The Master of Laws (LLM) Degree – A Guide

The LLM (Master of Laws) is an advanced postgraduate Law qualifcation. If you're a law graduate interested in more advanced training, or a legal professional looking to specialise in a specific branch of judicial theory, you may wish to consider an LLM degree.

We’ve put together a simple overview of the LLM degree on this page. You can read about course content, application requirements and find out whether a Master of Laws is right for you.

For advice on other qualifications, check out our full guide to postgraduate law courses or find out about different Masters degree types.

The LLM is a Masters in Law. Most are taught degrees, but some can have research elements.

The LLM is a common international degree, but programmes differ slightly between countries.

Historically the LLM is associated with Anglophone (English-language) university systems such as the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In these countries the LLM is an academic Masters degree, as described on this page.

LLM degrees and their equivalents are also offered in other higher education systems, worldwide:

• In Europe the LLM is being recognised by the Bologna Process. Its status and purpose can vary however. Some countries award their own Masters-level Law qualifications. These may be academic programmes (similar to the LLM) or they may form part of a professional training process.
• In Asia the LLM is becoming more popular as universities adopt common western degrees. Most of these programmes are academic, rather than professional.

Studying an LLM abroad

As an academic degree, the LLM is often highly transferrable. Whereas professional qualifications tend to relate to specific judicial systems, the legal theory studied on an LLM can be more widely relevant.

This makes the LLM an attractive option for postgraduate study abroad. Some programmes take extra advantage of this by focussing on global topics such as international business, tax or human rights law.

LLMs are usually taught courses (though some research programmes are available). They follow a similar format to other Masters degrees such as the MA and MSc.

You’ll complete a series of individual modules on particular topics before proceeding to an extended research and dissertation task in the final part of your course.

Some programmes will specify the modules you need to complete. This is likely if your course is more specialised. Others may allow you to choose from a range of options, according to your interests.

Teaching methods will include discussion-group seminars, lectures and practical workshops or case studies. As with other Masters degrees you’ll be expected to supplement course timetable with independent reading and analysis.

Assessment will normally be in the form of written coursework assignments. Examinations are unlikely for academic programmes, but may be required if your LLM has a professional training component.

How long is an LLM?

A full-time taught LLM normally requires 1 year of study. This will involve two teaching terms, followed by a period of time for your dissertation.

Part-time and distance learning LLMs will often be longer, with courses up to two years.

Some full-time courses can also last longer than a year. This can be due to additional course content. For example, if your course combines the LLM with another component (such as a professional Law or Bar Practice qualification) its course length will reflect this. Some research-based LLMs are also longer

How many credits is an LLM worth?

LLMs are treated in the same way as other Masters degrees when it comes to credit weighting. This means that a full Master of Laws will normally be worth 180 CATS credits in the UK.

European LLM programmes will use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System and be worth up to 90 ECTS credits.

What is involved in an LLM dissertation?

Your LLM dissertation will require you to research and write a thesis on a legal topic of your choosing.

This could involve solving issues involved in professional practice, comparing different judicial systems or using case studies and legal theory to reflect upon each other.

You’ll be assigned a supervisor to guide your research, but will be responsible for planning, managing and completing the task using your own initiative and expertise.

LLM dissertations are normally examined as written work, but some courses may include an oral defence of your findings and conclusions.