Monash LLB vs Melbourne JD

[rkjthguakj]

Hi everybody,

So I'm in a bit of a dilemma regarding my VTAC preferences or more specifically - where I want to go next year. In the past, I was extremely set on undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce and then applying for a JD program at either Melbourne or overseas. But that all changed when Monash announced the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics and Law double degree. This has left me feeling conflicting over which course to choose.

I personally would prefer the University of Melbourne due to their breadth options and extreme prestige in the JD program, but the PPE is also something that is extremely appealing to me. Ideally, I was hoping to make the 99 ATAR semi-guarantee entry but even if I don't make it, its no worries and I can just apply through the general entry scheme.

For some reason, the Monash PPE & Law double degree guarantee entry is a 95 when Law is usually a 98? Is it because the PPE is a fairly new degree and they want more people to feel encouraged to undertake the degree? If I do take this route and plan to go overseas, I always have the option of taking up an LLM degree too.

There are absolutely a lot of factors to consider and I am feeling very conflicted over which route to choose. If anyone could provide any words of wisdom, it would very much be appreciated!

[pahm]

I'm in the same boat as you! Moreso deciding between BCom/JD at Melb Uni and BCom/LLB at Monash but PPE is definitely something I'm considering as well (though it seems a bit niche and I like the breadth of options you get in commerce).

Where does it say guarantee entry into law/ppe is 95 btw? On https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2021/laws-and-politics,-philosophy-and-economics-l3013#entry-requirements-2 it says the lowest estimated selection rank is 95. If I'm interpreting this right that does not guarantee selection? You just have to get above 95 after adjustment factors to have a chance at getting in? someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm in yr 11 so VTAC is still a fair bit away for me atm but I'd love to get more insights from current uni students / grads as well.

[Orb]

BCom at Melb is far superior to its equivalent at Monash when you look at employment and development prospects - i've written pretty extensively on this in the past, for me the immediate employment outcome difference would be at least $10,000 per year conservatively speaking (and this is mirrored with many friends)

JD at Melb is also slightly superior to its Monash equivalent - the only major advantage of doing a double at Monash is that you save time (1 year I think when it's 6 years at Melb vs 5 at Monash) - another advantage is you're guaranteed a place while you aren't at Melb.

If you're at all considering going down the Commerce pathway then you should 100% go for Melb - if you're just doing it because you're forced to add in a second degree, 100% want to go into law post-graduation and want to save the 1 year (which is a very legitimate reason) then go Monash

[Sine]

I don't think there is much difference between a bachelor of laws @ Monash vs JD at unimelb. Your actual marks and extra-curriculars will be much more important factors and matter much more than any "difference" or "psuedo-difference" between the degrees.

I think Melbourne is better if you aren't sure what you want to do and going straight to Monash law is probably the better choice if you are 100% set on studying law. Purely anecdotal but the vast majority who I know/have heard of wanting to study law in year 12 and get the required ATAR to end up going to Monash. Exceptions obviously for those who got guaranteed entry into the JD.

In terms of time spent studying. At Unimelb it is likely to be 6.5-7 years since as far as I know most people don't finish the JD in 3 years and usually underload a few times and complete it in 3.5-4 years. Although, same goes for comm/law @ Monash (a 5.25 year degree) where you can accelerate and finish it in 5 years most people take 5.5-6 years. 

[brenden]

PPE would be so cool. The Monash Philosophy department is fantastic (or at least, it was 5 years ago), I would do PPE there in a heartbeat if I were leaving high-school right now.