Master of Laws (LLM)
Our generalist Master of Laws (LLM) degree offers a broad and flexible legal education, taught in the heart of London by world-leading academics and practitioners.
Overview
Join a global community of the brightest and most ambitious graduate students at one of the world’s best Law schools. Located in the heart of legal London, our 10-month LLM programme provides students with strong foundations to develop their legal expertise in specialist subject areas. Our shorter study period enables students to fast-track their career and gain a competitive edge in the job market. For those already in practice or with other responsibilities, there is the option to study part-time over two years (10 month each), or a modular/flexible option in which students will have up to five years (10 months each) to complete their degree.
Taught by leading experts, our research-led teaching ensures that what you learn is relevant in any jurisdiction. We offer a wide range of modules, including commercial and corporate law, human rights law, global health governance, environmental law, intellectual property, and legal history. Whether you wish to explore your intellectual interests freely or specialise in a particular area of legal research, UCL Laws provides the flexibility you need.
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 nowRegister for our virtual open event
Join our live online event on 10 December to learn more about the programme, specialist pathways, career prospects, modules, and how to apply.
Sign upHighlights
- 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.
- The option to study part-time over two years (10 months each), or undertake modular/flexible study and complete the course over five years (10 months each).
- 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?
As a student on this programme, you will develop a deep and comprehensive understanding of specialised areas of law, gained from a rigorous and research-led curriculum. You will be able to think critically, analyse complex legal arguments and address intricate legal issues. You will have a broadened global perspective on legal systems and practices, providing insights to various jurisdictions and international legal contexts.
Who should apply?
The programme is designed for law graduates who are looking to practice in specialist areas of law as well as practitioners who are aiming to develop their legal expertise. Please visit our LLM applying and entry requirements page to find out the exact requirements for this programme.
Essential information for applicants
LLM Applying and Entry Requirements
Our entry requirements and guidance to help you successfully complete your LLM application.
Scholarships and funding
Details for 2026/27 scholarships, including deadlines and application forms, will be published soon. Support is available for LLM and MSc Law and Finance students.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about studying an LLM programme with us.
Offer holders
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. 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.
Terms one and two
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.
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.
Term three
Your 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.
You will work on your research essay (re) from September to June throughout the entire year, 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. You may wish to have a year or more where you do not take any modules; this is possible.
- It is recommended that you only complete your Research Essay at the end of your degree, in the same year that you are due to complete all of your taught module credits.
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 part-time 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.
Master of Laws (LLM) – Modules
Explore the full list of modules for the UCL Master of Laws (LLM) programme, 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
UCL LLM graduates are highly sought after worldwide. Alongside advanced legal knowledge, students develop transferable skills in critical thinking, communication, and advocacy—qualities valued across many sectors. They also strengthen their professional profile through extracurriculars such as mooting, debating, and pro bono work, gaining practical experience in advocacy, providing legal advice, and contributing to local and global communities.
Most graduates enter the legal profession, working as solicitors, lawyers, or legal associates. Others pursue careers in accountancy and financial services, academic research and higher education, charities, NGOs, international organisations, government, or policy roles.
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, applying their skills to make a meaningful contribution across sectors.
LLM Student Spotlights
Meet some of our 2024/25 LLM students as they share reflections on a transformative and rewarding year at UCL Laws.
