Securing an LLM Scholarship

Maximilian Khadaroo-Finlow

By Maximilian Khadaroo-Finlow, Recipient of the UCL200 Laws LLM Future Scholars’ Award and Graduate of the University of Nottingham LLB with Chinese Law

Pursuing an LLM is a fantastic way to deepen the legal knowledge gained in an LLB. The LLM allows you to explore specific areas of law in depth, building the necessary expertise for practice, policy, or academia.

However, the substantial financial cost of an LLM can often be a major barrier for aspiring students. I hope that this article will raise awareness of the funding opportunities available and encourage others to see that an LLM can be financially achievable after an LLB with a bit of grit and the right preparation!

LLM Scholarship

In my experience, funding applications have been the most challenging part of the LLM process. Scholarships are often reserved for those students who are both in financial need to have a strong academic or professional profile, making the competition for scholarships particularly intense.

When preparing my application, I found focusing on these three aspects most important:

1. Why I want to go to that University (and that particular course)
2. My plans, and how the LLM would contribute to these
3. Why I deserve and need the funding

I also found it important to make a conscious effort to be genuine and personal. The panel will have many applications to read, it is best to avoid generic answers and focus more on your own time in academia, professional work and career ambitions. I believe my authenticity made my application stand out.

The interview

Despite being confident in my application, it was still a pleasant surprise when I was invited to an interview a few months later. Like the majority of interviews nowadays, mine was conducted online with a select panel of three academics at UCL. While I was given some direction on what would be asked, I was not given an exact list.

Before the interview

Preparation was key. I spent many hours writing potential questions and answers, researching past interviews, and developing a plan to answer different formulations of questions.

I also found it invaluable to join practice interviews. I first interviewed with my Professor, who gave me a good indication of potential academic questions that may come up, and once I had completed my initial preparation, I did two practice interviews, a week apart, with the UoN Careers and Employability Service.

These interviews were key to my success; they gave me great confidence and provided strong, constructive feedback on how to refine my preparation and interview approach.

On the day

On the day, the panel asked questions that both tested my motivation for pursuing the LLM and my potential contribution to the academic community at UCL. The interview was challenging, lasting almost 40 minutes. Thanks to my strong preparation, I felt that I presented myself as genuine, confident and deserving of final consideration.

Final thoughts

Securing the UCL Laws LLM Future Scholars’ Award has not only made the LLM financially possible for me, but it also ensures that I can continue to contribute to the academic and wider community and reinforced my belief in determination and persistence.

While it was a difficult and stressful process, I do believe that institutions will invest in students who are willing, determined and passionate about their field and the wider community.

If you are looking to apply for an LLM scholarship, my final advice is simple: apply early, be genuine in your approach, and prepare, prepare, prepare. While it will be daunting to start, the outcome can be truly life-changing!

if you need help with preparing for any type of interview, we can help. Check out our resources online and book an appointment with an adviser to gain expert advice and practice with a mock interview.