An LLM in the UK is a one-year master's in law that many Indian law graduates consider. It is a strong qualification, but it does not by itself make you a solicitor in England and Wales, and fees vary a lot. This guide uses the Solicitors Regulation Authority and university course pages, read on 22 October 2026.
- Examples of 2026-27 international LLM fees: Leeds International Business Law LLM 28,750 pounds for 2026 entry, Liverpool Law (General) LLM 28,000 pounds, and King's College London LLM 38,300 pounds a year with a 2,000 pound deposit
- The SRA says to qualify as a solicitor you need a degree in any subject or equivalent, SQE1 and SQE2, and two years of qualifying work experience.
What Is an LLM and Who Is It For?
An LLM is a one-year taught master's degree in law, usually in a specialism such as international business law, human rights or intellectual property. It suits law graduates who want a specialism, a UK credential or a path into further study. It is not a licence to practise in England and Wales.
Many UK LLMs run for 12 months full time, though some are online and part-time over about two years. Entry usually needs a law degree, and some courses accept related degrees. Check each university's page for its requirements.
How Much Does an LLM in the UK Cost for International Students?
Fees differ by university and course. The University of Leeds lists its International Business Law LLM at 28,750 pounds for 2026 entry. Liverpool lists its Law (General) LLM at 28,000 pounds for 2026-27. King's College London lists its LLM at 38,300 pounds a year for 2026-27, with a 2,000 pound deposit.
| UK LLM examples 2026 | International fee | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Leeds, International Business Law LLM | 28,750 pounds total (2026 entry) | Full time, 12 months |
| Liverpool, Law (General) LLM | 28,000 pounds a year (2026-27) | Full time |
| King's College London, LLM | 38,300 pounds a year (2026-27), 2,000 pound deposit | Full time |
| Liverpool online International Business Law LLM | 17,947 pounds (2026-27) | Online, about 24 months |
These are not like-for-like, because the courses differ. Add living costs and the visa funds you must show. Our UK visa funds guide explains the amounts.
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No. The SRA says to become a solicitor you need a degree in any subject or equivalent, must pass both SQE1 and SQE2, and must complete qualifying work experience. An LLM is not one of those requirements. Overseas qualified lawyers are generally exempt from the work experience but still need the SQE or an SQE2 exemption.
The SQE has two stages, and you have three attempts at each. Qualifying work experience is two years full time or equivalent, spread across up to four organisations. Check the SRA site for the current rules, because the SRA has updated its pages over time.
What Is the SQE and How Does It Fit With an LLM?
The SQE, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, is the national assessment for solicitors in England and Wales. You can take a postgraduate course such as an LLM to prepare, but you do not need one to sit the exam. You need a degree or equivalent only to be admitted. Plan separately for SQE preparation costs.
An LLM can still help you specialise, build UK contacts and support later career steps. Choose it for those reasons, not because you expect it to replace the SQE.
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Many do. Leeds lists LLMs in International Business Law, International Human Rights Law, International Trade Law and International Banking and Finance Law. Liverpool lists a general Law LLM plus specialisms such as International Human Rights Law and Intellectual Property Law. King's College London offers a broad LLM and online options. Check each course page for entry rules.
Specialisms and fees differ by course and by entry year, and some pages list 2027 entry. Always check that the fee you read is for your intake.
What Visa Funds Do You Need for a One-Year LLM?
GOV.UK says you must show your course fees plus living costs of 1,171 pounds a month outside London or 1,529 pounds in London, for up to nine months. For a 12-month LLM that is 10,539 pounds outside London or 13,761 pounds in London, in addition to fees. The money must be held for 28 days.
The totals are our arithmetic from GOV.UK's monthly rates. Our UK funds guide explains the 28-day rule and which accounts are accepted.
What Happens After a UK LLM?
After a one-year master's you can apply for the Graduate visa. It lasts 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026 and 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027, according to GOV.UK. You cannot extend it, but you may switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you find a sponsored job.
Law roles with sponsorship are competitive, so plan your search from the start of your course. Our UK Graduate visa guide sets out the dates and the costs.
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A Liverpool law student on our channel said he chose Liverpool partly for its prestige and that the university sends law students a weekly bulletin of internship openings. He said having many options helps him decide without rushing. This is one undergraduate's view, not an LLM student's, and one student cannot speak for every course.
Our videos show student experiences at several UK universities. Use them to compare cities and support, and use official pages for fees and rules.
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Check the fee and mode, the entry requirements, your visa funds, the specialism and its relevance to your career, and whether you plan to qualify in England and Wales, in India or elsewhere. Ask each university about graduate outcomes and scholarships, and compare total cost, including living costs, before you pay a deposit.
If you plan to practise in India, check the Bar Council of India's rules on foreign degrees. We have not verified those rules here, so confirm them with the Bar Council.
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