LLM in International Banking and Finance Law
Gain specialist knowledge of the legal frameworks governing financial markets, regulatory compliance, fintech, and cross-border transactions to advance your career in global finance
Overview
International banking and finance law is central to the global economy. On this specialist LLM programme, you will explore the legal frameworks governing financial markets, institutions, and transactions. You will develop a strong understanding of the regulatory and legal complexities of the financial sector, preparing you for careers in this dynamic field.
International banking and finance shape the day-to-day activities of organisations worldwide. Through this specialism, you will deepen your knowledge of key areas of financial law and benefit from teaching by experts working at the forefront of the field.
Apply for the Master of Laws (LLM)
Applications are now open via the UCL Prospective Students page. The page also includes details about tuition fees and any extra costs.
Apply nowLLM Scholarships at UCL Laws
UCL Laws offers a range of scholarships for LLM students, including UCL200 awards and the Commercial Bar Opportunity Scholarship. Apply by 16 April.
Find out moreHighlights
- Complete your LLM degree in just 10 months when studying full-time, giving you a head start in your career
- Study in the heart of legal London, with access to 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 benefit from Graduate Law Society which delivers an outstanding programme of activities and events each term.
- Tailor your programme to suit your interests and career goals through a wide range of modules.
- omplete your LLM in 10 months full-time, giving you a head start in your career
Why choose this programme?
This specialism engages with issues at the forefront of global financial law, including regulatory reform, market developments, and emerging challenges such as fintech and sustainable finance. You will explore how banking and finance intersect with broader economic and social issues, from green investment to financial regulation and consumer protection.
You will study alongside a diverse cohort with a range of academic and professional backgrounds, enriching classroom discussion and broadening your perspective.
Please visit our LLM applying and entry requirements to find out the exact requirements for this programme.
Who should apply?
This specialism is suitable if you are looking to build expertise in international banking and finance law.
You may be a recent law graduate seeking to specialise, or a professional aiming to deepen your knowledge and advance your career. The programme is particularly relevant if you are interested in financial regulation, policy, and the legal frameworks governing global markets.
It provides a strong foundation for careers in legal practice, regulatory bodies, international organisations, and consultancy.
Essential information for applicants
LLM Applying and Entry Requirements
Our entry requirements and guidance to help you successfully complete your LLM application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we recommend applying as early as possible.
Postgraduate scholarships and funding
UCL Laws offers a range of scholarships to support students on both our Master's programmes, including awards based on academic excellence, financial need, and widening access
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about the UCL Master of Laws (LLM), including entry requirements, the application process, and how to apply.
Offer holders: Master of Laws (LLM)
From meeting your conditions, to accepting your offer and choosing your modules, you can find lots of information to help you prepare for life at UCL Laws in this section for LLM offer-holders
Programme structure
The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures and tutorials. You 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 the audience or group projects.
During the programme, you will research and write a 9000-word Research Essay, which counts towards your final grade.
There are ten weeks of classes per term, with a break for reading week after week five. Throughout the term, you will be able to take advantage of the wide range of events held within the faculty and across UCL, including special lectures, mooting, debating and activities organised by the UCL Laws Graduate Law Society. During the first week of term one, you will attend the LLM Induction Programme, which includes a series of events to welcome you to UCL Laws and to UCL as a whole, and to complete your formal registration onto the LLM programme. In the second week of term, you will begin your first classes. You will be asked to indicate your Research Essay topic in October and you will be allocated an RE advisor who provides guidance on choosing the topic and researching and writing the essay.
Term threeYour assessments, including any coursework essays are normally submitted in the first week of term three. All examinations take place during term three and can be scheduled at any time during this term. The examination schedule is published at the end of term two. During the entire year from September to June you will work on your Research Essay (RE) which will be submitted at the end of term three.
You will follow the same programme as full-time students above, except for the following:
Your degree will be completed over two academic years In your first year, you will take 90 credits of taught modules. In your second year, you will take the remaining 45 credits of taught modules and the 45 credit Research Essay. You will therefore complete module selection twice: once at the start of your programme and again in the summer before you return to your second and final year.
You will be invited to attend induction at the start of your first year with the full-time students.
Please note that you will be attending classes with full-time and flexi LLM students. Module teaching can be scheduled between 9am-8pm on weekdays. You will be able to reference the timetable when making your module selections each year.
You will follow the same programme as full-time students above, except for the following:
You will have up to 5 academic years to complete your degree. You can plan how you would like to complete your 135 taught module credits over that 5 year period based on your personal circumstances (or earlier if you plan to complete the degree in fewer than 5 years). We will prompt you to select modules each year.
Master of Laws (LLM) – Modules
Explore the full list of modules for the UCL Master of Laws (LLM) programme for the 2026/27 academic year, including core and specialist pathway modules across all LLM specialisms.
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
Graduates of the UCL LLM in International Banking and Finance Law are highly sought after worldwide. Alongside advanced legal knowledge, you will develop transferable skills in critical thinking, legal and financial analysis, research, communication, and advocacy—valued across many sectors. You can also strengthen your professional profile through extracurricular activities such as mooting, debating, and pro bono work.
With expertise in this field, you will be well placed for roles in private practice, in-house legal teams, financial services, regulatory bodies, fintech companies, and consultancy.
Career paths include roles as solicitors, legal associates, or corporate counsel specialising in banking and finance, as well as positions in policy, compliance, and international organisations.
According to recent Graduate Outcomes data (2022-23), UCL Laws graduates have gone on to work at leading international law firms, professional services organisations, and public bodies. Recent employers include Allen & Overy, Slaughter and May, White & Case, Milbank, Bird & Bird, KPMG, PwC, and UK and international government departments. Many students go on to undertake professional legal training, PhD programmes, or other further academic studies.
LLM Student Spotlights
Meet some of our 2024/25 LLM students as they share reflections on a transformative and rewarding year at UCL Laws.
