LLM in Law and Social Justice

Overview

The LLM in Law and Social Justice is a rewarding programme which equips you with the skills to challenge inequities and advocate for marginalised communities. It covers a broad range of social justice issues, designed to get students thinking about how law interacts with, shapes and is shaped by society and vulnerable populations. Taught by leading experts, our research-led teaching ensures that what you learn is relevant in any jurisdiction. The interdisciplinary nature of the modules in the Law and Social Justice specialism makes this a unique programme which will allow you to develop a breadth of skills.

Highlights

• Complete your LLM degree in just 10 months when studying full-time, giving you a head start in industry
• 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
• Develop your skills and legal knowledge by taking part in mooting and debating competitions as well as pro-bono opportunities, allowing you to provide legal advice and give back to the local community
• Access specialist careers support from our in-house Careers Consultant
• Work in our state of the art faculty, Bentham House, which provides an inspiring home to our staff and students. Located in the heart of central London providing you with a unique opportunity to draw on the resources of the centre of the UK’s government, legal and financial communities

Why choose this programme? 

Students on this specialism are passionate about social justice issues, such as ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to access legal advice and courts, or using law to help protect vulnerable individuals and groups. If you're interested in the ways that the law impacts society and marginalised populations; in thinking critically about issues like race, gender or discrimination in the law; or if you see injustices around you, this specialism will allow you to learn more about how to recognise and fight them.

Who should apply?

Our students are typically passionate about social justice issues, such as ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to access legal advice and courts, or using law to help protect vulnerable individuals and groups.

Students taking this specialism are very international. Many students have joined straight from completing an undergraduate degree in law and related subjects, while others have years of experience working in law, government and third sector organisations in jobs that connect to the broad themes of the social justice modules.

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.

Students will need to obtain 180 credits consisting of taught modules and a research essay to successfully complete the programme. Given the wide selection of modules to choose from, students can create a truly unique programme. Students are advised to plan their modules choices and research essay carefully and in advance. You will select your modules at pre-enrolment, before arrival.

Career prospects and employability

UCL LLM in Law and Social Justice graduates are highly sought after worldwide. Alongside advanced legal knowledge, students develop transferable skills in critical thinking, legal and social analysis, research, communication, and advocacy—qualities valued across many sectors. They also strengthen their professional profile through extracurricular activities such as mooting, debating, and pro bono work, gaining practical experience in legal advice, community projects, and promoting social justice.

Graduates with expertise in law and social justice are particularly well-placed for roles in legal practice, policy, and government, as well as third-sector organisations, equipping them to address complex social and legal challenges.

Many enter the legal profession as solicitors, lawyers, or legal associates in areas such as family law, criminal law, social welfare law, or law reform. Others move into consultancy, policy-making, academic research and higher education, NGOs, or international organisations.

According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018‑22, UCL Laws graduates advance their careers in major law firms and global professional services organisations such as Linklaters LLP, Clifford Chance, Dentons, Clyde & Co., Zhong Lun Law Firm, and firms/auditors including KPMG LLP, PwC, Deloitte LLP, and EY, as well as public bodies such as the Ministry of Justice. Others go on to undertake professional legal training, PhD programmes, or further academic study.