FE-1 Exams or Masters?

KTWH

I'm a little worried I'm rehashing a topic that's been answered already, but there's over 100 pages worth of threads and I can't search them all!

I'm going into final year of law now and I'm stuck between doing the FE-1 exams and doing a Masters. I know that after the exams I'll have to get a contract, training etc, but I'm just wondering if I have to do that immediately after I (with any luck!) pass the FE-1 exams, or could I take a year and do a Masters and then do the training etc? Could I do the exams, then a Masters, and then go and do my training? Or should I just choose one or the other?

chopser

Is your a question one of should I or can I?

You can do any of the things you mentioned in any order . There is no bar to taking the FE1s then doing a masters or vice versa. you do however need to find and start a training contract within 5 years? of finishing your final FE1.

The main problem in relation to the FE1s is not the taking or passing of them (difficult as it is), it is more the ability/luck to get a training contract once they are complete. As such having your FE1s and a masters done may help you to secure an apprenticeship and as such warrant the taking of the masters.
But Masters and even 1.1 degrees as many unfortunate people will tell you may mean nothing to prospective employers.

KTWH

Thank you so much for the quick response - this is exactly the kind of clear answer I was hoping for

NoQuarter

Or you could try this, Work hard to pass your first 3 Fe1s, then you can sit the rest in ones and 2's while dong your masters. So when you finish your masters you will probably only have a handful of exams left to do as opposed to all 8.

KTWH

That's a great idea, thank you!

NoQuarter

You wont be thanking me during it

But it will work out a fair bit quicker. And bear in mind, the fe1s are much tougher than undergrad exams, they might take you a couple of go's to get some of them! And Im assuming you know you HAVE to pass 3 in the first sitting.

tribblethrou

If you're sure you want to be a solicitor, my advice is to get stuck into the fe 1's as soon as possible as it takes a lot of students around 2 years from beginning them to get into ppc1. My advice is get the best degree result possible and beg barrow or steal legal work experience. These two attributes are primary employer considerations. With a good degree you can do an add on a masters of your choice at any stage. Solicitor

chigebi

I have similar problem of thinking what to do next. I have started masters degree in International commercial law but my background is Bsc International development. Iam wondering whether to do the FE 1 exams first or continue with the One year masters degree in Law and then go for FE 1 exam

Tom Young

Do both! 4 Fe1s and then another 4.

RossLynch33

I am of the same predicament.

I wish to undertake a masters while taking the FE-1's but is this advisable? I have heard that the FE-1's are a much higher standard than final year LLB exams. Does anyone know if I can take 4 exams in one sitting and then possibly take the remaining four individually, as in spread out over a short period of time?

dats_right

The masters won't matter a jot for getting a job, an interview or indeed your future career. But it will be beneficial to you on a personal level ( I know I would have liked to do one), so if you accept it will add practically zero to your CV and/or prospects then I would say do it! If not then don't.

Dandelion6

dats_right wrote: »

The masters won't matter a jot for getting a job, an interview or indeed your future career.

In my case the Master's definitely gave me an advantage. Though it was in a specialised area, and that happens to be an area the firm that took me on wants to expand into.

clashburke

NoQuarter wrote: »

You wont be thanking me during it

But it will work out a fair bit quicker. And bear in mind, the fe1s are much tougher than undergrad exams, they might take you a couple of go's to get some of them! And Im assuming you know you HAVE to pass 3 in the first sitting.

stupid question but if you don't pass 3 in the first sitting can you not repeat?? are you bared from the exams then??

NoQuarter

clashburke wrote: »

stupid question but if you don't pass 3 in the first sitting can you not repeat?? are you bared from the exams then??

You can repeat but for any passes to be counted, you need to pass at least 3 in your first go. After that, you can pass the next 5 in dribs and drabs.

clashburke

NoQuarter wrote: »

You can repeat but for any passes to be counted, you need to pass at least 3 in your first go. After that, you can pass the next 5 in dribs and drabs.

i was thinking it was something like that!! having visions of being permanently bared if you failed too many the first time :rolleyes: