- A Master of Law is a postgraduate degree built for law graduates or professionals seeking niche expertise.
- Choose an LLM degree and gain knowledge in a specific legal field, such as corporate law, human rights, or technology.
An LLM (Master of Laws) degree is a postgraduate qualification in law that helps you specialise in a specific niche. Unlike a basic, generalist law degree (like a Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor in the US), which teaches you the fundamentals of law, an LLM dives deeper into advanced topics such as international law, corporate law, human rights, or intellectual property.
Think of it as a way to become an expert in a particular legal field, boost your career prospects, or gain international recognition. It’s especially useful if you want to work in a highly specialised legal area, move into academia, or practice law in a different country.
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How a Master of Law is different from a MA in Law
An LLM (Master of Laws) and an MA in Law (Master of Arts in Law) are two different types of degrees. While the first provides specialised knowledge in a specific Law field, and requires you to have already graduated a lower level Law degree, an MA in Law provides general knowledge in Law, and any students with any Bachelor’s degree can join.
Feature | LLM (Master of Laws) | MA in Law (Master of Arts in Law) |
Target Audience | Law graduates (LLB, JD) | Non-law graduates |
Purpose | Specialisation in a legal field | General legal knowledge |
Leads to legal practice? | No | No |
Duration | 1 year (full-time) | 1–2 years |
Entry Requirements | LLB or JD | Any undergraduate degree |
What are the benefits of an LLM degree
The main benefit of an LLM degree is that it helps you advance your legal career and reach a higher pay range. Of course, pursuing a Master of Law at a top university also helps you connect with other professionals in your field. Let’s check out the key benefits of an LLM degree, one by one:
- Career advancement: An LLM degree helps you move into higher positions, international roles, or expert legal jobs. Specialising in a specific area of law (e.g., corporate law, international law, human rights) can help you stand out in the job market and lead to better-paying roles.
- Build a strong network: LLM programmes bring together students worldwide, helping you connect with legal experts and professionals. Some universities offer internships, mentorships, or networking events, giving you hands-on experience.
Types of Masters of Law
When it comes to LLM degrees, you can group these depending on your career goals, interests, and the legal system you want to work in. There are two broad categories: general and specialised:
- General LLM – Offers flexibility to choose courses from different legal fields. Ideal if you want a broad legal education without committing to one specialisation.
- Specialised LLM – Focuses on a specific area of law, making you an expert in that field. Best for career advancement in a particular legal sector.
The most popular LLM specialisations
- Corporate & Commercial Law LLM – Covers business law, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and financial regulations. Suitable for careers in corporate law firms, financial institutions, and multinational companies.
- International Law LLM – Focuses on global legal frameworks, trade law, and diplomatic relations. Often pursued by those aiming for roles in international organisations, government agencies, or NGOs.
- Intellectual Property (IP) Law LLM – Specialises in copyright, patents, trademarks, and digital rights. A valuable degree for careers in technology, media, and innovation law.
- Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Law - With the rise of digital technologies and frequent data breaches, there's a growing need for legal experts in cybersecurity and data privacy. Graduates can work in regulatory agencies, tech companies, and law firms focusing on cybersecurity.
LLM Joint Degrees
Some universities offer LLM joint degrees, combining law with another field to create broader career opportunities. These programmes are designed for students who want to gain expertise in multiple areas and increase their job prospects.
- LLM + MBA (Master of Business Administration) – A powerful combination for those looking to work in corporate law, finance, or business leadership. This degree is ideal for lawyers who want to understand business strategy, corporate governance, and financial regulations.
- LLM + International Relations – Perfect for students interested in diplomacy, international law, and global policy. This degree prepares you for careers in government agencies, international organisations, and NGOs.
- LLM + Public Policy – A strong choice for those who want to shape government policies, regulatory frameworks, or international governance. Graduates often work in public administration, think tanks, or legal consultancy for governments.
Best LLM schools in the world
- Michigan Institute of Technology: MIT leads in technology law, AI ethics, and cybersecurity. It’s ideal for those interested in legal tech and digital law innovation.
- Harvard University: Harvard’s LLM is one of the most prestigious, offering top faculty, global networking, and strong corporate, human rights, and public policy law programmes.
- Oxford University: Oxford offers the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) and Magister Juris (MJur), both highly respected worldwide. It’s ideal for careers in international law, academia, and policymaking.
- Cambridge University: Cambridge’s LLM is research-driven, with strengths in public international law, commercial law, and EU law.
- Stanford University: Stanford’s LLM is a great choice for those interested in intellectual property, artificial intelligence, and innovation law, given the university’s close ties to Silicon Valley.
*This list was built based on the Studyportals University Meta Ranking. Explore more top universities that provide world-class Master of Law on our platform.
In conclusion:
An LLM degree is a powerful way to advance your legal career, specialise in a niche area, or gain international recognition. Whether you want to become an expert in corporate law, human rights, intellectual property, or emerging fields like AI and cybersecurity law, an LLM provides the knowledge and credentials to stand out in a competitive legal market. It’s also a great option for those looking to transition into policy, business, or academia, as many graduates go on to work in top law firms, international organisations, and government institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you get a scholarship to study an LLM?
Yes! Many universities offer scholarships or tuition discounts, especially for top students or those with financial needs. You can also check government scholarships, company sponsorships, or private grants to help with costs. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider online LLM programmes, which are usually cheaper and more flexible.
What are the LLM degree requirements
Most universities require a law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent) to get into an LLM programme. In some countries, you must take a written exam or interview in addition to submitting your academic records and motivation letter. If you plan to study Law at a school in the US or Canada, you’ll likely need to pass the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), the standardised test you must take.
What career opportunities are available for LLM graduates?
LLM graduates can work in corporate law, human rights, arbitration, tax law, and intellectual property law. Many find roles as legal consultants, compliance officers, mediators, or international trade specialists in multinational firms, NGOs, and government agencies. Others pursue careers in academia, finance, and policy advisory.
How much can you earn with an LLM degree?
Salaries depend on location, specialisation, and experience. They also differ from one year to another. Corporate lawyers with an LLM currently earn between $100,000 and $250,000 in the US, while international and IP lawyers earn $80,000 to $220,000. Tax law and arbitration specialists tend to have the highest salaries. The US, UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong offer some of the most lucrative job opportunities.
How long does an LLM degree take?
Most LLM programmes last 1 or 2 years, and while they are mainly designed for those with a law degree, some universities offer LLMs for professionals from other backgrounds.
How much does an LLM degree cost?
The cost of an LLM degree depends on where you study, the university, and whether you choose an online or on-campus programme. While an LLM degree can cost anywhere from 30,000 USD to 70,000 USD in the US, European universities provide more affordable alternatives. Many countries also provide free tuition for local (domestic students) or students coming from specific destinations. For example, all EU students can study in any EU country by the same rules as domestic students. Check for free LLM degrees in Germany. Scandinavian countries like Sweden or Norway also provide no-tuition options.
