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Posted May 20, 2026

Why study law at postgraduate level? Your LLM pathways explained

An LLM (Master of Laws) is a postgraduate degree that’s designed to go beyond an undergraduate law degree (LLB) or equivalent. While this alone won’t qualify you to practise as a solicitor or barrister in the UK, it provides advanced, specialised legal knowledge to deepen your understanding of particular areas of law.

Studied one year full-time or two years part-time, an LLM gives you the flexibility to choose modules in specific areas, and is often combined with a dissertation or research project. It is important to state however that there are several LLM pathways to explore when studying in the UK. Read on to explore your options…

The flexible pathway

A general LLM is the most popular option for those looking to study law at postgraduate level. It’s a program that provides the broadest understanding of legal principles and practices, yet there is still an opportunity to tailor the curriculum to your exact career goals and interests.

The University of Birmingham for example allows General LLM students to pick modules from an exhaustive list, with the chance to specialise in human rights and healthcare law, international human rights, banking law, criminal law, cyberlaw, environmental and energy regulation, global crime, and intellectual property law. You can check out their full list of modules here.

The opportunity to specialise is one of the main reasons to study postgraduate law for many individuals.

The focused pathway

To focus wholeheartedly on your chosen area of expertise, there are a number of specialist LLMs to choose from.

Common specialisms include corporate or commercial law, international business law, human rights law, environmental law, technology or cyber law, and tax law. These masters courses are ideal for graduates wishing to target specific industries or hoping to build a career in a particular field.

The SQE pathway

For those looking to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, an LLM program with professional preparation could be the perfect pick. These postgraduate courses are offered by selected universities and include preparation for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

Passing SQE1 and SQE2 assessments is integral to qualifying as a solicitor. Here the Solicitors Regulation Authority explains exactly what these assessments involve:

“The SQE is divided into two parts: SQE1 and SQE2. SQE1 tests your functioning legal knowledge (FLK) through two parts – FLK1 and FLK2. Both parts are single best answer multiple-choice tests taken on two separate days within the same assessment window (unless you have an exemption). SQE2 assesses your practical legal skills and application of legal knowledge, through written and oral exams held over consecutive half days.”

The conversion pathway

Did you know some LLMs are suitable for students that don’t have an undergraduate degree in law but want to make the transition? Conversion-focused LLMs give such students grounding in core legal subjects, with contract law, criminal law and public law just some of the areas covered.

The academic pathway

While many LLMs incorporate lots of taught modules, some – such as research LLMs – are more research intensive. This academic pathway focuses on legal theory, critical analysis and independent research above all else, with many postgraduates going on to pursue a PhD after graduation.

Find the LLM course for your desired pathway right here at Postgrad.

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