The LLM in Legal Practice, also known as the LPC LLM, is a postgraduate master’s degree combined with the Legal Practice Course. Students who have started their law degree before September 2021 must complete the LPC by 2031 (or the SQE from September 2021) as well as a 2 year training contract in order to qualify as a solicitor in the UK. The LPC LLM, allows students to begin their route into qualifying whilst studying in-depth areas of law.
Pros of the LPC LLM
A key advantage of the LPC LLM is that it is less costly and time consuming than pursuing the two courses separately. This option offers students the ability to gain practical and in-depth academic knowledge of different areas of law, compared to the standalone LLM which only offers academic insight into legal topics. The course offers flexibility for those who wish to qualify as solicitors in the UK and gain an internationally recognised master’s degree which can allow them to pursue a career abroad. Some applicants may also be eligible for a postgraduate loan to fund their LPC LLM. This is a good option for those who have not received a training contract and wish to self-fund their legal career. Note those pursuing a standalone LPC are not eligible for student loans. Another advantage of completing the LPC LLM is that it offers students a competitive advantage on the job market. Although this does not guarantee graduates a job offer, the majority of those who complete the LPC LLM find employment within 6 months.
Cons of the LPC LLM
As the LPC LLM combines two postgraduate courses, students may find this option intense and more demanding compared to their standalone versions. Those wishing to apply for the LPC LLM may find the tuition fees expensive, especially in locations where the student loan cannot cover the full tuition, and may wish to wait for a training contract offer that will cover costs of the LPC. Those determined to land a training contract with a law firm may also wish to hold off from applying for the LPC LLM. This is because certain law firms have specific requirements for their trainees to complete the LPC/and the LLM with modules and providers chosen by the law firm although this varies between firms and does not necessarily mean that candidates will not be considered for the position.
LPC LLM Funding
Students applying to study the LPC LLM may be eligible for the government’s Postgraduate Master’s Loan. The maximum amount for this loan is £11,222. Some students may also be eligible for an alumni discount and/or a scholarship for their tuition fees.
Where to Study the LPC LLM in the UK
Please refer to the table below for information about LLM LPC providers in the UK. The table includes fees for full-time one-year study for UK students, although part-time options may also be available. Most universities require a minimum of 2:2 in qualifying law degree or the PGDL. The fees for EEA/International students may be slightly higher or the same as UK students depending on the course provider. For more information please refer to each university’s course page.
University  | Entry requirements | Fees (full-time) | Start date |
BPP University | Qualifying law degree minimum 2.2 or above Non-law degree minimum 2.2 or above and a GDL, CPE, or similar qualification such as ILEX/CILEX | £12,659 - £17,191 (subject to location) | September, January, February |
The University of Law | Qualifying law degree minimum 2.2 or above or GDL/CPE or MA Law | £12,900 - £17,500 (subject to location) | July |
Manchester Metropolitan University | A qualifying law honours degree or a Graduate Diploma in Law or an exemption granted by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. | £11,500 | September |
City, University of London | UK honours degree in law. Normally a strong second-class degree is the minimum standard required. However, it is possible to apply with a degree in another subject and a further qualification in law, such as the Graduate Diploma in Law. | £15,050 | September |
De Montfort University | Qualifying law degree with a minimum 2:2 or the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL/CPE). | £10,500 | September |
University of Bristol | Qualifying law degree of 2:2 or above; or; Graduate Diploma in Law. | £12,500 | September |
Northumbria University | Qualifying law degree of 2:2 or above; or; Graduate Diploma in Law. | £12,600 | September |
Liverpool John Moores University | Qualifying law degree of 2:2 or above; or; Graduate Diploma in Law. | £10,700 | September |
University of Derby | Qualifying law degree of 2:2 or above; or; Graduate Diploma in Law. | £10,500 | September |
University of West London | Qualifying law degree of 2:2 or above; or; Graduate Diploma in Law. | £13,500 | September |
Swansea University | Qualifying law degree of 2:2 or above; or; Graduate Diploma in Law. | £ 14,300 | September |
University of Wolverhampton | Qualifying Law Degree subject to SRA requirements | £10,900 | September |
Staffordshire University | A Qualifying Law Degree as defined by the SRA | Contact the university’s enquiries team | September |
Nottingham Trent University | Qualifying Law degree (2.2 or above) or Graduate Diploma in Law / CPE with an undergraduate degree (2.2 or above) or Institute of Legal Executives / Chartered Institute of Legal Executives qualification. | £11,950 | September |
Birmingham City University | Students will require either a Qualifying Law Degree (e.g. an LLB from a University in England or Wales) or a Graduate Diploma in Law/Common Professional Examination. Fellows of the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) are entitled to apply for direct entry to the course. | £11,000 | September |
Cardiff University | UK Qualifying law degree (usually a 2.2 or above) or with a non-law degree (usually a 2.2 or above) and the GDL/CPE. | £14,700 | September |
London Metropolitan University | A qualifying law degree (awarded by Solicitor Regulation Authority (SRA) approved provider), with minimum second class honours. You must have adequately passed assessments in Public Law, Obligations I (Contract), Obligations II (Tort), Criminal Law, Land Law, Equity and Trusts, and Law of the European Union. or a GDL/CPE | £13,500 | September |
Leeds Beckett University | Applicants should either have at least a second class honours Qualifying Law Degree or a Graduate Diploma in Law. Applicants are required to provide a letter from their awarding institution to confirm they hold a qualifying Law degree | £11,250 | September |
University of Central Lancashire | Qualifying law degree (2:2 or above) | £10,500 | September |
York St John University | Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) approved by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority. You can apply with a 2:1 undergraduate degree classification in any discipline and a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). If you have graduated with a 2:2 in a related subject, you can still apply for this course. You will be invited to an interview to assess your achievement and experience. | £10,400 | September |
University of Hertfordshire | You should have either a Qualifying law degree, with a minimum 2:2 classification or have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in a subject other than law and have successfully completed the GDL qualification. | £14,820 | September |
Bournemouth University | A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:2 in any subject and successful completion of BU's LPC programme. | Contact university provider for information | September |
Anglia Ruskin University ARU | A UK qualifying Law degree with a minimum classification of 2.2 honours; a pass in the Common Professional Examination (CPE); or a recognised Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). CILEx students issued with a Certificate of Exemption from the CPE by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) are also eligible. | £13,900 | September |
University of Westminster | A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Qualifying law degree or non-law degree followed by Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) Level 6 qualification. | £14,500 | September |
University of Sunderland | 2:2 in a Qualified Law Degree or equivalent, or a 2:2 in any discipline followed by successful completion of a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or CILEx | £9,750 | September |
By Denisa Hristakieva