In addition to the book grants available to all undergraduates, those Law students who distinguish themselves by academic performance are eligible for McMahon Studentships. These are financially very advantageous and often provide invaluable assistance during the early stages of a legal career after graduation. Although flexibility is a keynote in the Cambridge system, most students reading Law do so throughout their three years. Part IA of the Law Tripos after the first year, Part IB after the second, and Part II after the third. For the most part graduating students pursue legal careers, a common option being a year of professional training followed by employment as a trainee solicitor or pupillage in barristers' chambers.
Many students take the opportunity to work in legal firms during vacations.
As a legal training is highly regarded in many areas, other students find employment in a wide variety of careers that range from the higher echelons of the civil service, including the diplomatic service, to managerial positions. In Law at St John's we usually make about five conditional offers for every four places available. Those applying for Law offer a wide selection of A-levels and a candidate will receive equally serious consideration whether he or she offers, for example, Physics, French, Mathematics or Latin. We always give careful consideration to individual cases in deciding on the level of conditions, and try to make demands that are reasonable both for the particular candidate and for the school. You will also be asked to take a short admissions test, lasting about an hour, on the day of your interviews.