LLM Courses - Learn About Master of Laws (LLMs)

UK LLM Universities

The table below features a selection of institutions offering LLM courses. Please note, while we aim to maintain the accuracy of this information, some course providers may not feature. Entry requirements, start dates and fees may be subject to change:

University of Law LLM Courses

When you study your LLM with the University of Law (ULaw), you have several options available to you, including the LLM Master of Laws (General) or the LLM Legal Practice Course (SQE 1 & 2). With the ULaw LLM Master of Laws (General), you will have complete flexibility over your choice of modules and your dissertation topic.

The LLM Legal Practice Course enables you to qualify as a solicitor and gain a Master’s degree. With the move to the SQE, there is an SQE LLM option available for those who do not qualify to begin the LPC route. You will also receive four weeks guaranteed Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

ULaw is one of the longest providers of LLM courses in the UK and they work with over 90 of the top 100 law firms in Britain to ensure that you are fully prepared as a trainee solicitor and ready to transition into your first role.

How to Choose an LLM Course

Choosing the right LLM course for you will depend on a number of factors, including:

• Location
• University reputation
• Course structure, content and area of legal specialism
• Course costs and associated living expenses

1. Area Of Legal Specialism

The area of law that you want to specialise in will help to determine which LLM provider and LLM degree are the right fit for you. If you are undecided, you can choose to study a general LLM course.

The areas of legal specialism available to you will vary depending on the institution. If you want to study a niche area of law, your options might be limited, but this will help to narrow down your search.

2. Course Structure, Content And Costs

Each LLM programme offered by a university will feature different modules and course structures. It’s important to read course overviews so that you have a good understanding of what’s involved in each programme. You want to make sure that the course you are joining contains the learning outcomes you are looking for.

The cost of each LLM course will also differ greatly, with higher costs to study in bigger cities like London, Birmingham, Liverpool or Manchester. If you plan to relocate to study, you will have to think about accommodation costs and associated living expenses.

3. University Reputation

Laws firms have historically preferred candidates from leading universities (in the UK, this would constitute the top 25 universities known as the Russell Group), though there are ongoing efforts to improve accessibility into the legal sector. While it is generally preferable to attend a well-reputed university (the higher entry requirements suggest higher attainment, and could help you stand out in a competitive industry), there are rarely specific requirements to have attended specific universities.

It may also be relevant to look at department rankings or a universities reputation for the specific LLM you are pursuing. Some university law departments are highly reputed for certain areas of law, so it’s worth researching more than just where a university appears in a ‘top universities’ table.

Types of LLM Courses

There is a wide selection of LLM courses you can choose to study. Below are some of the most popular LLM courses available, but this list is not exhaustive.

LLM Commercial Law

Commercial law LLM courses tend to be broken down into different disciplines, including:

• Company law
• Competition law
• Contract law
• International trade law
• Mergers and acquisitions law
• Banking law

Commercial law is a broad legal discipline, with many LLM providers offering courses fully focused on commercial law. However, some LLM programmes give you the opportunity to study one area of commercial law or a combination of the sub-topics.

Relevant LLM Courses in Commercial Law

Criminal Law LLM

LLM courses in criminal law are very extensive, covering the areas of physical and financial crime. Topics can include:

• Regulation and enforcement of the law
• Criminal procedure
• Financial crime

A key area addressed in most LLM criminal law courses is sentencing and theoretical justifications for punishment. The death penalty is often studied in-depth too.

Competition for places on LLM criminal law courses is fierce. They are incredibly popular and offered by most UK LLM providers. There are a wide range of module combinations available, allowing you to study a criminal law LLM more generally or focus on a specialised area.

Relevant LLM Courses in Criminal Law

Energy and Environmental Law

A handful of universities offer LLM programmes in energy and environmental law. These courses focus on building knowledge and skills to consult on current energy and environmental issues and how the two intersect.

LLM courses in energy and environmental law are often compiled by legal specialists operating within the industry sector. Courses tend to cover the legal, political and economic issues associated with energy and environmental law at the national, regional and in particular, the international level.

Immigration Law LLM

LLM immigration law courses are highly specialised, often involving the study of legal cases covering issues such as:

• Immigrant mistreatment
• Political asylum
• Visas
• Business immigration
• Extradition
• Human Rights

LLM degrees in immigration law can also branch out into the study of international relations, with a particular focus on the United Nations’ International Covenant on Political Rights. You may focus on the immigration laws of specific countries too.

Relevant LLM Courses in Immigration Law

Sports Law LLM

An LLM in sports law is relatively niche. There are only a handful of LLM providers in the UK and Ireland offering this type of law masters degree. If you want to work in sports regulation and/or governance, a sports law LLM is for you. This type of degree could potentially lead to a career as:

• A representative of a sports governing body
• A sports broadcaster
• A legal representative for individual sports athletes

Relevant LLM Courses in Sports Law