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The Cambridge LLM (Master of Law) is a nine-month taught master's degree commencing at the beginning of October each year and finishing by the end of the following June. The LLM, as a master's degree, is intended for those who wish to pursue further legal studies after completing their first degree in law, including those who are considering an academic career or intending to practise law.
LLM students take four courses from the list of available LLM course offerings. Whilst in principle students have a free choice as to the four courses they take, if a course is particularly popular it might become necessary to limit the number of students enrolled in the course to ensure the best possible learning experience for all participants. In recent years, the number of LLM courses on offer has tended to be in the region of 30. The advanced nature of the LLM programme is reflected in the fact that it is organised and taught separately from the undergraduate law degree at Cambridge. All of the LLM courses are specifically tailored for the LLM programme.
Courses in the LLM are assessed by means of an examination at the end of the LLM year, although students can apply to write a full dissertation in lieu of the examination for one course (only), subject to prior formal approval of their dissertation topic and availability of the dissertation option.
Competence standards are set for the LLM to identify the competences and abilities that students are required to demonstrate in order to successfully complete a programme of study. The competence standards relating to LLM courses are available on the Faculty of Law website.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the LLM programme, students can be expected to have greatly enhanced knowledge of their chosen subject areas, an increased ability to apply sophisticated and rigorous analytical techniques to primary and secondary legal materials, and a better facility in advancing robust evaluations of doctrinal, theoretical and policy arguments in the fields of their studies and more generally.
Continuing
A number of students wish to pursue further advanced legal studies after completing the LLM. Cambridge offers various research degrees. Students wishing to continue their studies at Cambridge by undertaking a research degree in law should apply for their chosen course through the University's Postgraduate Admissions Office by the relevant deadline.
The Postgraduate Research page on the Faculty of Law website contains information about the research courses available.
Open Days
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:
Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.
For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.