Law is one of the top courses that Indian students have chosen time and again because UK universities provide great career opportunities to law graduates. The scope of LLM in the UK is high-end and rewarding for all candidates, and careers will open up as Barrister, Lawyer, Legal Consultant, and other similar roles are open for LLM graduates.
LLM is a one-year programme, compared to two years in India, and legal services is also one of the highest-paying sectors in the UK and the world. Because of this, UK universities are highly desirable, and the average pay of a postgraduate student in Law can be between £24,000 and £65,000. Desirable specialisations for this postgraduate programme include:
- LLM in Corporate Law
- LLM in Commercial Law
- LLM in International Trade and Commercial Law
- LLM in Banking and Finance Law
- LLM in Human Rights Law
Learn more about studying LLM in the UK as an Indian student below, or begin your application by arranging a free consultation with SI-UK India today.
Top 10 UK Universities for LLM
Below is the list of the best universities in the UK for studying LLM programmes, according to the Guardian University Guide 2024.
1. University College London
UCL's Faculty of Laws, founded in 1829, has a rich tradition of excellence in legal education. The faculty is home to distinguished scholars and practitioners at the forefront of legal research.
LLM students at UCL can access specialised courses spanning various legal disciplines, including International Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, and Intellectual Property Law. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the law while encouraging the development of critical thinking and analytical skills.
Beyond the classroom, UCL offers numerous opportunities for LLM students to engage in extracurricular activities, such as moot court competitions, seminars, and workshops.
- Suggested course: Law LLM
- Entry requirements: A good 2.1 with evidence of 1st class ability’ (or equivalent in other jurisdictions).
- International fee: £34,400
2. University of Cambridge
The Faculty of Law at Cambridge, established in 1583, is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to excellence in legal education. LLM students at Cambridge benefit from a dynamic and intellectually stimulating learning environment.
Cambridge offers diverse specialised LLM programmes, including Commercial Law, European Law, and Public International Law. In addition to academic coursework, Cambridge encourages students to research and contribute to advancing legal knowledge. The university's extensive library resources and research centres provide LLM students with the tools to pursue their academic interests and develop research skills.
- Suggested course: Master of Law (LLM)
- Entry requirements: A UK First class Honours Degree.
- International fee: £36,547
3. University of Oxford
The MSc in Law and Finance, offered jointly by the Faculty of Law and the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, provides a unique interdisciplinary education. Established in 2010, this full-time, ten-month program is designed for students with a legal background seeking an advanced understanding of economic and financial contexts. The curriculum blends rigorous academic study with practical applications through core courses and electives, fostering collaboration with professional and regulatory organisations for a comprehensive learning experience.
- Suggested course: MSc in Law and Finance
- Entry requirements: A first-class or a very strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in law.
- International fee: £49,990
4. King's College London
The LLM course at King's College London caters to recent law graduates and seasoned professionals, providing a platform to deepen legal knowledge and enhance problem-solving skills in a global context. Nine specialised pathways, including Competition Law and International Financial Law, allow students to tailor their studies.
King's fosters a vibrant intellectual community, offering ample opportunities for networking and engagement with prestigious international law schools. Early application is encouraged to facilitate a thorough assessment process and ensure a diverse student body.
- Suggested course: Master of Laws LLM
- Entry requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above.
- International fee: £33,450
5. London School of Economics
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a world-renowned institution known for its excellence in social sciences. The LSE Department of Law offers a range of LLM programmes that combine academic rigour with practical relevance.
Students can engage with world-class lawyers and professionals to explore cutting-edge legal issues. The faculty offers specialised courses in areas such as Competition Law, Public International Law, and Environmental Law, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the law.
- Suggested course: LLM Master of Laws
- Entry requirements: A very good undergraduate degree in law, LLB or equivalent.
- International fee: £36,168
6. University of Glasgow
The School of Law at Glasgow is known for its innovative approach to legal education and commitment to excellence in teaching and research. The Common Law degree caters to aspiring legal practitioners in common law jurisdictions like England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Canada, and India, excluding Scotland. Offering intellectual depth and flexibility, its curriculum equips students for legal practice with a nuanced understanding of common law principles.
LLM students at Glasgow can study in a supportive learning environment and engage with top law professionals. Glasgow encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities like moot court competitions, seminars, and workshops.
- Suggested course: Law LLM
- Entry requirements: A 2.1 Honours degree or non-UK equivalent in law or other subjects with at least 50% of the credits in law.
- International fee: £27,090
7. Durham University
Durham University, founded in 1832, is a prestigious institution known for its excellence in teaching and research. The Law School at Durham is one of the leading law schools in the UK, with a strong reputation for its LLM programmes.
LLM students at Durham can study in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. The faculty offers a wide range of courses, including Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, and International Law, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the law.
In addition to academic coursework, Durham encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as moot court competitions, seminars, and workshops.
- Suggested course: Master of Laws
- Entry requirements: A good 2:1 degree (or its equivalent) in law or in a degree in which law is a major component.
- International fee: £26,900
8. Solent University
Solent University’s Law School offers engaging LLM programmes designed to prepare students for the challenges of modern legal practice. Students get a supportive learning environment and access to cutting-edge resources and facilities. The faculty offers courses in different legal areas, providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their chosen field.
In addition to academic coursework, Solent encourages students to participate in practical learning experiences, such as internships, placements, and pro bono work.
- Suggested course: LLM Commercial Law and Professional Legal Practice
- Entry requirements: 2:2 (or higher) honours degree in any subject or equivalent.
- International fee: £16,540
9. Leeds Trinity University
Leeds Trinity University’s Law School is known for its LLM programmes, which prepare students for legal careers. The supportive and inclusive learning environment at LTU is among the best in the UK. The faculty offers a wide range of courses, including Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, and Family Law, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the law.
In addition to academic coursework, Leeds Trinity encourages students to participate in practical learning experiences, such as internships, placements, and mooting competitions. The university is located in the city of Leeds, which plays a crucial role in improving the student experience by providing access to diverse legal opportunities and networking events.
- Suggested course: LLM Law
- Entry requirements: An honours degree (2:2 or above) in any subject.
- International fee: £15,000
10. University of Warwick
The University of Warwick’s Law School designs its LLM courses after consulting top lawyers and legal professionals. The school aims to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing legal landscape.
Warwick Law School offers comprehensive Law degrees focusing on technical and doctrinal aspects alongside critical societal roles of law. Renowned for high-quality research, the school provides a contextual, international, and comparative approach to legal studies. With a 4-year programme allowing for specialisation, students delve into the impact of economic, cultural, and political changes on law, preparing for diverse legal roles beyond traditional practice.
- Suggested course: LLM International Commercial Law
- Entry requirements: 2:i UG degree or equivalent. IB diploma: 38 points.
- International fee: £22,560
Eligibility for LLM in the UK for Indian students
The eligibility criteria for getting enrolled in an LLM course can be wide and varied. However, here are the most important points to note for students who are thinking of studying in the UK:
- A bachelor's degree in law or other relevant subjects, depending on the requirement of the specialization you have chosen
- A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 and for TOEFL a score above 102 is required as the mandate criteria for getting entry into any university
LLM Cost in the UK
Studying in the UK comes with additional costs and expenses, aside from tuition fees, which include housing, transportation, food, entertainment and other activities. If we limit ourselves to the academic part of the LLM degree, the average cost of studying in the UK can be between £20,000 and £38,000.
The cost of studying for a postgraduate degree in the UK is a very dynamic attribute to consider. Some cities are more expensive than others, making calculating the total cost a little cumbersome, but it is certainly doable. Consultants at SI-UK can help students find a rounded-off figure for their LLM course in the UK.
Scholarships for LLM in the UK
Scholarships for LLM in the UK for Indian students are the ideal getaway to get some relaxation in the tuition fee and other expenses. Both universities and the government provide these aids to support students who wish to study in the UK but don't have the right resources. Below are the most rewarding scholarships that are available for postgraduate law programmes in the UK:
- Oxford-Finnis Graduate Scholarship in Law
- Felix Scholarship
- UCL Laws Academic Excellence Scholarships
- Norman Spink Scholarship
- Bosco Tso & Emily Ng Scholarship
All these scholarships and grants have different benefits, allowing Indian students to pursue their postgraduate degrees easily. They are awarded to both financially weak and meritorious students. For more information, you can contact the SI-UK team.
Studying LLM in the UK
To learn more about studying LLM in the UK, contact the team at SI-UK India today for a free consultation on your future.