Key takeaways
- The UK has several reputed universities that offer world-class LLM programmes. These universities provide high-quality teaching and globally recognised qualifications.
- Indian students can specialise in a wide range of fields such as International Law, Human Rights, and Corporate Law. This ensures that you can select a specialisation aligned with your aptitudes.
- UK’s LLM programmes equip you with the skills and knowledge to pursue legal careers, including solicitors, legal advisors, legal executives, and more.
- Studying LLM in the UK provides global exposure and opportunities to build extensive professional networks. The courses equip you to work efficiently in cross-border legal environments.
The UK is a preferred choice for Indian students seeking high-quality legal education. From a comprehensive curriculum to a wide range of specialisations and global exposure, LLM programmes in the UK bring several advantages.
Let’s help you discover LLM courses in the UK. Talk to our experts!
In this article, we’ll take you through the best LLM programmes in the UK and also explore the best universities, admission process, scholarship options, and career prospects.
Table of Contents
- Why Indian students choose the UK for LLM
- Popular specialisations of the LLM in the UK
- Top universities and courses for LLM in the UK
- Eligibility criteria for LLM in the UK for Indian students
- How to apply for an LLM in the UK
- Cost of LLM in the UK for Indian students
- Scholarships for pursuing an LLM in the UK for Indian students
- Career opportunities after LLM in the UK
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
- What is the duration of an LLM in the UK?
- Do I need work experience to apply for an LLM in the UK?
- Is CLAT or LNAT required for Indian students applying for an LLM in the UK?
- What is the minimum IELTS score required for an LLM in the UK?
- Can I work in the UK after completing my LLM?
- Are scholarships available for Indian students to pursue an LLM in the UK?
- Is an LLM from the UK valid in India?
Why Indian students choose the UK for LLM
The UK is renowned for its legal education. The UK legal system, which dates back 1000 years, is the foundation for many of the legal systems around the world. As a result, the UK is a popular choice among Indian students to pursue an LLM.
Here are the key reasons why Indian students choose to study in the UK for LLM.
- Reputed universities
- Wide range of specialisations
- Career opportunities
- Global exposure
Reputed universities
UK universities are among the leading universities in the world for legal studies. The rigorous course curriculum and high-quality teaching methods ensure that you gain a solid academic foundation.
Wide range of specialisations
You can specialise in a general LLM or choose from a wide range of subject areas that align with your aptitudes. This provides you with the opportunity to gain knowledge in your field of expertise.
Career opportunities
The UK curriculum equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in the legal field. You can pursue job opportunities such as solicitor, consultant, legal advisor, in-house counsel, and more.
Global exposure
An LLM from the UK provides you with global exposure and prepares you for an international career. You also gain the opportunity to build a global professional network.
Popular specialisations of the LLM in the UK
While pursuing an LLM, it’s important to choose a specialisation that matches your interests. Here are the popular specialisations of LLM in the UK:
International Law
International Law covers several subjects, such as the settlement of international disputes, United Nations Law, and International Humanitarian Law.
Commercial Law
Commercial Law has wide applications in the business field, providing you with the knowledge to handle the legal aspects of business. It allows you to commence legal practice in the commercial field.
Corporate Law
Corporate Law covers fields such as economic analysis of corporate finance, Corporate Governance, Mergers and Acquisitions, and more. It deals with both national and international corporate law and also with the role of business organisations in the international economy.
Human Rights
Human Rights covers subjects such as Law, Theology, Politics, and History. Specialisation in Human Rights makes you knowledgeable about human rights organisations and their role in promoting global peace.
Top universities and courses for LLM in the UK
The UK has several reputed universities offering diverse specialisations in LLM, enabling you to build strong legal careers. The average duration of a full-time LLM in the UK is one year, while for part-time courses it may extend to two or three years.
Here are the best universities and courses for LLM in the UK.
| University | Location | Popular LLM courses offered | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | Oxford, England | International Commercial Law, Human Rights, Constitutional Law | Global prestige, intensive curriculum |
| University of Cambridge | Cambridge, England | Intellectual Property Law, Commercial Law, Human Rights | Renowned for academic rigour |
| London School of Economics | London, England | Banking and Finance Law, Human Rights, Commercial Law | Strong social sciences and a focus on law |
| University College London | London, England | Commercial Law, Public Law, Human Rights | Wide range of course specialisations |
| King's College London | London, England | International Arbitration, Criminal Law, International Business Law | Strong industry links |
| Queen Mary University of London | London, England | Commercial Law, Criminal Justice, International Law | Research oriented |
| University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh, Scotland | Environmental Law, International Law, Human Rights | Mix of Scottish & UK law systems |
| Aston University | Brimingham | Commercial Law | Practical legal skills, global business environment exposure |
| University of Glasgow | Glasgow, Scotland | Human Rights Law, Commercial Law, Environmental Law | Focus on international law |
| Brunel University of London | Uxbridge | International Commercial Law | Commercial law in the international and European context |
Eligibility criteria for LLM in the UK for Indian students
UK universities have certain common criteria for admission to an LLM course. You must hold a bachelor’s in law with a good academic track record. Many universities also require work experience or research experience. Further, English language proficiency is required, which must be demonstrated through tests like IELTS.
Certain universities also ask for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Apart from this, you’ll also have to prepare a strong statement of purpose and provide letters of recommendation.
Note: The admission requirements vary based on the university you are applying to.
Related articles
How to apply for an LLM in the UK
Here are the steps you must follow to apply for an LLM in the UK.
- Research and select the university. Also, shortlist the courses with specialisations that suit your interests.
- Collect the necessary documents, which include academic records, English language proficiency scores, a work experience certificate, a letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a CV.
- Visit the website of the university and fill out the application form.
- Upload the documents and submit the application form.
Visa requirements
You can apply for a student visa if you’ve received a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies from a UK institution.
Visit the GOV.UK site and fill out the online Student visa application form. Submit the required documents, which include a passport, proof of finances, and CAS. The visa allows you to stay in the UK for the duration of your course.
Let’s explore LLM courses in the UK. Talk to our experts!
Cost of LLM in the UK for Indian students
The average tuition fee for an LLM in the UK ranges between GBP 20,000 and GBP 40,000 per year. Apart from this, your living costs in the UK may range between GBP 900 and GBP 1,400 per month.
Here’s an overview of the tuition costs for an LLM in various UK universities.
| University | Approx. per year tuition fee (GBP) |
|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | 55,000 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 38,000 |
| University of Oxford | 54,000 |
| King's College London | 36,000 |
| University College London (UCL) | 37,000 |
| University of Exeter | 26,000 |
| University of Nottingham | 25,000 |
| University of Lancaster | 25,000 |
| University of Manchester | 29,500 |
| Durham University | 29,600 |
Scholarships for pursuing an LLM in the UK for Indian students
Several scholarships support Indian students in pursuing their higher education in the UK. The scholarships allow you to focus on your legal studies and reduce your financial burden. Here are the popular scholarships for Indian students to pursue LLM in the UK.
| Scholarship name | Coverage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Energy and Climate Change Law Institute Scholarship (Queen Mary University of London) | GBP 7,500 towards tuition fees | For students specialising in energy and climate change law |
| GREAT Scholarships for Justice and Law | Minimum GBP 10,000 towards tuition fees | Funded by the British Council. Students from specific countries, including India, can apply. |
| Prathiba M. Singh Cambridge Scholarship | Variable | For Indian students at the University of Cambridge |
| Tercentenary Awards for Excellence (University of Edinburgh) | GBP 5,000 towards tuition fees | Recognition for academic excellence |
| Ewen Cameron Scholarship in Comparative Private Law | GBP 5,000 towards tuition fees | For students specialising in private law |
| Chevening Scholarship | Fully funded (tuition, living, flights) | UK Government scholarship for international students |
Career opportunities after LLM in the UK
After successful completion of the LLM, you can take up job roles such as a Solicitor, Arbitrator, Lawyer, Paralegal, Legal Executive, and Barrister. In the UK, you can practise law without being admitted to the Bar.
You can apply for the Graduate Route or post-study work visa to stay and work in the UK for a period of two years.
The Graduate Route visa allows flexibility in employment so that you can work in any field. The strong economy of the UK ensures excellent career prospects for LLM graduates with lucrative salaries. As an LLM graduate, you can expect an average salary that ranges between GBP 20,000 and GBP 25,000.
Note: When the Graduate Route visa expires, you can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.
Here are the popular career options to pursue after an LLM in the UK.
| Career option | Description |
|---|---|
| Human Rights Law | Working with NGOs or government bodies to protect civil liberties |
| Intellectual Property Law | Help companies in safeguarding trademarks, copyrights, and patents |
| Public Law | Deal with constitutional and administrative law, governmental advisory roles |
| Corporate Law | Provide legal expertise to corporates on mergers, acquisitions, and governance |
| Transportation Law | Handle legal issues related to the logistics sector |
Final thoughts
Indian students prefer to pursue LLM from the UK due to the prestigious law universities, high-quality education, a wide range of specialisations, and excellent career prospects. The rigorous academics ensure that you gain advanced legal knowledge and international exposure. You also have access to several scholarships to support your finances.
In addition, the strong economy of the UK and the post-study work opportunities ensure good career prospects after you complete the LLM course.
Let us help you enrol for an LLM in the UK. Start your study-abroad journey right away!
Frequently asked questions
What is the duration of an LLM in the UK?
A full-time LLM in the UK has an average duration of one year. Part-time courses may take longer, extending to two or three years.
Do I need work experience to apply for an LLM in the UK?
No, you can apply for many LLM programmes without work experience. However, certain specialised LLM programmes, such as human rights law or corporate law, may require you to have work experience.
Is CLAT or LNAT required for Indian students applying for an LLM in the UK?
You do not have to take the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) to apply for an LLM. However, some universities require you to take the National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) for their LLM programmes.
What is the minimum IELTS score required for an LLM in the UK?
The minimum IELTS score for pursuing an LLM in the UK ranges between 6.5 and 7.0. Prestigious universities may require a higher score of 7.5.
Can I work in the UK after completing my LLM?
Yes, after completing your LLM, you can work in the UK and take up job roles such as Arbitrator, Lawyer, Legal Executive, Paralegal, and Barrister. To become a Solicitor, you will have to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination.
Are scholarships available for Indian students to pursue an LLM in the UK?
Yes, you can apply for numerous scholarships to support your studies in the UK. There are both government and private scholarships that are available for Indian students, covering the tuition and living expenses.
Is an LLM from the UK valid in India?
Yes, an LLM from the UK is recognised in India. But, for practising law in India, you must meet the requirements specified by the Bar Council of India.
