Hi everyone,
I wanted to ask for some honest advice and perspectives. For context, I’m currently based in Russia, working full-time and studying the Russian language, while planning to start an online LLB with the University of Law. I’m very aware that an in person LLB in the UK is the more traditional route, particularly for networking, access to careers teams, and building a strong profile. Unfortunately, relocating to London right now just isn’t financially realistic for me, which is why I’m working abroad and saving with the aim of moving to the UK later for an LLM.
My concern is that the market already feels challenging for international students, and I’m worried that doing an online LLB on top of that may further limit my chances of securing a training contract.
I’ve been told that it’s still possible to build experience through online internships, virtual workshops, webinars, and career events, and the University of Law emphasises the support they provide in terms of careers services and employability. I’ve also recently come across platforms like Forage, which offer virtual work experience programmes run by law firms.
That said, I’m realistic enough to know that these opportunities aren’t quite the same as being physically present in the UK, studying on campus, and having face to face access to careers advisers, firms, and networking events.
At the moment, there genuinely isn’t another viable way for me to move to London immediately, so I’m trying to make the best possible use of what’s available to me online.
What I’m really looking for is the plain, honest truth.
Do you think pursuing an online LLB, making full use of virtual opportunities, achieving at least a strong 2:1 (ideally a First), and then relocating to the UK for an LLM while applying for training contracts is a sensible and realistic plan? Or does it risk being a poor use of time compared to waiting until I can study in person from the outset?
More broadly, how much do recruiters actually care about the format of the LLB itself, assuming strong academics and a clear, well thought out narrative?
Any honest opinions or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance
I wanted to ask for some honest advice and perspectives. For context, I’m currently based in Russia, working full-time and studying the Russian language, while planning to start an online LLB with the University of Law. I’m very aware that an in person LLB in the UK is the more traditional route, particularly for networking, access to careers teams, and building a strong profile. Unfortunately, relocating to London right now just isn’t financially realistic for me, which is why I’m working abroad and saving with the aim of moving to the UK later for an LLM.
My concern is that the market already feels challenging for international students, and I’m worried that doing an online LLB on top of that may further limit my chances of securing a training contract.
I’ve been told that it’s still possible to build experience through online internships, virtual workshops, webinars, and career events, and the University of Law emphasises the support they provide in terms of careers services and employability. I’ve also recently come across platforms like Forage, which offer virtual work experience programmes run by law firms.
That said, I’m realistic enough to know that these opportunities aren’t quite the same as being physically present in the UK, studying on campus, and having face to face access to careers advisers, firms, and networking events.
At the moment, there genuinely isn’t another viable way for me to move to London immediately, so I’m trying to make the best possible use of what’s available to me online.
What I’m really looking for is the plain, honest truth.
Do you think pursuing an online LLB, making full use of virtual opportunities, achieving at least a strong 2:1 (ideally a First), and then relocating to the UK for an LLM while applying for training contracts is a sensible and realistic plan? Or does it risk being a poor use of time compared to waiting until I can study in person from the outset?
More broadly, how much do recruiters actually care about the format of the LLB itself, assuming strong academics and a clear, well thought out narrative?
Any honest opinions or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance
