LLM Master of Laws Degree in the UK

Gain the in-depth knowledge, skills and experience needed for a successful career in law

Master of Laws is a postgraduate course designed for law graduates and practising lawyers to specialise in a particular area, such as tax, environmental or employment law. An LLM course generally lasts one year full-time and 24 months part-time, and students will select the module or area they wish to study and complete a dissertation over the learning period.

Leading experts with academic and practical experience and knowledge teach LLM programmes. Each LLM is supported by guest lecturers drawn from the government, the professions and the financial world, and while studying an LLM, you will have the opportunity to gain legal experience by working on real-life cases, improving your employment prospects.

Each LLM is designed to enhance your employability in a legal context through ‘practice-ready’ modules. You will also interact with leading academics, researchers, judges, officials and practitioners from various legal systems.

Most law schools have limited places available, so it is important to have a clear idea of what you wish to focus on during the application phase. An LLM UK qualification will provide graduates with a competitive edge in a crowded job market and also offer the chance for a change in direction for those currently employed.

LLM Course Duration and Assessment

LLM courses last one-year full-time and two years part-time, and students are assessed by examinations on legal issues and findings and a dissertation.

LLM Course Fees

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), which is 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.

LLM Course Options

LLMs in the UK provide a wide range of specialist areas to help you develop your legal skills and knowledge. Students can often choose from over 20 specialist electives to build their own LLM - each is fully flexible with full-time and part-time study options, meaning that you can undertake an LLM at any time in your academic or professional career.

Popular LLM specialisms include:

• LLM Commercial Law
• LLM Corporate Finance Law
• LLM International Business Law
• LLM The Law of Investigations
• LLM The Law relating to Fraud and Financial Crime
• LLM The Law relating to International Financial Transactions
• LLM UK and International Banking Law

Master of Laws Careers

An LLM degree provides students with a competitive edge in the job market, especially in highly specialised fields of law. It can also help students advance their careers by demonstrating their commitment to continuing education and professional development.

Many law firms prefer LLM graduates to join their teams, as they have specialised knowledge in a particular area of law. LLM graduates can work as associates and partners or even start their own law firms.

LLM graduates can pursue a career in academia by teaching law at law schools and universities, and government agencies also hire LLM graduates to work in different positions, such as legal advisors, judges, and administrative law judges.

LLM degree graduates will move into legal or corporate practice and also take on roles in management, business, banking, non-governmental organisations, research and teaching. Traditional legal roles include lawyer, risk analysis and litigation. If LLM graduates wish to remain in the study, a number also choose to study for a PhD.

Average Salary for LLM Professionals

The average marketing salary for LLM graduates in the UK varies depending on the specific job title, level of experience, and industry.

According to the UK job search website Indeed, the average salary for LLM professionals in the UK is around £49,000 per year as of March 2023. However, this figure can range from around £25,000 per year for entry-level positions to over £100,000 per year for senior positions in some areas of law.

Graduate Employability Rate for an LLM Degree

According to the Guardian University Guide 2023 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.

Master of Laws UK Entry Requirements

A first or second-class honours degree, or equivalent internationally recognised qualification in Law, is required, as well as an understanding of the basic principles of public and private law. Other degrees will be considered if substantial legal knowledge and experience can be proved.

Most universities require applicants to hold a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or an equivalent law degree from a recognised institution. Some universities may also accept applicants with degrees in other subjects if they have relevant work experience in the legal field.

Some LLM courses may require applicants to have relevant work experience in the legal field, and applicants are typically required to provide academic or professional references to support their application.

• Typical IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall, with no lower than 6.0 in any one component.

Please note that entry requirements vary for each UK university.

Where can I study Master of Laws in the UK?

To learn more about the best Law LLM courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Law universities in the Guardian University Guide 2024 below:

Study a Law Master's in the UK

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