LLM, Master of Laws

at London School of Economics

This programme is available full-time or part-time. Part-time LLM students take four half-unit courses each year, attending the same sessions as full-time students. Students may also register on an extended part-time basis, taking two half-unit courses each year, and bringing the total duration of the programme to 48 months.

You will take the compulsory course Legal Research and Writing Skills, which is assessed by a 10,000-word dissertation. You will then select seven LLM courses from the large range on offer, often approximately 90. 

As noted above, subject to taking the required minimum number of LLM courses (or more) in one of the available specialisms, you can request that your chosen specialism is listed on your final certificate upon graduation, or alternatively your LLM can have a more general focus. The compulsory Legal Research and Writing Skills course can make up a nominated specialism if the topic directly relates to the area of study and upon agreement by the Department. Furthermore, with the relevant approval and subject to space on your desired course, you may be able to substitute the equivalent of up to two half-unit LLM courses for course/s from another LSE department. 

(* denotes a half unit) 

Legal Research and Writing Skills*
This course provides a specially tailored series of lectures and tutorials on legal research and writing skills which are designed to assist in the writing of a dissertation on a topic of your choice. Further sources of support for the dissertation writing process are set out below

Courses the value of three and a half units from a range of options.

Minimum entry requirements for LLM

A very good undergraduate degree in law, LLB or equivalent, (for example, a first or very high upper second in the UK LLB or equivalent). 

Applicants with a very good degree in another discipline together with very good grades in an appropriate graduate diploma in law (such as the UK's Graduate Diploma in Law) may also qualify for a place. 

Applicants without an educational background in law may apply, but would need to demonstrate a high level of professional or academic experience in areas closely related to the subjects they wish to study in order to be considered for a place.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet the minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.
The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2022/23 for LLM

Home students: £18,024
Overseas students: £27,984

The LLM programme provides excellent prospects for graduates seeking to start their career in major commercial centres around the world, with in-house legal departments or government legal services. Some graduates go on to pursue a career at the Bar.

Graduates with a legal qualification from their home jurisdictions and relevant experience may be eligible to join a variety of employers in legal and other sectors such as financial and management consulting, subject to re-qualification and visa requirements within the jurisdiction. Others may continue to progress their careers in national, regional and international law firms, courts or work in a legal capacity within an NGO or multilateral organisation.

The LSE LLM also provides an excellent starting point for those wishing to pursue a PhD and/or a career in academia. Recent employers who have hired graduates from this programme include Clifford Chance, Schoenherr, White & Case, Wolf Theiss, Diageo, Louis Vuitton, Australian Attorney General’s Office, 4 Kings Bench Walk Chambers, PWC and the Human Rights Commission.