Laws (LLM)

You’ll need a 2.1 degree in a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or at least 4 law modules in a bachelor’s degree.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 7.0 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

The full-time version of this postgraduate law degree is taken in 1 year.

The course includes campus-based taught learning and a dissertation. You’ll complete your taught modules between October and June. From June to September you’ll complete a supervised dissertation on a topic of your choosing.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You’ll learn through a range of teaching and learning methods that may include:

• small-group teaching 
• seminars 
• tutorials 
• debates  
• presentations 
• simulated court hearings (moots)  
• clause drafting 
• public consultation response preparation 
• exploring conventions and their legal implications

The LLM Challenge offers an extra learning experience. Students across all our LLM courses are assigned to a team and given a current topic to debate to compete for a monetary prize. The LLM Challenge helps you develop your collaborative working and leadership skills.

Assessment

We’ll feedback on your work during class to help you to identify your strengths and understand where you can improve.

Formal assessment varies by module and includes exams and coursework, as well as your dissertation.

Dissertation

An important part of all our LLM degrees is the dissertation. This is a significant research project on a topic that interests you. The topic may arise from the taught part of the course, or as a result of your own curiosity about a particular legal problem.

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

Depending on your choice of modules, you could choose to become a solicitor or barrister.

You can use your legal knowledge in the insurance, financial, banking or commercial sector. You could work within a commodity house, shipping company,  government body or protection and indemnity club.

Our graduates enjoy careers all over the world, in law firms and companies including:

• Ince and Co
• Hogan Lovells
• Campbell Johnston Clark Ltd
• Holman Fenwick & Willan
• PSP Law
• Linklaters LLP
• Interport Maritime Ltd
• Van Traa

You’ll have the chance to meet high-profile organisations and law firms at our law careers fair.

Explore our LLM careers brochure. You’ll find information on:

• typical job opportunities
• how to qualify as a barrister or solicitor in England and Wales
• useful resources

This degree is also excellent preparation for further study at PhD level.

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £19,850.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

When you accept your offer to study on this course you’ll be asked to pay a deposit. This is non-refundable. The deposit amount is:

• UK students: £250
• EU and international students: £1,000

Full terms and conditions and details of how to pay this deposit will be sent to you in your offer letter.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We'll assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000