What is a Master of Laws (LLM) Degree? – A Guide

Written by James Tippett

The LLM (Master of Laws) is a postgraduate qualification for law graduates and legal professionals who want to deepen their knowledge in a specific area of law. It usually takes one year to study full time (or two years part time) and costs between £9,000 and £13,000 in the UK (higher for international students). Most LLMs follow a structured format of core and optional modules followed by a research dissertation, with assessment typically based on coursework and written assignments.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the ins and outs of LLM degrees — from what you’ll actually study and how the course is structured, to what the application process looks like and the different ways you can fund your studies.

What is an LLM degree? What type of LLM qualification should I do? How to apply for an LLM Funding an LLM

What is an LLM?

The LLM is a Masters in Law which is a non-professional qualification that provides advanced training in specialised legal areas. Most are taught degrees, but some courses may have research elements. You do not need an LLM qualification to practice law, however it may make you more attractive to hiring law firms.

You may also chose to study an LLM to work in business or management positions where you will need a strong understanding of economic or corporate law.

Master of Laws (LLM) - An Overview
Type	Taught / Research
Qualification Level	7 (NQF)
Length	1-2 years
Credit Value	180 CATS / 90-120 ECTS

LLM entry requirements

Most applicants for an LLM will have an existing Law degree, such as an LLB (Bachelors of Laws) or a GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law). However, you may have similar qualifications or experience in similar subjects such as business or economics.

Most universities will ask that you hold at least a 2:1 degree or be able to provide strong references and evidence relevant work experience.

What type of LLM qualification should I do?

LLMs can cover a broad range of subjects so check with your university as to what modules they teach. Some common areas of law include:

Employment Law
Environmental Law
Insurance Law
Tax Law

Some universities also offer LLMs in conjunction with Legal Practice Courses (LPCs) or Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) training courses. Both of these are an important step towards becoming a qualified solicitor.

Where can I study an LLM?

The LLM is a common international qualification that is highly transferrable and can be studied world-wide.

Some universities in Europe may offer similar law qualifications which could be academically taught or offer a more vocational focus.

What does LLM study look like?

LLMs are typically taught courses that follow a similar format to other Masters degrees, such as the MA and MSc.

A full-time LLM typically lasts for one year and involves two teaching terms followed by a research period for your dissertation. Assessment will normally be based on written coursework assignments and your final dissertation. Although less common, exams may also be required.

Will I qualify as a solicitor or a barrister?

An LLM will not qualify you as a solicitor or a barrister. To become a solicitor you must complete a Solicitors Qualifications Exam (which can sometimes be taken alongside an LLM) and complete two years of legal work experience.

In order to become a barrister, you’ll need to complete a Bar course and pupillage to practice.

How to apply for an LLM

Applications should be made directly to the institutions that you’re interested in studying at. Each university will detail their specific processes and guidelines.

It’s likely you’ll need to provide:

A personal statement
An academic or professional reference
Degree transcripts
Academic writing samples

Funding an LLM

The cost of an LLM can vary between course, subject and institution. In the UK, LLM tuition is typically between £9,000 - £13,000, or up to £19,000 for international students.

If you’re a UK student, you’ll be eligible to take out a postgraduate loan from the government. Your university may also offer scholarships or bursaries. You can read more about funding a postgraduate degree on our website.

Tips from the author

Before applying for an LLM, spend some time researching the exact modules offered by different universities – course titles can often look similar, but the content can vary hugely. Try to choose a programme that genuinely aligns with your long-term goals (for example, a specific area of practice, or a legal career within industry or government).

Also, don’t underestimate the amount of independent research involved. The taught element feels familiar at first, but your dissertation will require you to develop your own ideas and write with a lot more autonomy – which can actually be one of the most rewarding parts of the course if you choose a topic you’re genuinely interested in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an LLM useful if I don’t plan to become a practising lawyer?

Absolutely – many people use an LLM to gain legal knowledge relevant to roles in business, public policy or finance. It can also help if you plan to work in regulatory, compliance or advisory positions.

Can I work while studying for an LLM?

Yes – many students take the part-time route so they can continue working, though you’ll still need to set aside time for research and independent study, especially during the dissertation phase.

Is it possible to study an LLM abroad?

Yes – LLMs are widely offered around the world and many universities accept international students. Studying abroad can be a great opportunity to specialise in the law of another country or gain an international perspective.

Is the LLM more academic or practical in style?

It depends on the programme. Some LLMs are highly academic and research-based, while others are more practice-oriented (often with links to professional training courses or industry partnerships).

Can I choose my own dissertation topic for an LLM?

Yes – most LLM programmes allow students to propose their own dissertation topic (subject to approval), which gives you a chance to explore a legal issue that genuinely interests you.

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What is a Master of Laws (LLM) Degree? – A Guide

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