What Is a Law Degree in Singapore?
Obtaining a law degree is an important step in becoming a practicing attorney in the country. To do this, individuals will need to complete the requirements of the Bachelor of Law program, at the least. Most students will also need to complete the LL.M., which is a master's level degree program. Advanced programs, including a PhD program is available for those students who wish to further pursue this area of education.
Law Higher Education in Singapore
To work as an attorney in the country, individuals will need to apply for admission to the Singapore Bar Association. To do that, students must first complete the requirements of a bachelor's level of education in the field of law. This education must come from an approved school. The initial degree program takes four years to complete at a university recognized by the Bar Association. Further education can take between two and four additional years of education.
The cost to enroll in these programs depends greatly on the individual school. Costs can be significantly higher at some private institutions than at private schools. Individuals who work as attorneys in the country are not necessarily paid a very high wage, but those who work in government positions, which is also a course of action individuals can take after obtaining a legal degree, often earn more.
International students are often welcomed in the country. However, this is up to the discretion of the individual university. Some of the schools have very strict requirements, especially in the area of academic study. International students will need to meet the same level of scrutiny as local residents. Additionally, some in demand programs are not always accessible to international students due to their demand locally. Apply for these programs early is often recommend to ensure the individual can obtain the necessary travel documents and approvals.
Students who complete their educational requirements in Singapore, or who meet these requirements outside of the country, will need to sit for the Singapore Bar Association's licensing exam. Continuing education is often a requirement after doing so. Students can then work in a temporary position in a court of law for the required length of time before practicing on their own. Students are likely to find numerous positions available in this area of the law. This includes working in the criminal system, as judges, as well as working towards educational teaching. Jobs can be hard to obtain initially especially for new students.