After graduating from the  International and European Law LLB  here in Groningen, I decided to stay and study  in the  International Commercial Law LLM  as well. When asked why I decided to study an LLM, hence, an advanced specialization of law, I would say it is because it was a fantastic opportunity to develop an understanding as to how commercial transactions and property rights are applied at the international level. In addition to this, the fact that I could pursue this specialization in Groningen meant I could experience the next level of legal studies in the Faculty. For current LLB students considering to stay and also do their LLM, here are some questions I answered that might offer some insight into the differences in studying at these different levels here in Groningen.

What is the difference in workload between the LLB and an LLM?
An LLM takes a different approach to distribution of the workload between individual study and guided study. In the LLB, the workload was divided between passive studying through lectures and active learning through working groups. In my LLM,  lectures or passive studying are the most common method of teaching.

What is the difference in the classroom environment?
The classroom environment is similar in several ways. Among these is the international background of the majority of students, the eagerness to participate in class (especially working groups), the active interaction with professors, and the comparative aspect of many of the subjects. Despite this, there are still also differences. For example, most students pursuing an LLM have experience studying law, whereas in the first year of the LLB, everyone was still learning the basics.

What things are similar when studying at both levels in the Faculty?
There are many similarities between the two levels of study. Firstly, it can be said that exams and their formats remain similar between both bachelor and master level programmes. Furthermore, the schedule of classes, exams, and other activities associated with the master is pretty much the same as the bachelor. Despite these similarities, in terms of contact hours and exams, the nature of both are considered different. In terms of contact hours, the presence of working groups in the bachelor is much different to the master, and LLM level exams are different as they focus on more specific areas of law rather than the broad range of law used in bachelor courses.

What aspects of studying the LLB helped prepare you for an LLM the most?
The LLB emphasises individual study and therefore, independent thinking and analysis. This is helpful for transitioning to the LLM. Furthermore, the International Commercial Law LLM concerns a very comparative aspect to studying law. This comparative approach is also taken in the LLB. There is a jump in your knowledge development skills when transitioning to an LLM but, as always, hard work and application can help you to overcome this obstacle in a smooth manner.

What is the biggest difference between studying in the LLB and in an LLM?
The biggest difference between studying an LLM in comparison to the LLB is that an LLM is a far more specific and specialised area of legal study. This requires a better understanding of the area of law you are studying. This requirement is counterbalanced by the fact that a more specific study allows you to understand topics more in depth.

Furthermore, the LLM is more career-oriented than the LLB. For instance, as part of our seminar in the International Commercial Law LLM, several international law firms, among them TRIP and Stibbe, have sent lawyers to teach us the intricacies of contract drafting in practice. Such opportunities provide us students with a better insight as to how a lawyer thinks and works in practice, and how to best represent your client during contract negotiations.

What would you recommend to anyone in the LLB that is considering pursuing an LLM in Groningen as well?
I would always recommend any LLB student to consider an LLM here in Groningen. Aside from the International Commercial Law LLM that I am pursuing, there are other LLMs available for study. For example, the  Energy and Climate Law LLM  or the  Public International Law LLM, both of which are top rated programmes worldwide in their respective fields. I think this shows that the standard of LLMs here are highly respected. If you are interested in pursuing an LLM, you can always contact the International Office.

Overall, I think the Faculty of Law has provided the opportunity to learn in an international environment with renowned legal scholars, the opportunity to advance my knowledge in the specific area of commercial law, and most notably, the opportunity to learn how to  think like a lawyer.

- Ciaran Dorrian, Ireland, International and European Law LLB graduate and International Commercial Law  LLM student

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