Executive LLM: Frequently Asked Questions
LSE and studying law
LSE Law School is one of the world's leading centres for legal research, and that research shapes what happens in the classroom: you're taught by the scholars producing it. The School is known for studying law in context and for drawing on other disciplines to do so. Its LLM and PhD programmes are long established and highly regarded.
It lets you earn a full LSE law degree without pausing your career. You study in intensive weeks on campus, choose your own modules, and have your specialism named on your degree certificate. And you'll do it alongside experienced lawyers and professionals from around the world.
Admissions
Working professionals based anywhere in the world who seek an advanced law qualification from one of the world’s leading law schools.
- Very good grades in your law degree (UK 2:1 or higher; 3.5 GPA out of 4.0 or equivalent): the online application instructions will explain how candidates can send official transcripts.
- Higher standard of English: a test of English is required for non-native English speakers who have not completed a degree in English. The online application includes instructions about how to send scores.
- Two references: One academic and one professional (or two professional references if the candidate has been out of school for five years or more and are unable to obtain an academic reference). The online application includes instructions about the reference form and where to have referees send the completed reference.
- Personal statement: explaining candidate's interest and suitability for the programme, including career achievements and ambitions.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Work experience: at least three years of legal work experience at the time of commencement, with indication of support from employer to take time out of the office to attend the modules at LSE.
Students who do not have a law degree or a law conversion course (such as the Graduate Diploma in Law) may still apply, but they need to demonstrate a high level of professional or academic experience in areas closely related to the subjects they wish to study. Each application will be considered on its own merits. In evaluating an application, the selectors take into consideration an applicant’s grades and class rank, their professional experience/accomplishments, letters of reference and the coherence of an applicant's proposed programme of study.
Applications for the programme are open via the Graduate Admissions website.
Please see:
https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Prospective-students/How-to-Apply
If you have any queries about your application, the Graduate Admissions Team can be reached at: 020 7955 7160. (email: ard.exec.admissions@lse.ac.uk; website: https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Contact-Graduate-Admissions)
Yes.
You do not need to be currently employed to be eligible, but a minimum of three years of legal work experience is required by the time of commencement. Any candidates who are not currently employed will need to explain in their personal statement both what they will contribute and what they seek to gain from the programme.
Candidates are considered on a rolling admissions basis throughout the year.
We recommend that you apply at least six months in advance of the first module you wish to attend. You must apply a minimum of two months in advance of your first proposed module date to ensure enough time for processing.
Yes. The online application fee is currently £95.
We ask that you submit one professional reference and one academic reference. Two professional references may be submitted for candidates who have been out of school for five years or longer. More than two references may be submitted.
No.
Information about the language requirement can be found at:
You should include your test scores, if available, in the relevant section of the application form. If you receive an offer of admission, it will be subject to proof of your score.
English tests must be less than two years old at the time of Registration on the programme. If you have not yet taken the test, your application can be considered in its absence, but any offer will be conditional on your achieving the required score.
No.
Please ensure you obtain the correct visa to enable you to study at LSE. Information about visas can be found at the following links:
General information for prospective students
Visas for Executive Masters Programmes
ELLM students will be required to bring their visa documents (and passport) with them to each teaching session so that these can be checked by our Registry team. Failure to produce the correct documents will prohibit you from attending any teaching.
We have a diverse cohort of students from around the world, ranging in age from 25 to 60+, with work experience ranging from 3 to 10 years+. Class sizes are fairly small and all modules are capped at 30 students.
Programme queries
You may start the programme immediately by taking the next available modules after admission. Modules are offered in April, September and December each year.
In total you will be required to be out the office no longer than 8 weeks throughout the course of the programme. Each module will be taught over a week. You will also need to take into consideration travel time to and from LSE.
Executive LLM students are expected to complete two modules per year. However, you may complete more if you have the time and capacity to do so.
No. All teaching will take place on campus.
Throughout the course of the programme you will have access to an online learning platform (Moodle) so you can stay connected in between modules. Faculty will use it to plan intersession activities, such as revision sessions, and to communicate important announcements and reminders. You remain an active part of the LSE community from wherever you are based in the world.
Modules will be assessed by oral examination after a revision period of approximately two months.
No. All modules counted towards your Executive LLM degree must be completed at LSE.
You will receive a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science once you have completed 8 modules. If you are unable to complete all eight modules, then alternative exit options are available. An LSE ‘Diploma in Legal Studies’ is available on the completion of six modules and a ‘Certificate of Legal Studies’ on the completion of four modules.
No. The degree certificate will state ‘Master of Laws’.
Yes. Degree certificates will be presented to students at a ceremony in either July or December.
Yes. As a student at LSE you will have full access to the School's services and facilities, including the famous LSE Library and the Careers Service. You will also have the opportunity to attend LSE's excellent programme of public lectures and events, given by some of the world's foremost academics, politicians and business leaders.
The LSE has a cosmopolitan network of over 100,000 alumni in more than 190 countries and over 70 groups and contact networks registered with the Alumni Association. Alumni have access to social networking sites, events and activities in London and around the world.
See the details on specialisms here.
The current fees for the programme are £4,300 per module and must be paid in advance of the module date. This fee includes tuition, course materials and some refreshments.
There will also be an application fee (currently £95) and a registration fee (currently £650). The registration fee is payable within 14 days of receiving the offer and is non-refundable.
Students will only be permitted to attend a module if payment is received in time. The deadlines for payment of module fees are listed here.
Please click here for more information.
No. Students will be responsible for accommodation costs. However, LSE does negotiate corporate rates with hotels near the School that students can benefit from. Please see the LSE Accommodation Office website for further information:
https://www.lse.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation
As a programme for working professionals, this degree is not eligible for the Graduate Support Scheme. Candidates may seek additional funding from sources listed on the LSE Financial Support page for students from particular backgrounds and nationalities. For more information please visit:
https://info.lse.ac.uk/current-students/financial-support
LSE has several accommodation options available with a variety of styles, facilities and costs around central London. All are within easy walking distance of LSE. They are primarily designed for full-time, undergraduate students to use during term time. However, during vacation time – when the Executive LLM modules are taking place – these residences are opened up to all. Please note that space is limited and not all residences may be open during all modules. Further information and the option to book online is available at: https://stayatlse.co.uk/. You can also contact the Vacations Office for more information and to discuss your options: stay@lse.ac.uk +44(0)20 7955 7575.
For further information, you can contact the Programme Manager at law.ellm@lse.ac.uk. You are welcome to book an appointment if you would like to visit.
(Finding the LSE: https://www.lse.ac.uk/lse-information/campus-map).