Frequently asked questions

• Can I study by distance learning?
  It is not normally possible to study for the LLM at UCL by distance learning. However, the University of London offers an LLM programme by distance learning.
• Do you offer the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE)?
  We do not offer the GDL, LPC or SQE here at UCL. You can find a list of providers for the GDL here. For more information on the process to qualify to practice law in the UK please see the Central Applications Board.
• Can I transfer credits from previous education for the LLM programme?
  No, all successful applicants must enrol at the beginning of the programme and complete the full 180 credits. We do not consider Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) requests.
• Are there any scholarships or funding available for the LLM programme?
  The Faculty of Laws offers a number of scholarships annually for the LLM programme. Please see available awards, eligibility requirements and how to apply.

UCL also offers a number of scholarships centrally. To find available opportunities, please see the webpage.

• Do I need a law qualification to apply?
  Yes, you need a law qualification to be considered for the LLM, i.e. Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Juris Doctor (JD), Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). In exceptional circumstances, graduates without a law qualification but with work experience will be considered, however, experience must be relevant and a minimum of five years. This is a very uncommon route into the programme.
• Does UCL offer an English course if I don’t meet the requirements?
  Yes, UCL Pre-sessional English Courses are intensive and academically challenging courses normally intended for international students who are planning to study a graduate degree (MA, MSc, LLM or MPhil/PhD) at UCL, but do not meet the English language requirement of their conditional offer. Find out more on the webpage.

• Is there an application fee?
  Yes, UCL has a non-refundable application processing fee for graduate taught programmes. The 2026/27 application fees are £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Please note that online applications will not be submitted, and paper applications will not be processed, until the application fee has been paid in full.
• What does the admissions process involve?
  Once you submit your completed application, it is first received by the UCL Admissions Office. They record applicant details and then assign the application form to UCL Laws if the application is complete. Confirmation is sent to the applicant to say the application is complete and has been sent to UCL Laws. It is UCL Laws who considers the application form and makes a decision. An application is considered complete when all components have been uploaded (personal statement, written work, transcript) and the referee has responded. If your application is missing any documents, the UCL Admissions Office will email you to request the missing documents and the application will not be forwarded to UCL Laws for consideration until everything has been received. Please ensure your referee responds promptly to avoid any delays. Please note your reference will need to come from an institutional address and not from a personal one.
• All applicants will be informed of their decision via the UCL Applicants Portal by the UCL Admissions Office and not by UCL Laws itself. You can expect to receive a response from UCL around 10 working weeks after your application has been received, completed, and processed by the UCL Admissions Office. It can be quicker depending on the time of year and volume of applications to process. If your application is received incompletely, the 10 working weeks will count from the time you submit the required documents to make your application complete.

• When do I apply?

  Please check the dates available on the UCL Prospective Students page. We recommend applying as early as possible, particularly if you require a decision by a certain date for funding reasons, as it can take around 10 working weeks for a decision to be made from the point that you receive confirmation from the UCL Admissions Office that your application is complete and has been sent to UCL Laws for consideration.

• I haven't taken an English language test yet. Can I still apply now, or do I have to wait for my test result?
  You can still submit an application for the LLM programme if you have not yet taken an English test. We are able to make decisions on applications without an English test, provided all other documents have been submitted (transcripts, personal statement, written work, and reference). If we would like to make you an offer, it will be conditional upon meeting the English language requirements (and any other requirements if necessary).
• Does the written work have to be an original piece, or can I use an essay I’ve written from a different course?
  You may adapt an old piece of work, provided it fits the following remit: Your piece of work should not exceed 750 words. It should be a complete piece, not an extract, an abstract or a summary. It should be on a topic of contemporary relevance in your area of legal interest. Your written work should demonstrate your reasoning, analytical ability, and communication skills.
• Can I apply for more than one LLM? 
  No, you must only apply to one LLM, such as the general LLM or one specialism route. Only one application will be assessed and any further applications will be withdrawn.
• How much is the tuition fee deposit, and is it refundable?
  Offer holders for the LLM programme will receive details of the tuition fee deposit and the payment deadline for their deposit in their offer letter. The deposit is not normally refundable, unless for reasons outlined in the tuition fee deposit policy guidelines available on the webpage.