A Master of Laws (LLM) is a postgraduate degree allowing you to specialise in a particular area of the law. Studying an LLM can improve your employability and expand your legal knowledge. Read on to find out more about LLM’s and the many legal areas they cover.
By Grant Longstaff. Published 14 January 2025.
What is an LLM?
A Master of Laws, Abbreviated to LLM from the Latin term Legum Magister, is a postgraduate degree designed to develop your legal knowledge and expertise. However, unlike undergraduate law degrees which cover a broad range of core legal principles, an LLM allows you to specialise in a specific area of law in greater detail. There is also a huge choice of LLM’s to choose from, so you’ll find an LLM that’s perfect for you and your goals, no matter what area of the law you’re looking to learn more about.
Who is an LLM for?
There are many reasons people choose to study an LLM. Ultimately, it comes down to your career goals and interests. One of the most common reasons people choose an LLM is to benefit their career. Graduates might take an LLM in order to specialise in a specific area of the law. This enhanced knowledge could help them move into a particular sector of legal work or develop their skills in the area they already work in. For others, an LLM is an opportunity to show their dedication to legal work by enhancing their skills and knowledge through learning, using it to strengthen their CV.
There are also those who undertake an LLM for self-improvement or because they’re interested in a particular specialism. Whilst it would likely help their professional career, this isn’t their main motivation for choosing an LLM.
You don’t need an LLM to become a legal professional, but it can certainly help you develop your legal expertise, enhance your employability and can also help if you’re looking to move beyond traditional legal work.
Study options for an LLM
We understand that everyone has different lifestyles, responsibilities and commitments, which is why we’ve tried to make studying an LLM with us as flexible as possible. If you choose to study an LLM with us it will typically take one year, full time or two years, part time to complete the course. We also offer our courses at our campuses and online, offering you the flexibility to choose the study mode which suits you and your lifestyle best.
Choosing an LLM
When it comes to choosing an LLM there are a number of things you should consider. Throughout your LLM you’ll focus in on a particular area of the law and there are a huge number of specialisms to choose from. Ask yourself; what are your reasons for choosing an LLM? What legal areas do you enjoy and are most interested in? Which will most benefit your career? It’s also important to look at exactly what each course covers and how you’ll be assessed.
We currently offer LLM’s in the following areas:
- LLM Banking and Debt Finance
- LLM Child Law
- LLM Company Law
- LLM Compliance and Regulation
- LLM Construction Law
- LLM Corporate Governance
- LLM Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability
- LLM Data Protection and Intellectual Property
- LLM Employment Law
- LLM Environmental Law
- LLM ESG Law and Regulation
- LLM Family Law
- LLM Healthcare Regulation
- LLM Immigration Law
- LLM Insolvency Law
- LLM Insurance Law
- LLM International and Comparative Law
- LLM International Arbitration
- LLM International Business Law
- LLM International Child Law
- LLM International Commercial Law
- LLM International Corporate Governance
- LLM International Criminal Law
- LLM International Energy Law
- LLM International Finance Law
- LLM International Human Rights
- LLM International Medical Law
- LLM Investment Regulation
- LLM Journalism and the Law
- LLM Law and Policy for Sustainability
- LLM Legal Ethics
- LLM Maritime Law
- LLM Media Law, Privacy and Defamation
- LLM Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
- LLM Medical Law and Ethics
- LLM Mental Health Law
- LLM Public International Law
During your LLM you’ll study a number of compulsory modules, dedicated to the legal area your master’s covers. However, you’ll also have the opportunity to choose three elective modules during your course. This provides an opportunity for you to dig even deeper into a particular area of the law, or, if you desired, to explore another area of interest.
We have elective modules covering areas of corporate governance, dispute resolution, the environment and energy, ethics, family law, finance and insurance, healthcare, human rights and public law, international trade, technology and media and journalism. We even have a guide you can use to find out more about each elective module.
Benefits of LLM specialisation
Stand out in a competitive job market
A specialised LLM can show employers you have advanced knowledge in a particular area of the law and can help separate you from other candidates with similar undergraduate qualifications.
In depth knowledge
During your LLM you’ll go further than basic concepts and engage with complex legal issues and their real-world application. This could be particularly valuable in niche or evolving areas of law, such as technology.
Enhanced academic and research skills
LLM programmes require critical thinking, research expertise and advanced understanding of the law. These skills are useful in legal practice, but can also help your career should you want to move into education, policy making or another professional role.
Build confidence
Specialisation through an LLM can help you build your confidence when it comes to discussing legal issues, networking with professionals and presenting yourself as someone with an interest and expertise in a particular field.
Take a look at our full range of LLM’s and choose your legal specialism today.
