Guide
LLM in the UK: Costs, Requirements & Where to Apply
Last updated: September 2026
An LLM in the UK is typically a one-year postgraduate law degree, usually requiring a first law degree (or equivalent legal experience) to enter. Like other UK master's programmes, the shorter timeline means lower total cost than a comparable two-year programme elsewhere.
Structure and timeline
Most UK LLM programmes run one year, following the same taught-master's structure as other UK postgraduate degrees — see the one-year master's guide for why this timeline exists and what it means for pace.
Entry requirements
Most programmes expect a first degree in law, though some accept applicants with substantial legal work experience in place of a law degree. Requirements — including minimum grade and IELTS score — vary by university and programme, so always confirm against the specific programme page.
UK universities offering law in AdmitPath's database
AdmitPath's shortlist tool currently covers a fixed set of UK universities, and the following offer a law programme in that dataset. This is not the full UK law school market — Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, and other well-known law schools aren't currently included, so research those directly on their own sites if they're your target.
- University College London (London) — £32,000–£39,000/year
- University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh) — £27,000–£35,000/year
- King's College London (London) — £26,000–£34,000/year
- University of Bristol (Bristol) — £25,000–£35,000/year
- University of Birmingham (Birmingham) — £23,000–£31,000/year
- Queen Mary University of London (London) — £24,000–£29,000/year
- De Montfort University (Leicester) — £16,500–£21,000/year
Frequently asked questions
What is an LLM?
A Master of Laws (LLM) is a postgraduate law degree, typically one year in the UK, usually taken after a first law degree (or in some programmes, after equivalent legal experience). It's used both to specialize in a specific area of law and, for international students, sometimes as a route to qualify to practice in a new jurisdiction.
Do I need a law degree to apply for an LLM in the UK?
Most LLM programmes expect a first degree in law, though some accept applicants with substantial legal work experience instead. Requirements vary meaningfully by university and programme — always check the specific programme page rather than assuming a general rule applies.
Are Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE law programmes in AdmitPath's database?
Not currently — AdmitPath's shortlist tool covers a fixed set of UK universities, which doesn't yet include Oxford, Cambridge, or LSE. If one of those is your target, research their published entry requirements directly on their own site.
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