Where to Study an Online LLM in 2024 and How Much Does It Cost?

In today's digital age, pursuing higher education has become more accessible than ever, allowing aspiring students to achieve their academic goals from anywhere in the world. One of the most prestigious advanced law degrees is the Master of Laws (LLM).  

Whether you aim to specialise in a particular area of law, enhance your legal expertise, or expand your career opportunities, an online LLM degree can provide the flexibility and high-quality education you need.  

This article will guide you through some of the best LLM programmes available online, helping you find the perfect fit for your professional aspirations and busy lifestyle. 

Online LLM degrees – who are they for? 

An important thing to keep in mind about LL.M. degrees, in general, is that they don’t qualify you to work as a legal practitioner. For that, you need: 

• in most countries, to hold an initial undergraduate Law degree (in the US, it’s even more complicated; you need a Bachelor’s plus a JD degree and then you can sit for the bar exam) 
• to pass your bar examination (lawyer qualification exam) in the country where you want to work 

People who enrol in on-campus or online LL.M. programmes already work as legal practitioners, but they want to take the next step. They seek to advance their knowledge and specialise in one of the numerous areas of Law. 

An online LL.M. is the solution if you want to achieve all this without leaving your job or taking a career break. 

How we did it 

To help you find the best LLM degrees online, we created a comprehensive top 10 list, with an additional top 20, based on the Studyportals Meta Ranking . This ranking system combines four major world rankings to identify the best universities globally.  

Find LLM degrees online

Top 10 universities to study and online LLM 

1. The University of Edinburgh, UK 

• Top 0.5% worldwide 
• 35,000 students 
• Edinburgh, population 520,000  

Founded in 1582, the University of Edinburgh is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. It excels in a wide range of disciplines, including Humanities, Sciences, and Law. The university offers a robust online learning environment, with LLM programmes designed to meet the needs of modern legal professionals. Students benefit from a rich academic tradition and a diverse, international community, providing an enriching online educational experience. 

Find online LLM degrees at University of Edinburgh

2. King’s College London, UK 

• Top 0.5% worldwide 
• 31,000 students 
• London, population 9 million 

Established in 1829, King’s College London is renowned for its world-class teaching and cutting-edge research. It offers top-tier programmes in Law, Business, and the Arts. King's online LLM programmes are designed to provide the same high-quality education as their on-campus equivalents. Students enjoy access to extensive online resources and the opportunity to engage with a global network of peers and experts, all while benefiting from the prestige of a leading London institution. 

Find online LLM degrees at King’s College London

3. Australian National University, Australia 

• Top 0.5% worldwide 
• 20,000 students 
• Canberra, population 430,000 

Australian National University (ANU), established in 1946, is one of the top research universities globally. ANU offers a variety of strong programmes, particularly in Law, International Relations, and Sciences. Its online LLM degrees provide the same high-quality education as its on-campus offerings, with flexible learning options tailored to professionals. Students enjoy access to comprehensive online resources and support, making ANU an excellent choice for those seeking a prestigious Australian education from anywhere in the world. 

Find online LLM degrees at Australian National University

4. Washington University in St. Louis, US 

• Top 0.5% worldwide 
• 15,000 students 
• St. Louis, population 300,000 

Founded in 1853, Washington University in St. Louis is a prestigious research university known for its strong programmes in Law, Medicine, and Business. Its online LLM degrees offer the same high-quality education as its on-campus offerings, with a focus on flexibility and practical application. Washington University provides an engaging online learning experience, supported by comprehensive resources and a global community of professionals. Students benefit from the university’s reputation for excellence and its extensive network of alumni and professional connections. 

Find online LLM degrees at Washington University

5. University of Southern California, US 

• Top 0.5% worldwide 
• 48,500 students 
• Los Angeles, population 3.9 million 

The University of Southern California (USC) offers highly regarded online LLM programmes that blend flexibility with the high standards of a top-tier university. Established in 1880, USC is known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and professional development across various fields including Law, Business, and Engineering. Online students at USC benefit from the same rigorous curriculum and expert faculty as on-campus students, with the added convenience of remote learning. The university’s extensive alumni network and industry connections further enhance the learning experience. 

Find online LLM degrees at University of Southern California

6. Boston University, US 

• Top 0.5% worldwide 
• 33,000 students 
• Boston, population 650,000 

Founded in 1839, Boston University is a major global research institution known for its outstanding academic programmes in Law, Medicine, and Business. Its online LLM programmes offer a flexible and accessible way for legal professionals to advance their education. Boston University provides an engaging online learning experience, with a strong emphasis on interactive and collaborative learning. Students benefit from the university’s extensive network of alumni and professional connections. 

Find online LLM degrees at Boston University

7. University of Birmingham Online, UK 

• Top 0.5% worldwide 
• 34,000 students 
• Birmingham, population 1.1 million 

Founded in 1900, the University of Birmingham is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and is renowned for its research and teaching excellence. It offers a wide range of online programmes, including LLM degrees, that combine academic rigour with practical relevance. Online students at Birmingham benefit from a rich learning experience with access to a wealth of digital resources, and the opportunity to network with a global community of professionals and academics. 

Find online LLM degrees at University of Birmingham Online

8. University of Pittsburgh, US 

• Top 1% worldwide 
• 28,000 students 
• Pittsburgh, population 300,000 

Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is a renowned research university known for its strong programmes in Law, Health Sciences, and Engineering. Its online LLM degrees offer the same rigorous education as its on-campus counterparts, with a focus on flexibility and accessibility. The university provides a supportive online learning environment, with access to a wealth of digital resources and opportunities for professional networking. Students benefit from Pitt’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation. 

Find online LLM degrees at University of Pittsburgh

9. Queen Mary University of London, UK 

Queen Mary University of London, founded in 1887, is part of the University of London and is known for its excellence in teaching and research. It offers a range of strong programmes, particularly in Law, Medicine, and Humanities. The online LLM programmes at Queen Mary provide a flexible and comprehensive education, supported by extensive digital resources and a global network of peers. Students benefit from the university’s prestigious reputation and innovative approach to online learning. 

Find online LLM degrees at Queen Mary University of London

10. University of Liverpool Online, UK 

The University of Liverpool, established in 1881, is a leader in delivering high-quality online education. Known for its research excellence and strong programmes in Law, Business, and Health, the university offers a range of online LLM degrees. Liverpool’s online learning platform is designed to be flexible and interactive, allowing students to balance their studies with their professional and personal lives. The university’s global community and strong support network enhance the online learning experience. 

Find online LLM degrees at University of Liverpool Online

Next 10 Universities Offering Top Online LLM Degrees 

11. Cardiff University, UK, top 1% worldwide 

Cardiff University is celebrated for its research excellence and comprehensive online LLM programmes that offer flexibility and access to a wealth of digital resources. 

12. The University of Arizona, US, top 1% worldwide 

The University of Arizona provides a diverse range of online LLM programmes, known for their flexibility and useful relevance to current legal professionals. 

13. University of Wollongong, Australia, top 1% worldwide 

The University of Wollongong is renowned for its comprehensive online education options, particularly in Law, delivering quality education and support to students worldwide. 

14. University of Miami, US, top 2% worldwide 

The University of Miami's online LLM programmes are distinguished by their emphasis on interactive learning and strong professional networking opportunities. 

15. Northeastern University, US, top 2% worldwide 

Northeastern University is known for its innovative approach to online education, providing highly interactive and industry-focused LLM programmes. 

16. University of Leicester, UK, top 2% worldwide 

The University of Leicester offers well-respected online LLM degrees with a focus on global legal issues, making it a popular choice for international students. 

17. Florida State University, US, top 2% worldwide 

Florida State University offers a comprehensive online LLM experience, combining academic excellence with practical skills development for legal professionals. 

18. University of Dundee, UK, top 2% worldwide 

The University of Dundee offers flexible online LLM degrees, with a strong emphasis on international and comparative law, catering to a global student base. 

19. The University of Missouri Columbia, US, top 2% worldwide 

The University of Missouri Columbia offers highly regarded online LLM programmes, emphasising flexibility and practical training in the legal field. 

20. Drexel University, US, top 2% worldwide 

Drexel University provides practical and industry-aligned online LLM programmes, supported by a robust virtual learning environment and extensive resources. 

Conclusion 

Online LLM programmes offer a flexible and accessible path to advanced legal education, enabling you to pursue your academic and professional goals from anywhere in the world. Prestigious institutions like The University of Edinburgh, King’s College London, and Boston University provide top-tier online LLM degrees, ensuring you receive a high-quality education recognised globally. 

Other resources

•  Your Guide on How to Become a Lawyer
• Best European Law Schools You Should Keep Your Eyes on
• 4 Easy Steps to Apply to a Master’s in Law Abroad
• Top 7 Reasons to Study a Law Degree

Frequently asked questions 

1. What is an LLM degree? 

An LLM (Master of Laws) is an advanced, postgraduate academic degree in law. It is designed for individuals who already hold a law degree and wish to deepen their knowledge in a specific area of law, enhance their legal expertise, or pursue academic or professional advancement. 

2. How do online LLM programmes compare to on-campus programmes? 

Online LLM programmes offer the same high-quality education as on-campus programmes, with the added flexibility of studying from anywhere. Online students have access to the same resources, faculty, and networking opportunities as on-campus students, but can balance their studies with professional and personal commitments. 

3. Are online LLM degrees recognised by employers? 

Yes, employers recognise online LLM degrees from accredited and reputable universities. These programmes often provide the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus programmes, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for advanced legal careers. 

4. How do I choose the best online LLM programme for my needs? 

When choosing an online LLM programme, consider factors such as the university's reputation, the specific areas of law they specialise in, the flexibility of the programme, and the resources and support available to online students. Researching and comparing programmes programmes on Mastersportal to make an informed decision. 

5. How long does it take to complete an online LLM degree? 

The duration of an online LLM degree varies based on your study preference: 

• Full-time online LLM degrees: Typically take 1 year to complete. 

• Part-time online LLM degrees: Usually take 2 years to complete. 

Part-time online LLM studies are more popular among legal practitioners because they offer the flexibility to balance work, personal life, and academic commitments. 

6. What are the admission requirements for an online LLM?  

Entry requirements for an online LL.M. degree are different from one country or university to another. But common admission criteria include a previous degree in Law or a related discipline, proof of English language proficiency, recommendation letters, and statement of purpose. 

7. Why should I study an LLM online? 

Studying an LLM online offers numerous advantages, making it an increasingly popular choice for legal professionals worldwide. It allows you to balance your studies with professional and personal commitments. You can study at your own pace, from anywhere in the world, without the need to relocate or disrupt your current career. Online LLM degrees often have lower tuition fees compared to on-campus programmes. Moreover, many prestigious universities offer online LLM programmes.