Are you a recent graduate looking to explore legal aspects of your career? Or are you a lawyer who wants to learn more about a particular area of legal practice?
Read on to discover why the LLM, or Master of Laws, might be the ideal programme for you.
What is an LLM?
The LLM, also referred to as the Master of Laws, is a postgraduate degree undertaken by students who have completed a UK undergraduate degree, or its equivalent, in any subject area, as well as law graduates and practicing lawyers.
How is the LLM different from the LLB in the UK?
The LLB, or Bachelor of Laws, is an undergraduate law degree undertaken by aspiring lawyers in most countries which follow common law (the US being an exception). It is usually the first step towards building a career as a professional lawyer. Some LLB graduates may choose to continue their studies with an LLM degree, depending on their career aspirations.
The LLM, or Master of Laws, is a postgraduate qualification, which is open to any student with a UK bachelor’s degree looking to develop their legal expertise. The LLM is thus wider in scope, as it is studied by many career professionals who would benefit from expanding their knowledge in a particular study of law.
Who is the LLM for?
An LLM from the UK is a suitable choice for anyone looking to gain a globally recognised postgraduate degree in a specific area of law. Earning your LLM in Conflict Resolution, for example,could open up careers involving resolving international commercial disputes. Such a specialisation could benefit international business professionals, as well as international lawyers.
How will an LLM benefit me?
Gaining an LLM will not only top up your CV with a globally respected qualification, but it will equip you with invaluable research and analytical skills, while providing you with real-life insight into the modern legal landscape, which will increase your employability prospects and help you gain entry into niche job markets.
How long does it take to complete the LLM?
The LLM degree can be completed in one year, however, you may also have the option to extend your study period up to a maximum of five years.
What career options are available?
LLM graduates can explore a variety of career paths, including legal research, academic teaching, international business, international diplomacy, finance, banking, and much more. The career options available to you largely depend on which law specialisation you choose to study.
Is an LLM in the US the same as the LLM in the UK?
Generally, an LLM in the US is targeted to law graduates and/or practicing lawyers who are looking to gain a specialist education in one component of law, or become a professor of law. There are LLM programmes also designed for foreign lawyers who are looking to practice in the US.
In the UK, however, LLM programmes generally follow either a generalist or specialist track, and are usually accessible to any applicant with a UK undergraduate degree, in any subject. This means the degree is open to students of all academic backgrounds, as well as practicing lawyers and law graduates.
Is it possible to study the LLM online?
Yes, you can earn your LLM 100% online. Our LLM degree programmes, the LLM in Legal Practice (Intellectual Property) and LLM in Legal Practice (Conflict Resolution) are delivered online by The University of Law. These programmes are fully accredited, which means you will receive the same high levels of guidance and tutor support as your on-campus peers.
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