An LLM is an advanced law degree open to those holding a recognised legal qualification, typically an undergraduate law degree or CPE/GDL. It is also known as a Master of Laws.

An LLM is not sufficient to allow the holder to practise as a solicitor or barrister. Instead, an LLM is generally undertaken by lawyers who want more training, perhaps in an area of law in which they are unfamiliar or basic legal skills such as writing and researching.

Why should I do an LLM?

Improve your career prospects
If you are unemployed, underemployed or feel that your current education is not enough to get a job with the status which you want, an LLM can teach you new skills and improve your academic qualifications.

Change fields
If you want to move from one legal specialism to another, an LLM can provide you with the education necessary to do this.

Master your current field
In the same way that an LLM can allow you to learn about another legal specialism, you can take an LLM in an area of law you are already familiar with to learn more about that field.

Learn about international law
An LLM can teach you about the law from an international perspective. Studying for this will make you more aware of how other countries’ laws and institutions will affect your work.

What’s involved in an LLM?

A full-time LLM typically takes nine months to one year to complete, although longer courses also exist.

Part-time LLMs generally take two years to complete. There are also options to study an LLM by distance learning or through coursework only.

Course contents

The actual content of an LLM course varies according to what is being studied. Typical LLM subjects include:

• LLM in computer and communications law
• LLM in criminal justice
• LLM in European law
• LLM in human-rights law
• LLM in industrial and commercial law
• LLM in international law
• LLM in medical law
• LLM in property law
• LLM in tax law
• LLM in WTO law.

Where can I study an LLM?

There are over 70 law schools in the UK which offer LLM courses, with more being added all the time. And you’re not just limited to the British Isles. The USA, Continental Europe and Australia are all popular destinations for those wishing to do an LLM.

Here are a few LLM providers in the UK:

• BPP Law School
• University of West England, Bristol, Law Faculty
• Staffordshire University, Law School
• The College of Law
• Kingston University, Faculty of Business and Law
• Central Law Training
• Oxford Institute of Legal Practice