A Masters in Law, also known as LLM, is a law graduate degree providing advanced and specialised legal education beyond the undergraduate law degree. The programme is generally one year long in the UK and offers students a solid grounding in the fundamentals of law. It also offers them an opportunity to explore their interests in the field. The programme can be pursued in different specialisations, such as tax, intellectual property, human rights, and international and environmental law.
An LLM is designed to help students deepen their knowledge in a specific legal field or gain expertise in a new area of law. LLM graduates can pursue careers in various legal fields, including private law firms, government agencies, non-profit organisations, and academia.
LLM courses in the UK cover many topics, including interpretation trade, corporate law, law & finance in emerging markets, human rights law, international courts & tribunals, copyright laws, and international commercial arbitration. UK universities are known for their state-of-the-art infrastructure and detailed curricula, ensuring students are equipped with all sorts of knowledge and experience to flourish in law.
Most LLM courses in the UK are one year long and include theory and practice-based training in a real-world scenario.
You will either be assessed by one unseen written exam, an essay, or a combination of these two assessment methods. Generally, these courses have 180 credits, of which 120 credits are taught units, and the remaining 60 credits from the dissertation part.
Yes. You can take the LLM programme part-time. Although, the tenure of the course will increase.
Studying law in the UK is highly popular among international students due to the range of benefits and advantages. Here is why you should study law in the UK:
The UK law system was developed over 900 years ago, and since then, it has heavily influenced legal systems internationally. The UK forms the basis of law systems for many countries, and English commercial law is commonly used as the governing law for global contracts. Moreover, the UK is also home to hundreds of international law firms.
Because of this, many UK universities offer comprehensive Law-based courses and have plentiful resources and expertise that students can use and draw from to assist them in their studies. According to QS World University Subject Rankings for Law & Legal Studies, 3 of the top 10 universities in the world for studying law are in the UK.
Colleges and universities in the UK provide law courses that range from LLB to LLM, along with a range of specialisations, allowing you to focus on what interests you. Studying law will open up many career opportunities after graduation. For example, in the UK, you can become a solicitor, the most common job for LM freshers, with an earning potential of at least £25,000 per year. The LLM degree salary can go up to £100k+ per year.
65.8% of law students went straight into employment after graduation (UCAS data), and after graduation, the top sectors for LLM job opportunities are:
Students should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component. Several universities require a TOEFL score 95 with a minimum R 23, L 23, S 22, and W 24. They also consider a Pearson's PTE score of 65, requiring a minimum of 60 in all subtests. Please note that these requirements vary for each university. You will need to check the university website for exact requirements.
To apply for a postgraduate course at a UK university, you should have the following documents:
To learn more about the best schools for lawyers with the best Master of Laws courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Law universities in the Guardian University Guide 2024 below:
International students can expect to pay between £20,000 to £40,000 per academic year when studying for a Master of Laws in the UK. Elements that affect international tuition fees include location, UK university ranking and global reputation.
University of Cambridge’s Master of Law (LLM), the number one ranked LLM in the UK, will cost overseas students £37,500 per year. Durham University’s LLM, however, ranked 6th in the UK, is only £24,900 per year. Below are the UK's top five Master of Laws programmes and their international fees.
| University | Course | International Fees |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cambridge |
£37,500 |
|
|
University of Oxford |
£41,480 |
|
|
London School of Economics and Political Science |
£34,128 |
|
|
University College London |
£32,100 |
|
|
University of Glasgow |
£24,960 |
Students can pursue an LLM course in different specialisations.
Masters of Law in International Law covers various subjects, such as international humanitarian law, peaceful settlement of international disputes, United Nations law, etc. Graduates of this course work in various global organisations, including the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the International Criminal Court.
The UK is among the most lucrative countries to study commercial law, thanks to its reputation as a business-friendly nation, home to several international companies. LLM in Commercial Law is well-suited for those applicants who intend to enter legal practice in the commercial sector. The programme covers several key topics, including company law, insolvency law, sustainable law & finance, and European contract law.
An LLM in Corporate Law covers various topics such as corporate governance, economic analysis of corporate law and finance, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and corporate social responsibility. It also explores the interplay between national and international corporate law and the role of corporations in the global economy.
It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to handle complex legal and financial issues that corporations face and provide them with a global and interdisciplinary perspective on corporate law and governance.
Human rights is a vast field covering law, politics, theology and history. Thus, studying humanitarian law must be highly knowledgeable and well-informed about global issues. While pursuing an LLM in Human Rights, students will explore the role of human rights organisations in promoting global peace and harmony. In addition, they will master the art of debating on national and international stages. Core modules covered in the course are women's rights, economic & social rights, child law, and citizenship rights.
Completing a Master of Law from a UK university can unlock many job prospects across diverse fields, including government and public sectors. Graduates can pursue diverse career paths, such as lawyers/advocates, legal advisors, legal writers, and solicitors. A legal career can offer a substantial salary, starting from around £25,000 per year after graduating. According to Glassdoor in March 2023, the average base pay of lawyers in the UK is £64,748 per year.
The two most popular LLM jobs available for Indian students in the UK are:
Solicitors take instructions from individuals and organisations and advise them on all necessary legal actions. They need to work closely with clients and advise them on a range of subjects that can be personal (wills and divorces) or professional (mergers and acquisitions).
After qualifying as a solicitor, candidates can work as a legal associate in private practice, industrial organisations, local government, or in-house for commercial or court service.
Barristers are more likely to be working in chambers and self-employed. The role of a barrister is to be a specialist in independent sources of legal advice and in-court advocacy. But, a barrister can also apply for legal vacancies in government departments and the private sector, such as in-house legal departments and companies. Solicitors hire barristers to plead for themselves and their clients in court.
According to the Guardian University Guide Law subject rankings, the following five universities have the highest percentage of graduates who find graduate-level jobs or are in further study at a professional or higher education level within 15 months of graduation.
If you want to learn more about studying postgraduate Law in the UK, arrange your free consultation today. Don't forget the Premium Service will guarantee you at least one offer from a UK university!
Students should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component. Several universities require a TOEFL score 95 with a minimum of R 23, L 23, S 22, and W 24. They also consider Pearson's PTE score of 65 with a minimum of 60 in all subtests.
An LLM in the UK for Indian students will take approximately one year to complete and comprise both study and real-world experience. Studying for a master's usually comes after three years of studying for a bachelor’s in law, taking the total study time at university to 4 years.
The average tuition fee for a master's in law in the UK for Indian students varies depending on the university but typically ranges from £20,000 to £40,000. On top of this, you’ll need to consider additional costs for accommodation and general living expenses, such as food, drink and any social activities. Some universities will have scholarships available, which you can apply to, which can help to reduce the tuition fees.
You can start your LLM programme after receiving a pre-sessional condition. The university will offer you a pre-sessional English (PSE) course, ensuring you meet the language entry requirements.
Yes. You can take the LLM programme part-time. Although, the tenure of the course will increase.
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