."

For an up to date comment by the Canadian National Committee on  Accreditation click here.

Do I pay The International Center for Legal Studies ("ICLS")  for University of London fees?

No.   Remember, there are TWO institutions involved in your program when you enroll with ICLS.  You pay The ICLS fees directly to ICLS.  Payment of the University of London External Programme fees are paid directly to the University of London.  ICLS will process your University of London application and dispatch your application and your University of London application fee to the University for final processing.  After you are given an "offer" by the University of London, however, you will be expected to pay the University of London registration fees directly to the University of London.

What reasons can you cite as preventing External Programme students from doing well on their University of London law examinations?

Many students, especially first year students, fail to reach their potential in the exams because they apply so late in the process.  For example, too many students simply wait until the summer and up until September 17th apply.  What these students do not realize is that what normally takes 4-5 weeks to process by the External Programme admissions committee can take up to three months to process for applications received during the summer crush.  In other words, students who apply in late summer may not receive an "offer" from the University of London until late October or mid November.  Even with this "offer", students still need to register, receive their materials and finally order their text books.  By the time these students start their studies it could be December or even January!  ICLS strongly advises students to apply before June 30th, 2007 for the 2008 exams. 

Other reasons why students do not do well are related to their "isolation" from other students.  Distance learning is a lonely venture unless you're connected to tutors and students.

Students simply spend too much time reading and taking notes without applying their knowledge.

Students attempt the LL.B. degree completely on their own and do not realize until the exams that their benchmark for success was too low.

Career and family responsibilities also cause time management problems for students.

Students enrolled with ICLS can manage all of the above obstacles since we understand the University of London degree standard and we know what it will take for you to succeed - we've been there and that's why we're here to make sure you succeed the first time.

Is there any difference in degree standard between External Programme Graduates of the University of London compared to full time student graduates who attended the University of London at one of it's colleges?

Perceptions of quality "outside" of the University of London fail to acknowledge how the University of London awards its degrees.

Yes, ratings of law schools occur; yes, ratings of business schools occur; and yes, the University is allowed to establish an academic standard that says, there is only one degree offered - THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON, which is obviously the same STANDARD since it is the only degree in a given subject.

There is no degree awarded by Birkbeck and so on. All of the "colleges" prepare their students to earn a UNIVERSITY OF LONDON degree.

To the extent the public or the press wish to rate schools, you will note that Oxford and Cambridge are rated as a single University entities by the Times of London "Good University Guide 2005". However, the University of London is not? Why? The Times of London chooses to rate the individual colleges of the University of London in comparison to all other British Universities - quite interesting you might state. It also has the misleading effect of making it appear as though each college of the University of London awards their own degree, which they do not.

While it is true that if you attend LSE (London School of Economics) or UCL (University College) full time, that your "experience" will be different but not necessarily "better"; however, the exam itself is the of the same standard as the External Programme (i.e., laws, economics, business, etc.).

What do you do with the External Programme First Class Honours graduate and a Lower Second Class Honours graduate from UCL? Obviously, the External Programme graduate performed better on the same exam as the UCL student. Perception cannot overcome the reality of this result, the First Class result from the External Programme represent a superior degree classification.

How you "measure" the experience is one thing, but the measure of the degree standard is beyond dispute - it is the same. THERE IS ONLY ONE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON DEGREE awarded in each subject area.

Since there is only one standard for awarding and assessing University of London degrees, there is then no substantive difference in how the degree is awarded and assessed. Even if you attend the different colleges of the University of London, your final degree is the same. Where you attended only highlights a different "experience" within the University of London, not a different standard. The University of London S.(66)(2) ensures that result.

Is the online law degree an external law degree?. Is it possible for me to study from Australia? 

ICLS prepares it's students for the University of London degree in law.  There is only "one" degree, a degree from the University of London.  As such there is no such thing as an "external degree."  Yes, it is possible to study form Australia, in fact, our online teaching program ensures that you can study from Australia, New Zealand, Athens, Hong Kong and other locations so long as you can connect to the internet.

Why does ICLS provide Lexis-Nexis to UOL students if the University also provides this service?

For many students, the time lag between the time they apply to the University of London and the time they actually register may be as long as three months.  ICLS believes that every ICLS student should have immediate access to Lexis Nexis.