LLM Law *

Entry year
2027/28
Course code
M99L12
Application
Central Applications Board
Level
Postgraduate
School
Bristol Law School
Location
Frenchay
Duration
11 months full-time, 23 months part-time
Study mode
Full-time or part-time
Start month
September
Programme leader
Dr Eleanor Harries

* subject to final UWE Bristol approval

This course is open for applications.

For graduates without a qualifying English law degree, or those looking to refresh their legal knowledge, our LLM Law conversion course combines the foundations of legal knowledge taught in the PGDip Law with additional master's-level study, preparing you for Barrister or Solicitor training.

About

Why study this subject?

Whether you're aspiring to become a Barrister or Solicitor or want to develop advanced legal knowledge through a full master's qualification, our LLM Law can help you take the next step.

This Law LLM degree is a postgraduate conversion course designed for graduates from any academic background. It combines the foundations of legal knowledge taught in the PGDip Law with additional masters' level study, enabling eligible students to apply for government post-graduate funding. You'll study English Legal Systems and explore the core principles of English and Welsh law through the seven foundations of legal knowledge: Criminal Law, Contract Law, Public Law, Torts, Land Law, Equity and Trusts, and EU law.

With the Law PGDip with LLM, you'll gain a broader and more in-depth understanding of law, making it an excellent choice if you want a more comprehensive legal education. 

Why UWE Bristol?

Study LLM Law at Bristol Law School and benefit from our excellent reputation and established connections across the globe.

You'll learn from experienced legal academics and practitioners in a supportive, inclusive community. Our practice-led approach brings law to life, helping you apply legal theory to real-world situations while developing the skills valued by employers.

Based at our vibrant Frenchay Campus, you'll have access to the facilities and resources available through Bristol Law School and be part of a respected legal community. 

Where can it take me?

The LLM Law provides both the academic foundation (previously known as the Common Professional Examination (CPE)) needed for further professional legal training and the opportunity to achieve a full master's qualification.  Whilst 'Qualifying Law Degrees' (QLDs) are no longer part of qualification routes; this course includes all elements of a QLD.

You'll gain a strong grounding in key areas of law, preparing you to apply for Solicitor or Barrister training pathways, while developing advanced legal knowledge and research skills that can support careers in legal practice, academia and beyond. 

Entry

Entry requirements

You'll need to meet the following requirements:

  • An honours degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent.
  • If you don't meet the above requirements, but have relevant work experience, we'll assess your application on an individual basis. 

English Language Requirement

International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6.0 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The University accepts a large number of UK and international qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section.
 

How to apply

Applications must be made online via the Central Applications Board.

Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates. 

For further information

Structure

Content

The structure and content of this new course is currently under review and subject to final UWE Bristol approval. It will be published on this page as soon as possible.

Learning and Teaching

Taught by experienced legal academics and practitioners, this LLM Law degree combines academic rigour with practical insight. You'll learn through a range of teaching approaches designed to help you engage with legal concepts, develop your legal reasoning and build confidence in applying the law to real-world scenarios.

Throughout the course, you'll benefit from practice-led learning that encourages critical thinking, discussion and analysis. You'll be supported by experts with experience across a range of legal disciplines while developing the advanced legal knowledge, research capabilities and academic skills associated with postgraduate-level study.

The additional master's-level study allows you to explore legal topics in greater depth while preparing for future professional training, further study or a career in legal research and academia.

See our glossary of teaching and learning terms.

Assessment

You'll experience a range of assessment approaches designed to help you develop and demonstrate your legal knowledge, critical thinking and analytical skills.

Assessments are designed to support your learning, deepen your understanding of key areas of law and help you build skills that are valuable for future study and professional development.

The staff profiles shown reflect the teaching team for this course at the time of publication. Teaching staff may change depending on your year of entry.

Fees

There is currently no published fee data for this course.

Supplementary fee information

Read about postgraduate funding.

Features

Professional accreditation

This course contributes towards the requirements for both Call as a barrister at the bar of England and Wales, and admission onto the roll of Solicitors of England and Wales.

Study facilities

Bristol Law School offers excellent, state-of-the-art facilities designed to support your legal studies. You'll have access to specialist learning spaces and mock courtrooms where you can put your legal knowledge into practice.

Our 24-hour library provides access to extensive legal resources, including LexisNexis, Westlaw, HeinOnline and i-law, alongside a wide range of electronic and printed books, journals and legal publications.

Learn more about UWE Bristol's campus and facilities. 

Take a personalised virtual tour of the Law facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

Careers

Careers / Further study

Our Law LLM is designed for graduates who want to move towards a professional legal career while gaining a full master's qualification.

You'll learn the seven foundations of legal knowledge: Criminal Law, Contract Law, Public Law, Torts, Land Law, Equity and Trusts, and EU law. These foundations are required for admission as a Barrister in England and Wales. They're also highly valuable if you want to progress towards training as a Solicitor.

This conversion course could also be suitable if your previous legal studies don't meet current Bar Standards Board requirements, your qualifications need refreshing or you're inexperienced in UK legal higher education. Its postgraduate-level approach can help you make the step up from undergraduate study and prepare for the challenges of further professional training.

After completing the LLM Law, you could progress towards a Bar Training Course or Solicitors Training Course or progress into a range of legal roles including Paralegal, Legal Executive and regulatory roles. The additional master's-level study provides a deeper and more rounded legal education, giving you the opportunity to further develop your legal knowledge and analytical skills. 

For those interested in legal scholarship, teaching or research, the LLM also provides a strong foundation for future academic study. The advanced legal knowledge and research skills you'll develop can support progression into careers beyond professional legal practice, strengthening your wider career and enterprise prospects.

We also offer a shorter PGDip Law which still provides the foundations needed to progress towards Bar Training Courses, and highly recommended in preparation for Solicitor Training Courses.

Our award-winning careers service can help develop your employment potential through career coaching and support and help you to find graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.   

Learn more about graduate destinations.

Life

Postgraduate support

Postgraduate support

Our support includes access to fantastic facilities, study tools and career consultants, plus practical help to access everything from funding to childcare.

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Page last updated 13 November 2026
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