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Law LLM

London, Bloomsbury

The Master of Laws (LLM) programme provides an ideal opportunity for you to acquire or develop your expertise in specialist legal subject areas informed by world-class, research-led teaching. An LLM is an excellent way for you to advance a career in law.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£24,100
£12,050
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£36,500
£18,250
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
10 months
2 academic years
5 academic years
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 04 Apr 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Please note that applications may close earlier if all places on the programme are filled.

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

Entrants to the UCL LLM must have ‘a good 2.1 with evidence of 1st class ability’ (or equivalent in other jurisdictions), and must provide evidence in their application of motivation, reasoning and analytical ability and communication skills.

'A good 2.1’ shall normally mean an average of at least 65% (or equivalent in other jurisdictions) across all years of study, and ‘evidence of 1st class ability’ shall normally mean at least one 1st class mark (or equivalent in other jurisdictions) over the entire degree.

We may be willing to consider applicants who are close to, but do not meet these quantitative criteria, where space on the programme allows. Such applicants must demonstrate that they excel in motivation, analytical and reasoning ability and communication skills. This needs to be demonstrated across the personal statement and the written work. Applicants with less than an average of 62% (or equivalent in other jurisdictions) across all years of study, will not normally be considered under these criteria.

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). 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 onto the programme.

Graduates whose first degree is not in law will be considered for admission if they have an average of 65% across all years of undergraduate study, plus an average of at least 65% plus at least one mark over 70% in the Graduate Diploma in Law recognised by UK professional bodies (achieved or in progress). Alternatively, graduates whose first degree is not in law will be considered if they have an average of 65% across all years of undergraduate study, plus have successfully completed studies on a Solicitors Qualifying Examination full time programme of at least 12 months duration, usually resulting in a Masters qualification equivalent to a Merit classification, with an average of 65% in all assessments including a pass in the SQE on first attempt.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4
Please check the Faculty of Laws website to see which tests we accept.

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree



The 10-month Masters of Law (LLM) programme will enable you to acquire and develop expertise in a wide range of specialist legal subject areas, and benefit from world-class, research-led teaching from leading academics in their field. An LLM is an excellent way for you to advance a career in law.

Through the wide variety of taught modules we offer, you can explore your intellectual interests freely or choose to specialise in a particular area of legal research.

If you want to study an LLM with a specialism, you should apply to the relevant LLM specialism route. If you are unsure at this stage whether you want to specialise or would like to study a general LLM, then you should apply to the general LLM route.

In addition to the information below, we suggest that you review the UCL Faculty of Laws website for more information on the LLM degree programme, specialisms and application requirements. 

Who this course is for

The programme is suitable for law graduates who wish to practise in specialist areas of law and/or pursue further doctoral studies, as well as those who simply wish to develop their legal expertise. We attract new graduates and legal practitioners from around the world, creating a student community with unique opportunities for critical legal debate.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

The LLM Law programme is tailored to equip ambitious students with specialised legal knowledge and skills needed to excel in leading law firms and organisations worldwide.

UCL Laws offers an exceptional educational experience, combining cutting-edge research with practical legal insights. Through a wide variety of taught modules—ranging from commercial and corporate law to human rights, environmental law, and intellectual property—you can freely explore your intellectual interests or specialise in a particular area of law.

As part of the teaching and assessment throughout the programme, you will be able to practise and enhance your abilities to think critically and analyse legal arguments. The Research Essay (RE) completed throughout the programme, will give you the opportunity to develop your research skills, as well as your own capability to structure cogent arguments and write for a legal audience.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

With a graduate degree from UCL Laws, you will be well-equipped to achieve your career ambitions. During your time with us, you can develop new skills by getting involved in extracurricular activities such as the pro bono opportunities offered at the award-winning Centre for Access to Justice, as well developing your advocacy skills and legal knowledge by taking part in mooting competitions.

UCL Laws offers a robust careers service to support your journey from student to the professional world. Our specialist in-house laws careers consultant provides one-to-one advice sessions, covering CV writing, making applications and practice interviews; as well as offering training workshops and bespoke careers events.

The UCL Laws Alumni Association is a global community of UCL Laws alumni, which benefit from advice, support and regular networking events around the world. You can read about our former students' experiences since they graduated and what they enjoyed most about studying at UCL Laws.

My experience with UCL has been truly transformative for me in terms of a career plan and as an individual. I have garnered unique and valuable lessons from an exceptional faculty of law professors and staff that are truly unique to the family of UCL Laws.

Profile photo of Angelos Anastasiadis.

Angelos Anastasiadis

International Commercial Law LLM

Employability

Our LLM graduates are highly sought after and possess a distinct competitive advantage, well equipped to pursue rewarding career opportunities. Many graduates pursue a career in law, academia, public policy or industry and some choose to pursue a professional qualification in order to qualify as a solicitor or barrister.

Our alumni go on to work in a range of specialist legal areas,  including major law firms, investment banks, academia, charities and local, national and international government. Examples include: Slaughter and May, Allbright Law Offices, Baker McKenzie, Cravath Swaine & Moore, DeHeng Law Offices LLP, Diageo, KPMG LLP, Ministry of Justice and Reed Smith LLP. (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-22).

Networking

The annual UCL Laws Careers Fair is an excellent opportunity to meet with employers and law firms before submitting applications for internships or training positions. Students can also attend events and talks hosted by UCL Careers, designed to develop employability skills and explore different sectors. The UCL Centre for Access to Justice co-ordinates a number of events to introduce students to careers in social justice or public interest related fields. The UCL Law Societies also run careers and networking events, giving you plenty of opportunities to make new connections and build valuable relationships for the future.

Teaching and learning

Our faculty home, Bentham House, was reopened in March 2018 following a major three-year redevelopment. The Grade II listed building has been significantly expanded and modernised, featuring new teaching and event spaces. At the heart of the building is a bright, five-story glass atrium that serves as a café and social hub for the entire UCL Laws community.

Modules in the LLM Law programme are taught through a mix of seminars, lectures, and tutorials. You will be expected to prepare in advance and actively participate in class discussions, especially during seminars and tutorials. You may also work in teams and deliver presentations to your class.

Each module is supported by a dedicated Moodle page containing materials such as reading lists, links to relevant websites and academic articles.

Assessment in taught modules is usually by examination, but may also include a coursework essay, or other methods of assessment, such as an oral presentations. Most assessments take place in term 3.

During the programme, you will research and write a 45-credit Research Essay which counts towards your final grade. You will be expected to select a research topic within your area of legal interest, or that relates to your specialism (if applicable). You will receive guidance and support through lectures and academic supervisors. The Research Essay is due at the end of term 3. 

For full-time students, typical contact hours are approximately 2 hours per week for each taught module you are taking in any one term. Outside of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

Most module assessments are completed during the April/May exam period, even for those taught in the first term. The 10-month LLM is a demanding and intensive course, so you will need to be prepared to fully commit to your studies from day one until the end of the programme.

Modules

Full-time students will study 180 credits (135 taught module credits and a 45 credit Research Essay) to complete the LLM, over a period of 10 months.

If you apply to a specialism, you will need to select a minimum of 60 credits from the taught modules which are part of that specialism degree. The remaining credits needed can be obtained from any other available taught modules.

Students will be invited to choose modules before the programme begins. Module places may be limited and will be subject to availability where there is a high demand.

Your programme of studies

During the first week of term 1, 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 taught module classes.

There are ten weeks of classes in term 1 and 2, with a break for reading week after week five.

You will be invited to choose your Research Essay topic at the beginning of the programme and then be supported in your research and writing until it is time for submission at the end of the programme.

Your assessments, including examinations and coursework essays, are normally taken in term 3 and can be scheduled at any time during this term. The assessment schedule is usually published at the end of term 2.

During the entire year from September to June you will work on your Research Essay which will be submitted at the end of term 3.

Part-time students will follow the same programme as full-time students above, except for the following:

  • Your degree will be completed over two academic years (10 months each)
  • 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 modular/ flexible 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. Module places may be limited and will be subject to availability where there is a high demand.

Modular/flexible students will follow the same programme as full-time students above, except for the following:

  • You will have up to five academic years to complete your degree (10 months each).
  • You can plan how you would like to complete your 135 taught module credits over that five year period based on your personal circumstances (or earlier if you plan to complete the degree in fewer than five 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. Module places may be limited and will be subject to availability where there is a high demand.

Compulsory modules



Optional modules

Land Use, Sustainability and Environmental Justice

Economics in Competition Law and Practice, The Role of


Human Rights at Work





Discretion and the Rule of Law



International Criminal Law

International Law of Foreign Investment


Criminal Law and Human Rights








International Humanitarian Law

Law of Trade Marks and Brands

Law of Copyright and Designs

Economic Analysis of Law: Corporations and Markets


Law of Treaties



Legal Needs and Legal Assistance

Historical Development of the Common Law


Law and Policy of International Courts and Tribunals

Gender, Law and the State: Current Legal Issues



Company Law







Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

You will study 180 credits to receive the LLM. If you choose to study part-time you will spread the credits over 2 years, or with flexible study, over 3-5 academic years. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a LLM in Law.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £24,100 £12,050
Tuition fees (2025/26) £36,500 £18,250

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For flexible/modular offer holders a £500 fee deposit will be charged.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

There are no programme-specific costs.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

We have established a variety of scholarships to increase access for UK-based students and those with outstanding academic achievements, in addition to Academic Excellence scholarships that are open to all applicants. For more information on available scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year please see the UCL Laws website.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we would like to learn:

  • Why you want to study Law at graduate level and at UCL
  • How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme
  • Where you would like to go professionally with your degree
  • The modules you would like to take as part of the LLM (excluding the independent research essay topic) and the specialism you would like to follow (if applicable)
  • The legal area that you may want to explore for your Research Essay.

Your personal statement should address these topics as it will be used along with your written work to assess your application.

You must also submit a piece of written work of 750 words on a topic of contemporary relevance in your area of legal interest.

You can find out more information on how to apply on the UCL Laws website.: 

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Laws
Laws

llm-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

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