The LLM, or Master of Laws (from the Latin Legum Magister) is the equivalent of an MA to a BA, or an MSc to a BSc. It’s the postgraduate qualification for a law degree and is a more academically focused course, relying on theory more than practice, in regards to the legal sector.
Some people question the value of LLMs, but what they allow for is a specialisation of your legal knowledge, setting you up with the academic background to be fully immersed in the theoretics of a particular area of law.
There’s a variety of opportunities available within the LLM, and it appeals to those whose passion for a particular nuance of the legal world was ignited by their undergraduate degree or GDL and they want to consolidate that knowledge. It can also be seen as a way of ‘improving’ an undergraduate degree that perhaps was not as high a mark as was desired, or done simply because some people love to have a full theoretical knowledge of their subject before putting into practice.
To qualify, you’ll usually need an undergraduate LLB, although some institutions do allow candidates who have completed a non-law degree followed by the GDL, to join their LLM program. When looking around for what kind of LLM you would like, you’ll need to take into account that not all Universities or providers will offer LLMs in every specialism, so it might be an idea to determine exactly what it is you want to study at a higher level before having a look around where you want to be doing it, to avoid disappointment.
Whilst an LLM is pretty much never a requisite qualification for a career in the legal sector, there’s never any harm in learning more about your subject and being able to pull out theoretical knowledge in a real life situation. Whether the LLM is right or not is an extremely personal decision, and only one that you can make. Check out the options below to see if any of them are up your street, and who knows where your LLM might take you!
Our LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) course is designed for graduates who want to qualify as a solicitor using the new SQE route to practice and also gain a Master’s award.
Designed for those working in the justice, social and consumer sectors, this course also supports a career change to a solicitor or barrister, supporting your development of transferable skills in critical thinking, analysis and communication that you can use throughout your career.
Our academic Master of Laws (LLMs) are aimed at law and non-law graduates who want to explore the practical application of a particular, specialist area of law.
Studying a Master of Laws (LLM) could give you an advantage in an increasingly competitive market, by developing your knowledge in a specialised area of law.
The LLM Media Law, Privacy and Defamation is an innovative, flexible programme that will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of media law, privacy and defamation in practice.
Our LLM International Business and Commercial Law programme is designed for those wanting to work with international clients, and provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal issues that businesses face through setting up and operating internationally, as well as the practical legal skills needed to advise those clients.
The LLM International Criminal Law is an innovative, flexible programme that will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of international criminal law in practice.
The LLM Healthcare Regulation is an innovative, flexible programme that will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of healthcare regulation in practice.
The LLM International and Comparative Law is an innovative, flexible programme that will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of international and comparative law in practice.
Our International Law and Social Justice LLM has been specifically designed for those working in the justice, international trade, charity and not-for profit/non-governmental organisations (NGOs). This course, like our others has an emphasis on social justice, but our International Law and Social Justice LLM will also give you a deeper understanding of international human rights and the law of international trade.
Recommended
