LLM Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Whether you're travelling thousands of kilometres to London or joining us from closer to home, embarking on the LLM programme is a great commitment. We will do all we can to help you settle into life as a postgraduate student. You will, no doubt, have many questions. If you cannot find an answer to your query below, please contact us.

Contact us

For general enquiries about the LLM programme contact Sue Sullivan, LLM Programme Co-ordinator on LLMadmin@qmul.ac.uk

Entry requirements

About your application

About study at Queen Mary

After Graduation

What are the entry requirements?

Admission is based solely on academic merit. The usual qualification for entry to the LLM programme is a degree in law, or a degree with a substantial law content, normally of at least upper-second class honours (or equivalent).

Non-law graduates with good honours, who have also obtained the equivalent of good honours in CPE and Bar Finals/Legal Practice examinations, or passed the solicitors’ qualifying examination, may qualify. Law graduates with high 2.2 honours and at least five years professional legal experience may also qualify. Non-law graduates may be considered on the basis of exceptional professional experience that directly relates to specialist LLM taught courses.

For students with International Qualifications visit www.qmul.ac.uk/international.
If your country is not represented, please contact the LLM Programme Coordinator, Sue Sullivan on LLMadmin@qmul.ac.uk or the admissions office on admissionsteamc@qmul.ac.uk for further advice.

What are the fees for the LLM programme?

See our Fees page for full details.

What are the application procedures?

In order to apply, you must supply:

  1. a transcript of your law degree marks
  2. any other supporting qualifications
  3. one reference letter
  4. proof of English language proficiency

As we do not interview prospective students, these documents will form the basis of any decision made.

On the application form you will be applying for entry to the general LLM programme. All individual course and specialisation choices will be finalised after registration. You will have a selection period, of approximately two to three weeks at the beginning of teaching, to attend lectures and receive full course outlines. This will enable you to make an informed final choice.

When can I apply?

For more information see our 'How to Apply' page.

Does Queen Mary provide scholarships or bursaries?

Yes, we do, see our postgraduate funding page for more information.

I wish to check on the progress of my application. Who do I contact?

Email the college Admissions Office on admissionsteamc@qmul.ac.uk 

Please note that all applications are automatically acknowledged by email soon after receipt.

I am still waiting to get my reference letter. Can I submit my reference after my application form? Where do I send it?

You can send it directly to the Admissions office, Mile End campus, Queen Mary, University of London, Queens Building, Mile End, E1 4NS, United Kingdom. Reference forms are not used. Please ensure that the reference is on headed paper, states your full name and date of birth and that you are applying for the LLM. Admissions will then match it up to your application. Otherwise you can wait until you have received your reference in a sealed envelope and then send them together with your application.

Students who need a visa to study in the UK

If you are an international student and require a visa, you will need to allow for the length of time needed to process your visa. For further information please visit our International Student pages.

What do you require in the reference - what must be included?

If permitted by your referee, your reference can be scanned and uploaded as part of the online application process.

The admissions office will need to see the original document either before or during enrolment – they will advise you of the procedure for this in your joining instructions. However, if your referee provides a sealed reference and requires it to remain sealed, you can post it directly to the admissions office to be matched up with your application. If you wish to submit an on-line application (which requires at least one reference be uploaded) you can upload a word document stating that your reference will follow in the post. This will allow you to complete the online application process. Your application will not be considered until your reference has arrived.

Academic reference (preferred)

  1. Verification of the fact that the academic referee has known you, the student, for a certain length of time. They must also give your full name and not an abbreviated or nickname. Also indicate the name of the course for which you are applying.
  2. Confirmation that you have attended a specific course.
  3. Class or mark of your degree or expected class of degree. (If expected please ensure it is made clear that this is an opinion and not a fact).
  4. Comment on your skills and abilities.

Professional reference - If you have extensive legal experience, a professional reference can be submitted. This could include:

  1. Verification of how long you were employed.
  2. Confirmation that you were working in a legal capacity and some detail of the type of work involved.
  3. Comment on your skills and abilities.

What documents do I need to supply when applying for the LLM?

You will need to submit a completed application form, transcripts of your law degree or any other relevant qualification, and two references (preferably academic). If this is difficult, due to the passage of time since your first degree for instance, you can provide professional references if they are law related. For more information see our 'How to apply' page.

What do I have to do if my degree transcript is not in English?

You must have any degree transcript that is not in English translated before submission.

Translations must come from one of the following:

  • Officially certified translator
  • Solicitor
  • British Council or Embassy
  • Registry of the university where you studied the course (for example, if translating transcripts)

Translations must be officially signed and stamped accordingly. The admissions office require a copy of the foreign transcript document and the English translated copy. You will still have to provide the originals of any transcripts, certificates etc. before or on the enrolment day in September.

What if I have not finished my first degree or obtained a language test result?

You should still apply and provide a transcript of degree marks achieved so far. You will then be made a conditional offer showing our requirements from your country or university.

What are the English language requirements for the LLM programme?

All students from countries where English is not the first language must supply a TOEFL or IELTS language test result. If you took your degree overseas and were taught in the English medium but your country’s main language is not English, you still have to provide a language score. The standard of English language used varies from region to region and indeed from university to university. It is therefore vital that all such students provide English language scores. If you have not yet taken an IELTS/TOEFL test at the application stage, you should still apply. If your IELTS/TOEFL results are not yet available, you could be made a conditional offer, subject to our normal academic requirements. If your score is lower than our full requirement we may be able to help you with pre-sessional language training (in the summer prior to the LLM). You should therefore provide a language score in good time.

Students who submit a language score that does not meet the full language entry requirements of 7 overall 7 writing  IELTS (and equivalent TOEFL) ) will automatically be offered the appropriate pre-sessional language course as a condition of LLM entry if and where possible.  However, if required, a student may still retake and submit a higher language score before enrolment  - any pre-sessional condition set can then be cancelled or amended depending on the new score achieved and the date the new scores are submitted. Read the full and minimum language requirements.

Do I need to include a personal statement or CV?

The online application form list these as required documentation - although not normally essential for admissions decisions for the LLM, these documents can be useful particularly in unusual applications or where there is professional legal experience to consider. Your personal statement should include an indication of the particular area of law of interest to you and how this relates to our LLM modules. Please keep your personal statement brief (one sheet of A4 is normally sufficient) and send a complete and updated CV.

What if I do not meet the conditions contained in my offer?

If you do not meet the academic conditions, you should still provide a transcript showing your final marks.  We will still consider this and in borderline cases, take into case other relevant qualifications and relevant work experience. If you do not meet the full language condition, you should submit your obtained score as soon as possible, to see if any pre-sessional English language courses will help you.

If I receive a pre-sessional language condition on my offer, can I definitely start the LLM programme or will I be re-tested?

Progress onto the LLM cannot unfortunately be guaranteed in advance. However, if a student attends regularly and completes all studies required, it is likely that progression would take place. The pre-sessional courses are designed to bring students up to the required level of English. An assessment is carried out at the end of the programme for Departmental consideration.

Do I need to indicate the options I wish to take on the application form as requested?

No. In fact this portion of the application form can be ignored - you simply need to indicate that you are applying for the LLM under the ‘Course Title’ section. No further information on your courses is needed at the application stage.

Where do I submit my application, language scores and other required documents?

The Admissions Office, who process all applications, are based at the Mile End campus, Queen Mary University of London, Queens Building, Mile End, E1 4NS, UK. All applications and supporting documents should be sent directly to them. If you have a query regarding the progress of your application, you can email the Admissions Office at admissionsteamc@qmul.ac.uk 

Applications are only sent to the LLM admin office (Lincoln’s Inn Fields) if there is a problem such as an unusual application or borderline case. If you have a query regarding the LLM teaching programme itself, you should email the LLM administration office on LLMadmin@qmul.ac.uk.

The Application Process

All applicants are automatically emailed once their details are logged onto the system, informing them that we have received their application and giving them their application number and specific contact details of our admission staff.

Can I practise in England and Wales with a LLM?

No, but the School of Law offers a two-year LLB known as 'Senior Status'.

The two-year LLBallows the student to obtain a ‘qualifying law degree’ in two years. Then it is necessary to complete the vocational stage of qualification - the Bar Professional Training Course (to become a barrister) or the Legal Practice Course (to become a solicitor). A period of practical training is then required. For information, see the Bar Standards Board and the Solicitors Regulation Authority. If you hold a recognised legal professional qualification from another jurisdiction you may be eligible to take the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test (QLLT).

Overseas students may find our 'working as a solicitor in the uk' flow chart helpful. It summarises the different options available to overseas students seeking to become a solicitor or a barrister in England and Wales.

Where will my lectures and seminars be held?

Teaching is based at the School of Law's postgraduate centre in Lincoln's Inn Fields (nearest Underground station: Holborn). Depending on the courses you take, you may also have classes at  the Mile End Campus (nearest Underground stations: Mile End and Stepney Green) or the University of London's Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (nearest Underground stations: Russell Square, Euston and Euston Square) or Charterhouse Square.

The sample LLM teaching timetable will give you some idea of the different locations used for teaching. This is a sample only and venues and times/days can change from year to year. The LLM teaching timetable is given to students during the induction period (after enrolment). See also Where will I live and what are the accommodation options?

Isn't the Mile End campus far away?

No. London is a large city, but the main sites you will use are all within easy reach of each other. On the London Underground ('the tube'), the journey from Mile End to Holborn (practically next door to Lincoln's Inn Fields) takes just 12 minutes. To walk from Lincoln's Inn Fields to the IALS library in Russell Square will take you about 12 minutes. 

Where will I live and what are the accommodation options?

Queen Mary, University of London has student residences at the Mile End Campus, in University of London Intercollegiate Halls and in the private sector.

Every year, about half of our LLM students choose to stay at the Mile End campus, whilst the other half choose private accommodation across London and outside the city. Students are advised not to try to base their accommodation decisions on the LLM teaching timetable. Teaching is spread over a number of locations and some travel will almost always be necessary between venues. This map shows LLM teaching venues and distances [pdf 65kb]. London transport links including tubes (metro), buses and trains are good in such a large city. Find the most suitable accommodation to suit you personally and financially. Also see Q: Isn't the Mile End campus far away?

What reading or preparation work is required before starting the programme?

We do not require or recommend any preparation or advance reading before starting your LLM.

Books and Class materials - How much and where to buy?

Each module will have its own recommendations or requirements for books and class materials. Many class materials are provided for reading or printing via our on-line teaching tool (Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment). This will be explained in class and full reading lists will be provided at that time.

How am I assessed?

Details on the individual assessment per module can be found on the module description pages and will form part of the information provided in your LLM Induction pack, given to you during the induction week.

What and when is reading week?

We do not have a formal reading week on the LLM.

How many hours of teaching will I have each week?

This depends somewhat on the particular courses you take, but as a general guide you should expect about eight hours of lectures and seminars a week. The LLM programmes involve advanced study, so much of the important work you do is self-directed (working in the library and having informal discussions with other students). Overall, you should plan on lectures, seminars and independent study taking up at least 40 hours a week.

What will the teaching timetable be like?

Lectures and seminars take place Monday to Friday, during the day and early evening. Your particular timetable will depend on the courses you decide to take.

When do I choose the topic of my dissertation?

If you wish to opt for a specialised LLM, at the start of the academic teaching year (early September) you will have to identify the area of your dissertation as part of the overall module selection process. The deadline for submitting the actual title of the dissertation is in early December. Students may chose to prepare dissertations on any legal topic within their chosen area, provided there is no overlap with a topic that will be examined in a student's taught modules. There will be a special session held during induction week to assist students with this process. During October and November students will be given the opportunity to attend sessions where research themes in particular areas of law will be discussed; this will enable students to identify challenging topics and discuss them with academics in the specific area of law.

What is a 'half-course' or 'half-module'?

Most of the 89 modules on the QMUL LLM programmes are 'full modules', taught throughout terms 1 and 2 (from October to April).  A small number are 'half modules', meaning that they are taught only either in term 1 (October to December) or term 2 (January to April). If you take one of the half modules you will need to make up the other half either by (a) selecting another half module or (b) working more independently on a supervised essay of 7500 words to be submitted in May/June. If you want to take a half module essay, please let us know in early October.

Is it possible to do paid work and study for the LLM at the same time?

For students who are legally entitled to work in the UK, doing some part-time paid employment is often a practical necessity to fund LLM study. Anything more than about 10 hours a week, fitted in around your teaching timetable, is unlikely to be compatible with registration as a full-time student. If you are in this position, you should consider taking the LLM on a part-time basis over two years instead.

Can I take the LLM on a part-time basis?

Yes, for more information see our part-time LLM programme page.

What libraries will I use?

The law section of the Queen Mary, University of London Library at the Mile End campus stocks key texts for many courses. LLM students are also entitled to use the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS) Library, which is one of the world's best law collections. The IALS library is about 10 minutes walk from Lincoln's Inn Fields. From time to time, you may also wish to use the British Library, the UK's national library (nearest tube station: King's Cross St Pancras).

What digital law resources are provided?

All registered students at Queen Mary, University of London have easy access to a full range of electronic resources, including LexisNexis, Westlaw and a wide range of electronic journals. These may be accessed on and off the campus. LLM courses are also supported by a virtual learning environment (Blackboard). All the main sites you may use – the Mile End Campus, Lincoln's Inn Fields and the IALS Library – have freely available WiFi and other computing facilities.

The thought of writing a 15,000-word dissertation sounds daunting! What help is available?

For many students on the LLM, this will be the first extended piece of advanced writing and legal research they tackle. We will, of course, ensure that you are supported in the task. There will be classes and on-line assistance with advanced writing and research methods and skills. And your project will be supervised by a member of the School with expertise in the field of law you are studying. Our experience is that students find writing a dissertation hugely rewarding.

Are there advanced English classes for non-native speakers?

Yes. There are pre-sessional and in-sessional English courses that Queen Mary students can attend on campus. The pre-sessional programme runs over the summer in short blocks between June and September and aims to improve overall ability in English, and provide opportunities to learn study skills such as note-taking, academic writing and participating in seminars and develop the skills you need to work independently at university. The in-sessional course for law students is the 'Critical thinking and writing in law' programme which can be taken during term time and includes teaching on general English, lecture comprehension and seminar skills, grammar and vocabulary and academic writing. There is also a research writing workshop for PhD students. 

What happens if I fail the examinations?

It is quite normal for students to have anxieties about failing examinations. Our experience, however, is that relative few students fail a course. LLM students are highly motivated individuals and we only admit people who we believe can successfully complete the programme. If, however, you do fail to meet the required standards in the May-June examinations, you will be given a second opportunity to take the exams the following May-June session. More details for procedures on exam problems will be given to you in your student handbook.

What medical and counselling support is provided by Queen Mary, University of London?

The School of Law attaches great importance to the provision of support, both academic and pastoral, to its students. It recognises that there is a need for students, especially those who have come from abroad, to be able to discuss their individual course choices and progress during the academic year. All programmes of study have dedicated tutors and LLM students are assigned personal tutors.

The Queen Mary Advice and Counselling Service can help with finance advice and support with personal problems. Our Advice Service offers information, advice and guidance on a range of practical issues including financial problems or postgraduate funds available to help with study costs and international student issues. All students can also register with the College Health Centre. 

When will I get my official University of London degree certificate?

Your LLM Postgraduate Degree Certificate is sent out centrally from Senate House at the University of London (not from Queen Mary), about three months after the award date, usually by March the following year after the December graduation ceremony.

While waiting to receive your certificate, if you require confirmation of your award, the Registry Office at Queen Mary can issue a certificate of confirmation, contact Academic Registry, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS Tel: +44 (0)20-7882 5005 Fax: +44 (0)20-7882 7810 E-mail: stuadmin@qmul.ac.uk

Contact us

For general enquiries about the LLM programme contact Sue Sullivan, LLM Programme Co-ordinator on LLMadmin@qmul.ac.uk