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LLM: Frequently asked questions

1. When can I apply to the LLM?

 Applications open in October for the following academic year.

2. Is there a deadline for applying?

We set no deadline in advance as we operate a system of rolling admissions, which means that we close to new applications when the programme is full. We therefore strongly recommend that you apply as soon as possible.

3. How do I apply?

You apply to the programme via the online application system.

see How To Apply.

4. How can I contact the Graduate Admissions Office?

Contact information can be found at the link below.

see Graduate Admissions

5. What is the application fee?

Please see the Application pages of the LSE website. 

6. What are the admission requirements?

The minimum entry requirement to the LLM Programme is a UK 2:1 or equivalent degree in law (LLB or equivalent) or a conversion degree.

Each application is considered on its own merits. In evaluating an application, the selectors take into consideration an applicant's grades and class rank, letters of reference, the coherence of an applicant's proposed programme of study and any significant professional accomplishments.

see Graduate Admissions.

see Country and Regional Specific information.

 

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

Students without a law background may apply to the LLM programme, but they need to demonstrate a high level of professional or academic experience in areas closely related to the subjects they wish to study. Recent graduates who have neither studied law nor passed a "conversion" course are only admitted in exceptional circumstances. 

8. What is a law conversion course?

Common Professional Examination/Graduate Diploma in Law (CPE/GDL) courses, commonly known as "law conversion courses", enable non-law graduates and in some instances, non-graduates to complete the foundations of legal knowledge required by the academic stage of training. (Note that these courses are not offered at LSE).

9. What is the English language requirement?

Minimum English language requirement for law

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 630 in the written test, 267 in the computer based test or 109 in the internet based test (with a minimum of 27 in writing, 24 in listening, 25 in reading and 22 in speaking)

    or 
     

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum overall score of 7.5 (with a minimum of 7.0 in the listening, writing and reading elements and 6.5 in the speaking element).

See English Language Requirements.
 

10. How much are the tuition fees and how do I pay them?

See How to Pay Fees

 

11. What financial help and scholarships are available?

See Funding.

12. Can I study the LLM part-time?

Yes. The programme can be taken part-time over two or four years.

  • Students studying for the LLM over two years take two full units each year (four courses is equal to two full units);

  • Students studying for the LLM over four years (extended part-time) take one full unit each year (two courses is equal to one full unit). 
     

13. Can I study the LLM programme online (distance learning)?

No, this is not an option.

14. How many courses do I need to take?

To satisfy the LLM Programme Regulations students are required to complete four units. All courses on the LLM programme are half units therefore students will take eight half units. All students take the compulsory LL4F9 Legal Research and Writing Skills course and select seven other courses from a wide range of LLM courses.

see LLM Programme Regulations.

15. What is an LLM specialism?

Students who take courses that fall predominately within one specialist area can request to have their specialism included in the name of their degree. The list of specialisms and the courses that are within those specialist areas can be found at the link below.

see Specialisms.

16. How many courses do I need to take to qualify for a specialism?

To qualify for a specialism you will need to take four courses from within that specialist area.

17. How are courses assessed?

Courses are assessed in one of three ways:

  • Examinations - the majority of LLM courses are assessed via written two-hour exam in the main examination period (May/June).

  • Essays - some LLM courses are assessed via an 8,000 word essay or similar to be submitted in May.

  • Dissertation - the compulsory LLM course Legal Research and Writing course is assessed via a 10,000 word dissertation to be submitted in August. 

Further information can be found in the LLM Student Handbook which all students will receive at Orientation in September.

18. Where can I find course descriptions / reading lists?

Brief course guides can be viewed at the following link. (Note that these are the current academic year guides).

See Course Guides.

19. How are the courses taught?

Courses are normally taught in seminar groups, meeting for two hours each week. However, there are some - usually larger - courses which are taught by a combination of lectures and a smaller number of smaller follow-up classes.

 

20. How long does it take to complete the LLM degree programme?

The LLM programme is a full-time 12 month programme. The programme can also be taken on a part-time basis - 24 months part-time or 48 months extended part-time. 

21. When / where do I need to register?

22. What are the term dates?

See Term Dates.  

 

23. When is orientation?

Orientation week usually begins the Monday before the start of the Autumn Term. Registration is usually the Friday before orientation.

See Student Services - Welcome.

24. What do LLM graduates go on to do?

The LLM programme is sufficiently flexible to make it appropriate for many different career paths. It allows prospective law teachers to develop expertise in a wide range of subjects or in a particular specialised area; it enables practitioners to cultivate expertise in new fields; it provides a basis for a career in the city of London or other financial centres; and it offers relevant education and training for those entering the foreign service of their governments, working for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or preparing for many other professions.

For more information see LSE graduate destinations.