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LLM (Master of Laws) in Law

If you have completed your undergraduate degree and are convinced that you want to further pursue your studies but aren't quite sure which area would be best, then an LLM in General Law is perfect for you.

There is a wide range of graduate modules available to choose from ranging from criminal and commercial law to intellectual property law and international law or even human rights law or environmental law. With a general LLM in Law you can take various different modules to give you a broad overview without the need to specialise immediately.

If you want to sharpen your understanding of the law while enhancing your knowledge in areas of your choice then taking this LLM could be the vital next step in your legal career. 

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Number crunching the LLM in General Law

1 year to complete an LLM studying full time.

100+ universities offering general LLM programs in the UK alone.

10,000-20,000 words needed for your LLM dissertation.

LLM in Law – who's it for?

An LLM in General Law is for graduates who know that they want to establish themselves in the legal profession but aren't quite sure what areas to specialise in. The wide array of modules available in a General Law LLM make it a perfect way to sample different aspects of law at a postgraduate level without fully committing to one area. This does not make the LLM in General Law any less valuable than one of the more specialised LLMs as students are still exposed to the intricacies of the law at postgraduate level and are given the same critical thinking skills as one would find in any other LLM.

Where can you study an LLM in General Law?

This LLM is offered by many institutions around the world from the UK to the USA, and throughout Europe. The course is available at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world including Berkeley Law School at the University of California and the University of Aberdeen in Scotland as well as a host of other esteemed universities. Regardless of where you are in the world, you will be able to find an institution offering this LLM relatively nearby.

What qualifications do you need to study an LLM in Law?

LLMs usually require an undergraduate degree but a law degree is not a pre-requisite for every LLM. This varies from institution to institution and prospective students should check with the university they wish to apply to. Undergraduate results may be scrutinised by selection committees, with some requiring a first class honours but again, this will vary depending on the university.

For non-native speakers of English an English language certification will be required and due to the nature of the LLM a high score is required in either IELTS (band score of 7) or TOEFL (score of 107 or above), and as with undergraduate results, this will vary by institution.

Student case study

Maire Brid McCrohan, who completed her LLM at the University College Cork said of her studies, "What initially attracted me to the LLM in UCC was the great variety of subjects available," something which she feels allowed her to “tailor my degree completely to suit my own interests." Though it was an intense year she says she "very much enjoyed my time on the LLM."

An LLM in Law advances careers in...

Because of its non-specialised nature, choosing an LLM in General Law can help you advance your career in a huge variety of ways. This LLM is held by judges, legislators and district attorneys around the world and choosing this LLM really puts the power in the hands of the student to decide which way their career will unfold.

Famous LLM graduates

Ma Ying-Jeou, former President of the Republic of China, completed his LLM in 1976 from New York University law school. He is originally from Taiwan and held the presidency from 2008-2016, previously occupying the role of Justice Minister and Mayor of Taipei.

Recommended reading

Brownlie's Principles of Public International Law by James Crawford 

European Union Law by Damian Chalmers, Gareth Davies & Giorgion Monti

Blackstone's International Law Documents

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