Doing a master’s is never a bad idea. I always say if the opportunity presents itself, take it. The decision to undertake a master’s is not always an easy one but we can make it less complicated

One way to do this is to identify what areas of law interest you. It could be that you have always been fascinated by these issues and want more information or it could be an area you want to build a career in.

To do this, you don’t need to think too far. As lawyers in training, you’re encouraged and taught to be problem solvers. In my time as an undergraduate, I researched consumer protection for online shoppers, this was influenced by my own experiences and what I had witnessed with people around me.

You may need to ask, what problems are begging for legal answers? or what issues deeply resonate with me? This is one way that may help you identify what area of law to choose.

Lastly, doing a master’s at Queen’s in all honesty was not easy but it was worth it. It exposed me to a new way of thinking about the topics I was interested in. I picked up new skills along the way and made great friends. The program was made easier with the support of the very knowledgeable and incredible staff. Again, it’s never a bad idea to do a master’s!

For me postgraduate study was an opportunity to pursue what interested me and it allowed me to find my niche. If there is a “conventional” route to studying postgraduate law I certainly did not go down it. Having left school prior to my A-levels, I subsequently completed a business course at the NRC as my path to university. I have a passion for history so I decided to do it for my undergraduate degree. At the end of my three years, I became interested in the origins of the American War of Independence—much of which centred around the taxation of imported goods between England and the American colonies.

This led my interest toward rules which govern trade between countries. This was around the same time as Brexit which obviously also played a large part in piquing my curiosity in this topic. At the time it seemed like every other day there was a different politician or expert on the news discussing the economic advantages or disadvantages for trade if the UK left the EU. I wanted to know more and make my own mind up.

I began looking for master’s courses which would allow me to learn more on the laws which govern economic activity between states. Fortunately, I came across the LLM in International Business Law. This course also provided the opportunity of a one-year placement, which I completed as a paralegal at a Belfast commercial law firm. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience but it made my mind up that my passion lay in academia. I then applied for a PhD Brexit Scholarship to study intra UK trade which I was lucky enough to get, and here I am. 

The best advice I can give from my own experience is to do what interests you personally and grab with both hands any opportunity which presents itself.

My name is Aislinn, and I am a third year PhD student in the School of Law. My route into postgraduate study is both conventional and unconventional in that I came from an undergraduate law degree to postgraduate study - but I also went straight into a Masters degree and then into PhD study. My postgraduate study funded through the NINE (Northern Ireland and North-East of England) Doctoral Training Partnership on their 1+3 Pathway.

This means that my scholarship covers my fees and a stipend through the PhD and through an MRes in Social Science Research in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at QUB, which I completed before starting my PhD. In my view, if you’re sure at Undergraduate stage that you do want to work towards a PhD (which not everyone is, it’s a big commitment!), then this is a great option for two reasons.

Firstly, the MRes gives you an opportunity to establish a great foundation for conducting research because of the extensive methods training, but it also allows you to choose some modules from a variety of the LLM courses in the School of Law as they interest you.

Secondly, fees and living costs can be a big barrier to some people who want to study at Masters level, so this is an option to seriously consider if that could be a barrier to you.

My biggest piece of advice to those considering postgraduate study, whether that be an LLM or PhD, is to think about what interests you and let that guide you. If you’re interested in something and you’re passionate about it, it’s hard to go wrong. Education is easily carried and will never hold you back, so even if you come away with an LLM and you just found it interesting, then it was worthwhile!