Law School: Where to go?
Welcome back to Compare & Contrast! This week, we are taking a closer look at the Yale Law School and the School of Law at the University of Leeds.
A law degree by any other name…
One of the most striking differences between the two schools, and any two schools in the US and the UK, is the different degrees awarded at the end of the program. American law schools, such as the Yale Law School, offer a Juris Doctor degree (JD). Many other schools, including those in the UK, award successful students with a Bachelor of Law degree (LLB).
So what’s the difference?
Well, a JD requires the prior completion of an undergraduate degree, usually takes 3 years to complete, and is required to practice law in the US (in addition to passing the bar exam). On the other hand, you can enroll in an LLB program straight out of secondary school. It takes approximately 3 to 4 years to complete and is considered an introductory program, typically followed by a specialized LLM program.
Tuition and financial aid:
The cost of living and education at the Yale Law School is estimated to be approximately US$94,000 for the 2021-22 academic year. Financial aid at the university is need-based, meaning that scholarships are allocated based only on demonstrated financial need.
A library at the Yale Law School.
The University of Leeds offers scholarships for domestic and international students, based on both merit and demonstrated financial need. Full time domestic students can expect to pay £9,250, while the tuition for international students is £20,750 per year.
What to expect:
At the Yale Law School, expect courses pertaining to social issues, education, economics, and more. Many students even get an opportunity to appear in court in the spring of their first year!
The School of Law at the University of Leeds has many offerings, including international law, health law, criminal law, and contract law. Students are exposed to in-person and virtual learning tools and much of the coursework is done independently.
The School of Law at the University of Leeds.
There is a notable difference in tuition between the two programs. Many other differences are also evident - namely the degree and education requirements. However, both universities are world-renowned and offer a high standard of education, so make sure to take everything into consideration when you are making your decision!
Sources:
Written by Veronica Aharon, 2nd year BSc Student at York University.
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