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ELLM: Frequently Asked Questions

The Executive LLM programme offers a powerful combination of information and inspiration. The teaching has been superb and the calibre of the student body is excellent.

LSE and studying law

Why should I choose LSE?

Why should I study law at LSE?

The Law School is the UK’s number one research institution. It is also a market leader in the provision of postgraduate education through our well established LLM and PhD Programmes. Studying at LSE allows students to be taught by the leading scholars in the field. The Law School is well known both for its interdisciplinary approaches to legal scholarship and its contextual approach to legal study and teaching. 

Why should I apply for the Executive LLM at LSE?

The Executive LLM is the most innovative LLM programme in the world. It offers the highest quality postgraduate education, taught by academics at the top of their field, to individuals in full-time employment who are not in a position to take a year-long break from work.

 

Admissions

Who should apply?

 

Working professionals based anywhere in the world who seek an advanced law qualification from one of the world’s leading law schools.

What are the entry requirements?

  • Very good grades in your law degree (UK 2:1 or higher; 3.5 GPA out of 4.0 or equivalent): the online application instructions will explain how candidates can send official transcripts.

  • Higher standard of English: a test of English is required for non-native English speakers who have not completed a degree in English. The online application includes instructions about how to send scores.

  • Two references: One academic and one professional (or two professional references if the candidate has been out of school for five years or more and are unable to obtain an academic reference). The online application includes instructions about the reference form and where to have referees send the completed reference.

  • Personal statement: explaining candidate's interest and suitability for the programme, including career achievements and ambitions.

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae

  • Work experience: at least three years of legal work experience at the time of commencement, with indication of support from employer to take time out of the office to attend the modules at LSE.

Can I apply if I do not have a law degree?

Students who do not have a law degree or a law conversion course (such as the Graduate Diploma in Law) may still apply, but they need to demonstrate a high level of professional or academic experience in areas closely related to the subjects they wish to study. Each application will be considered on its own merits. In evaluating an application, the selectors take into consideration an applicant’s grades and class rank, their professional experience/accomplishments, letters of reference and the coherence of an applicant's proposed programme of study.

How can I apply?

Applications for the programme are open via the Graduate Admissions website. Please see:
https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Prospective-students/How-to-Apply

How can I contact the Graduate Admissions Office?

If you have any queries about your application, the Graduate Admissions Team can be reached at: 020 7955 7160. (email: ard.exec.admissions@lse.ac.uk; website: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/graduate/gettingInTouch.aspx)

Am I eligible if I already have a Master's degree?

Yes.

Do I need to be employed?

You do not need to be currently employed to be eligible, but a minimum of three years of legal work experience is required by the time of commencement. Any candidates who are not currently employed will need to explain in their personal statement both what they will contribute and what they seek to gain from the programme.

When is the application deadline?

Candidates are considered on a rolling admissions basis throughout the year. 

We recommend that you apply at least six months in advance of the first module you wish to attend. You must apply a minimum of two months in advance of your first proposed module date to ensure enough time for processing.

Is there an application fee?

Yes. The online application fee is currently £95.

What references are needed?

We ask that you submit one professional reference and one academic reference. Two professional references may be submitted for candidates who have been out of school for five years or longer. More than two references may be submitted.

Is the GMAT or GRE necessary?

No.

What is the language requirement?

Information about the language requirement can be found at:

https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Prospective-students/Entry-requirements/English-language-requirements

You should include your test scores, if available, in the relevant section of the application form. If you receive an offer of admission, it will be subject to proof of your score. 

English tests must be less than two years old at the time of Registration on the programme. If you have not yet taken the test, your application can be considered in its absence, but any offer will be conditional on your achieving the required score.

Is there an admissions interview?

No.

Will I need a visa to study on this programme?

Please ensure you obtain the correct visa to enable you to study at LSE. Information about visas can be found at the following links:

General information for prospective students

Visas for Executive Masters Programmes

UK Visas and Immigration

ELLM students will be required to bring their visa documents (and passport) with them to each teaching session so that these can be checked by our Registry team. Failure to produce the correct documents will prohibit you from attending any teaching.  

What is the expected class size and profile?

We have a diverse cohort of students from around the world, ranging in age from 25 to 60+, with work experience ranging from 3 to 10 years+. Class sizes are fairly small and all modules are capped at 30 students.

 

Programme queries

What is the classroom schedule?

The programme will be offered in a modular format at LSE's state-of-the art Cheng Kin Ku Building (CKK) and/or in the Centre Building (CBG). All modules will be taught at LSE and are one week in length. Teaching will start at 9.30am each day for approximately two and a half hours, then a break for lunch, then a further two and a half hours teaching.

Upcoming teaching session dates and available modules can be found here. 

An example of a typical teaching timetable can be found here.

*NB. Teaching is planned to take place from Monday to Friday on the dates outlined above, but changes may occur based on demand.

When can I start the programme?

Students may start the programme immediately by taking the next available modules after admission. Modules are offered in April, September and December each year.

How much time will I need to take out of the office?

In total you will be required to be out the office no longer than 8 weeks throughout the course of the programme. Each module will be taught over a week. You will also need to take into consideration travel time to and from LSE.

How many modules can I take in one year?

Executive LLM students are expected to complete two modules per year. However, you may complete more if you have the time and capacity to do so.

Will the programme use Distance Learning?

No. All teaching will take place on campus.

What support is provided in between modules?

Throughout the course of the programme students will have access to an online learning platform (Moodle) so they can stay connected in between modules. Faculty will use this to plan intersession activities such as revision sessions and discussions. Students can submit assignments through the site. The administration will use it to communicate with students for important announcements and reminders. By using the online technology students will remain an active part of the LSE community from wherever they are based in the world.

How will modules be assessed?

Modules will be assessed either by take-home examination or by 8,000 word essay. Please note that students can elect to take the 8,000 word essay assessment for up to a maximum of three of their modules.

What is a take-home examination?

A take-home examination is an open-book exam sat by candidates off campus, over an extended period of, typically, 48 hours. Candidates are not expected to work on the assessment for the entirety of this period. Rather the extended time is offered so that candidates can complete the assessment alongside other work and personal commitments. Take-home exams will be available to download online two months after the module teaching is complete. Students will then upload their completed exam by a set deadline. 

When will modules be assessed?

Take-home exams will take place two months following the module teaching. Take-home exam dates are available here. Assessed essays have the same submission deadline as take-home exams.

Can I transfer credit of modules completed elsewhere?

No. All modules counted towards your Executive LLM degree must be completed at LSE.

What qualification will I receive when I graduate?

You will receive a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science once you have completed 8 modules. If you are unable to complete all eight modules, then alternative exit options are available. An LSE ‘Diploma in Legal Studies’ is available on the completion of six modules and a ‘Certificate of Legal Studies’ on the completion of four modules.

Will my degree certificate state 'Executive LLM'?

No. The degree certificate will state ‘Master of Laws’.

Is there a Graduation Ceremony?

Yes. Degree certificates will be presented to students at a ceremony in December, along with other Masters Graduates.

Is the LSE Law School a CPD (Continuing Professional Development) provider?

Yes. The Law School is a CPD provider and can accredit LLM modules. Further information about CPD is available here.

Will students have full access to LSE's services and facilities?

Yes. As a student at LSE you will have full access to the School's services and facilities, including the famous LSE Library and the Careers Service. You will also have the opportunity to attend LSE's excellent programme of public lectures and events, given by some of the world's foremost academics, politicians and business leaders.

What are the benefits of becoming an LSE alumni?

The LSE has a cosmopolitan network of over 100,000 alumni in more than 190 countries and over 70 groups and contact networks registered with the Alumni Association. Alumni have access to social networking sites, events and activities in London and around the world.

Can I select a specialism for my degree certificate?

See the details on specialims here.

What are the programme regulations?

 

Financing

What are the fees?

The current fees for the programme are £4,000 per module and must be paid in advance of the module date. This fee includes tuition, course materials and some refreshments. Please note that travel to/from LSE and accommodation are not included in the fees. Please also note that some modules may require students to purchase a textbook or books.

There will also be an application fee (currently £95) and a registration fee (currently £650). The registration fee is payable within 14 days of receiving the offer and is non-refundable.

Students will only be permitted to attend a module if payment is received in time. The deadlines for payment of  module fees are listed here.

How do I pay my fees?

Please click here for more information.

Are accommodation costs in London covered?

No. Students will be responsible for accommodation costs. However, LSE does negotiate corporate rates with hotels near the School that students can benefit from. Please see the LSE Accommodation Office website for further information:http://www2.lse.ac.uk/lifeAtLSE/accommodation/accommodationforStudents.aspx

Can I apply for scholarships?

As a programme for working professionals, this degree is not eligible for the Graduate Support Scheme. Candidates may seek additional funding from sources listed on the LSE Financial Support page for students from particular backgrounds and nationalities. For more information please visit: 
https://info.lse.ac.uk/current-students/financial-support

 

Further information

 

What accommodation is available to students?

LSE has several accommodation options available with a variety of styles, facilities and costs around central London. All are within easy walking distance of LSE. They are primarily designed for full-time, undergraduate students to use during term time. However, during vacation time – when the Executive LLM modules are taking place – these residences are opened up to all. Please note that space is limited and not all residences may be open during all modules. Further information and the option to book online is available at: http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/. You can also contact the Vacations Office for more information and to discuss your options: vacations@lse.ac.uk   +44(0)20 7955 7575.

Can I visit LSE/ get further information?

For further information, you can contact the Programme Manager at  law.ellm@lse.ac.uk. You are welcome to book an appointment if you would like to visit. 

(Finding the LSE: https://www.lse.ac.uk/lse-information/campus-map).