Queen Mary University of London

Application Status

The LLM programmes are now open for applications for September 2020 entry.

Law graduates

The usual qualification for entry to the LLM programme is a degree in law, or a degree with a substantial law content, of at least 2.1 honours (or equivalent). Law graduates with 2.2 honours who also have other legal qualifications and/or substantial professional legal experience may also qualify.

Non-law graduates

Non-law graduates with a minimum second class honours degree, that have also obtained a Merit (or 60 per cent) in the Common Professional Examination (CPE) or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) recognised by the UK professional bodies, may also qualify. Non-law graduates may also be considered on the basis of exceptional professional experience (of at least five years) in a legal area or an area directly related to their programme of study.

In all cases, a full online application is required in order for a fair assessment and decision to be made. Each application is considered on its merits and on sight of full application documents. A full and detailed CV is required for all applications and is particularly relevant where professional experience needs to be considered.

International applicants

Students from outside of the UK help form a global community here at Queen Mary. For detailed country specific entry requirements please visit the International section of our website. If your first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English language proficiency. Find details of the English language entry requirements for postgraduate law programmes.

If you do not meet language or scholarly requirements it might be possible for you to undertake foundation or pre-sessional programmes that will prepare you for the masters programme. For more information you require, please contact the Admissions Office.

How to apply - one LLM programme only

You may only apply for one of the School of Law’s LLM London programmes at a time. This restriction does not include the LLM Law and Economics programme or the LLM in Paris programme. You are permitted to apply for a maximum of two Queen Mary taught postgraduate programmes, so you may still apply for a further non-LLM London programme should you wish.

If you apply for one of the LLM London programmes, then later decide you would prefer to attend a different LLM specialism, please contact the Admissions Office Law Team at lawpgadm@qmul.ac.uk - prior to enrolment - to request a manual change of LLM programme. Do not submit a new application.

Like all universities in the UK, Queen Mary charges two different rates of tuition fees, known as the Home/EU rate and the Overseas rate.  International students from outside the EU are generally charged the Overseas rate, which is higher, as no Government subsidy is given to universities for international students to help meet the cost of their education. To help you understand how your tuition fee status is assessed please take a look at the following explanation: www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus.

Tuition fees for taught postgraduate courses

Funding

There are a number of sources of funding available for Masters students.

These include a significant package of competitive Queen Mary bursaries and scholarships in a range of subject areas, as well as external sources of funding.

School of Law scholarships

The School of Law offers a range of scholarships for Law Masters programmes each year. Full details are made available on the law funding page.

Queen Mary bursaries and scholarships

We offer a range of bursaries and scholarships for Masters students including competitive scholarships, bursaries and awards, some of which are for applicants studying specific subjects.

Read more about funding a masters

Alternative sources of funding

Home/EU students can apply for a range of other funding, such as Professional and Career Development Loans, and Employer Sponsorship, depending on their circumstances and the specific programme of study.

Overseas students may be eligible to apply for a range of external scholarships and we also provide information about relevant funding providers in your home country.

Other financial help on offer at Queen Mary

We offer one to one specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.

Our Advice and Counselling Service also has lots of Student Advice Guides on various aspects of finance.

1. Is it possible to apply for more than one LLM programme?

Yes, for example, you may apply to study for an LLM in both Paris and London. But if you are applying to study in London, you can only apply for one LLM (London taught) programme. Note that all of our specialist LLM programmes and Master of Laws (General) have the same entry requirement, so if you are made an offer for one programme you would almost certainly receive an offer for another.  An exception would be for those applying from a non-lawbackground where only one specific LLM programme may be suitable. You can only enrol on one London LLM programme, so please do spend some time researching the programme most suited to your needs and interests and apply accordingly.

2. When can I apply?

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, so you can apply at any time before the start of the academic year. We recommend that you apply in good time in order to be able to include the application requirements of a reference letter, university transcripts, proof of English, etc., as well as manage your personal planning such as moving to London. For more information see each respective program page.

3. What is the difference between a 15 credit and 30 credit module?

All of the modules on the QMUL LLM programmes are either 15 or 30 credits,
In order to complete an LLM, you will need to undertake 180 credits. For more information about the modules available for the different LLMs and how you can accumulate the necessary credit across the semesters, please see each respective program page.

4. Does Queen Mary provide scholarships or bursaries?

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

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

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

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

6. For 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.

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

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

8. How much and where to buy Books and Class materials?

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 (QMPlus Virtual Learning Environment). This will be explained in class and full reading lists will be provided at that time.

As a very rough guide, we estimate that books could cost the student between £100 -£300 in total depending on modules taken. Some modules may produce an in-house compilation of statutory materials which could cost less than a core published text book.

Printing costs depend very much on students own preferences to read books/journal articles in the library, online or buy/print them. QM and the School of Law provide limited printing credits to assist with this.

9. 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.

For those taking the LLM in Paris, some have taken on internships or continued working whilst undertaking their studies.

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

Yes, all of our LLM programmes can be taken on a part time basis, unless otherwise stated. For more information see the structure tab on any one of our LLM programme pages.

11. 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).

12. How many hours of teaching will I have each week?

This depends somewhat on the particular courses you take. 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.

13. 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.

For the LLM in Paris, teaching is undertaken through a condensed model, Monday to Saturday, with each module timetabled in a block of evening or daytime classes at various points within the semester.

14. 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 an online teaching tool (QMPlus Virtual Learning Environment). 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.

Queen Mary provides free access for its PG law students to 84 law databases including:

• LexisNexis
• Westlaw
• Justis
• Eur-lex
• Hein-Online
• Business Source Complete
• Index to Legal Periodicals
• International Court of Justice Reports
• Kluwer Arbitration
• Lawtel
• Oxford Scholarship Online (Law)
• Reports of Patent, Design and Trademark Cases
• UK Statute law database
• United Nations Treaty Collection

15. When do I choose the topic of my dissertation?

At the start of the teaching year 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 usually a few months later, with submission towards the end of the academic year. Students must choose to write a dissertation on a legal topic within their chosen programme, 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 to assist students with this process. 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.

16. The thought of writing 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.

17. 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. The pre-sessional programme runs over the summer 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. 

18. 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. 

19. 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.

20. What happens if I fail the examinations?

It is quite normal for students to have anxieties about failing examinations. Our experience, however, is that relatively 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 examinations, you will be given a second opportunity to take them. More details for procedures on exam problems will be given to you in your student handbook.

21. What will it say on my degree certificate?

You will be receiving your degree from Queen Mary University of London.

22. When will I get my official Queen Mary University of London degree certificate?

As an example, if you start your LLM in September, your degree would usually be awarded in October the year after.