LLM in Corporate Law

Overview

The LLM in Corporate Law offers an in-depth exploration of corporate law, combining theoretical foundations with practical insights. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of corporate law, regulation, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and more. 

By examining corporate law from both UK, comparative and interdisciplinary perspectives, students gain a robust understanding of how legal principles operate within the corporate economy and how they can be applied to real-world scenarios.

Highlights

• Complete your LLM degree in just 10 months when studying full-time, giving you a head start in industry
• Our location in the heart of legal London provides you with a unique opportunity to draw on the resources of the centre of the UK’s government, legal and financial communities.
• Gain practical skills with pro-bono opportunities offered at the Centre for Access to Justice, allowing you to provide legal advice and give back to the local community.  
• Develop your skills and legal knowledge by taking part in mooting and debating competitions.
• Access specialist careers support from our in-house Careers Consultant.
• Be a part of our global student community and take advantage of our unrivalled UCL Laws Society which delivers an outstanding programme of activities and events each term.

Why choose this programme?

Taught by leading experts and practitioners, students will gain advanced knowledge in how common problems in corporate law are regulated in different legal systems; how law shapes the economic and financial context within which firms operate, and how it responds to challenges posed by modern financial markets. 

Students will understand how the legal framework is applied in practice and which issues lawyers and businessmen face in complex corporate transactions.

Who should apply?

Students in this specialism come from a wide array of backgrounds and locations around the globe. Some join the program directly after completing their undergraduate studies, while others have several years of experience practicing law in firms, working in finance, for large corporations, or in public sector roles. Common among them is a passion for exploring key questions at the heart of the corporate economy: How do firms finance their operations? How do they grow and acquire other businesses? What are effective strategies for companies in financial distress? How can corporate law ensure that companies serve not only their shareholders but the broader common good? 

Please visit our LLM applying and entry requirements to find out the exact requirements for this programme. 

Programme structure

The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures and tutorials. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, particularly for seminars and tutorials.

Assessment in taught modules is often by examination, an assessed coursework essay, or through a combination of both. There may be other forms of assessments such as oral presentations, output for audience or group projects.

During the programme, you will research and write a 9000 word Research Essay which counts towards your final grade.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees and support

You can find full details about tuition fees for both UK and international students on the UCL Prospectus for this programme. This includes information on any additional study-related costs you may need to budget for.

For guidance on paying your fees, budgeting tips, and support with financial planning while you study, head over to managing your money on the UCL website. 

Scholarships and external funding 

UCL Laws offers various scholarships for LLM students based on academic merit, financial need, and widening access, including new awards as part of the UCL200 Scholarships initiative ahead of UCL’s 2026 Bicentennial.

In addition to the scholarships, students may be eligible for a range of other external funding options.

Please visit the Scholarships and Funding page for more information.

Career prospects and employability

UCL LLM in Corporate Law graduates are highly sought after worldwide. Alongside advanced legal knowledge, students develop transferable skills in critical thinking, legal and financial analysis, communication, and advocacy—qualities valued across many sectors. They also strengthen their professional profile through extracurricular opportunities such as mooting, debating, and pro bono work.

Graduates with expertise in corporate law are particularly well-positioned for roles in multinational corporations, financial institutions, regulatory authorities, and government agencies, where their knowledge of corporate transactions, governance, and regulation is highly valued. 

Many graduates enter the legal profession, working as solicitors, lawyers, or legal associates, particularly in roles focused on corporate law, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, or financial regulation. Others pursue careers in financial institutions, consultancy, government agencies, academia, or international organisations. 

According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018‑22, recent employers include major law firms and global professional services organisations such as Linklaters LLP, Clifford Chance, Dentons, Clyde & Co., Zhong Lun Law Firm, as well as firms/auditors like KPMG LLP, PwC, Deloitte LLP, EY, and public bodies such as the Ministry of Justice. Many students go on to undertake professional legal training, PhD programmes, or other further academic studies.