What is an LL.B.?
	Will the University of London Degree (LL.B.) in laws earned under the International Programmes 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 International Programmes 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?
	What are the benefits of online learning?
	What is E-learning?
	What does the University of London International Programmes in laws provide by way of study material?
	Can I have direct contact with my law tutors?
	When does the University of London International Programmes 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 International Programmes in Laws?
	Do I pay The International Center for Legal Studies ("ICLS")  for University of London fees?
	What reasons can you cite as preventing International Programmes students from doing well on their University of London law examinations?
	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 International Programmes 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. This suggestion does not apply to the Graduate Entry Option - see below.

• 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 in residence 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.  Student or applicants to ICLS are soley responsible for contacting the bar authorities in the jurisdiction they seek admission to for an official answer regarding bar admission rules.

• 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 such as the LL.M. What many law school admissions committees require is that your first law degree be from a recognized, fully accredited University in a common law jurisdiction.

• Will I be studying the law alone?

No, you will be given ICLS 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 mentor/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 in the United States and Canada have at least one text center 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

• What are the benefits of online learning?

Flexibility is major benefit. With online learning from ICLS, you set your own schedule, although you will still have assignment deadlines each month.

• 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 lectures, course message boards, assignments, tutor comments and lecture notes. 

• What does the University of London International Programmes in laws provide by way of study material?

You receive the University of London International Programmes Subject Guide, a "Resource Guide", a major text book for each subject, a book on "legal learning" and access to the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) to obtain many UK cases and/or statutes online.  You do not receive any teaching or day to day support.  During the year, the University of London International Programmes 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 International Programmes admissions committee.

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

Graduate Scheme A or B is the perfect option for candidates who seek to enrich their career with a law degree, but do not wish to practice law.  If you already have a University degree (in any subject area), you can apply to earn your LL.B. in two years (full time) or three years (part time) with The University of London International Programmes in laws. Please note the Graduate Route Option, whether Scheme A or B, is composed of 9 subjects and is not equivalent to three years of legal education (see below for further comment).  To see the course requirements for either Graduate Route Entry A or B, click here.

Students are advised, however, 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 International Programmes in Law start each year?

Enrollment starts as early as January in the year PRECEDING THE EXAMS.  The latest you can apply to the University of London International Programmes is September 17th in any given year for non-UK or EU Students (Oct. 17th EU Applicants).

 

When do I need to apply at ICLS? 

The sooner the better.  Your enrollment should be no later than September in any given year.  See further comments on this issue below.

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 24-48 hours after processing your application and setting you up 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 International Programmes 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 an Associates Degree, again, you will be a strong candidate.  Also, two passed AP exams with a grade of at least "3" will also meet the minimum requirements.  If you also possess professional or career experience, the University of London International Programmes will also place great weight on this if you are a mature student (e.g., over 25 years of age).  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 International Programmes Receive standing in Canada?

University of London International Programmes Law  (LL.B.) Graduates can receive advanced standing for purposes of entering the legal profession in Canada so long as they meet the requirements set out by Canadian National Committee on Accreditation. 

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 Internatiinoal Programmes fees are paid directly to the University of London. 

What reasons can you cite as preventing International Programmes 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 International Programmes admissions committee can take up to two 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 in any given year. 

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.

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.