The LLM (Master of Laws) is the primary postgraduate law degree for internationally trained lawyers seeking to specialise, gain comparative legal knowledge, or enhance global career prospects. The UK and USA are the world's two most popular LLM destinations. This guide helps you choose.
Key Comparison: LLM in UK vs USA
| Feature | UK LLM | USA LLM |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year | 1 year |
| Cost (tuition) | £18,000–£40,000 | $35,000–$60,000 |
| Living costs (1 year) | £20,000–£35,000 (London) | $30,000–$50,000 (NYC) |
| Total cost | £38,000–£75,000 | $65,000–$110,000 |
| Law system | Common law (English law used in 70+ countries) | Common law (US law; most important jurisdiction) |
| Bar admission | UK-qualified (separate QLTS/SQE) | NY Bar exam available for LLM graduates |
| IELTS min | 7.0–7.5 | 7.0–7.5 |
| Post-study work | 2 years Graduate Route | 1 year OPT |
| Global recognition | Very strong (Commonwealth countries) | Very strong (US-connected work) |
When the UK LLM Is Better
Choose UK if:
- Your home country uses English law (India, Singapore, Malaysia, Nigeria, Kenya, UAE — all use English common law)
- You want access to London's legal market (international arbitration, M&A, financial regulatory law)
- You want a lower total cost (UK tuition is significantly less than top US law schools)
- You want the 2-year Graduate Route to work in the UK after graduating
- You want to qualify as a UK solicitor (possible through separate SQE route post-LLM)
Best UK LLM schools:
- Oxford BCL/MJur (most prestigious globally)
- Cambridge LLM
- LSE LLM
- UCL Faculty of Laws
- King's College London
When the USA LLM Is Better
Choose USA if:
- You want to practise US law (the NY Bar exam is available for LLM graduates)
- Your career targets US corporate law, M&A, capital markets, or securities
- You want access to the world's largest legal market
- You want to work at a US Big Law firm (many global firms require NY Bar admission)
- Your clients are US-based or US law governs your transactions
Best US LLM schools:
- Harvard LLM
- Yale LLM (very limited places; extremely selective)
- Columbia LLM (largest LLM programme; best NYC market access)
- NYU LLM
- Georgetown LLM (Washington DC; strong in international and public law)
- University of Michigan LLM
The NY Bar Exam — The US LLM Advantage
LLM graduates from ABA-accredited US law schools can typically sit the New York Bar Examination — the gateway to practising as an attorney in the US.
This is unique to the US LLM — a UK LLM does not qualify you for any bar examination without further qualification (SQE in UK requires more steps).
For lawyers who want to practise in or advise on US law, the US LLM + NY Bar is the most direct path.
UK vs USA LLM — Cost Breakdown
| Item | UK (London) | USA (New York) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | £22,000–£36,000 | $40,000–$60,000 |
| Accommodation (1 year) | £12,000–£18,000 | $18,000–$30,000 |
| Living expenses | £8,000–£15,000 | $12,000–$20,000 |
| Total | £42,000–£69,000 | $70,000–$110,000 |
The UK LLM is significantly more affordable — roughly 40–50% lower total cost for comparable school prestige.
IELTS Requirements
| School | IELTS Min | TOEFL Min |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford BCL/MJur | 7.5 (Writing 7.5) | 110 |
| Cambridge LLM | 7.5 (Writing 7.5) | 110 |
| LSE LLM | 7.0 | 92 |
| UCL LLM | 7.5 | 92 |
| Columbia LLM | 7.0 | 100 |
| NYU LLM | 7.5 | 100 |
| Harvard LLM | No formal min (competitive 7.5+) | No min (competitive 109+) |
| Georgetown LLM | 7.0 | 100 |
Post-Study Work
| UK | USA | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | Graduate Route (2 years) | OPT (1 year; no STEM extension for law) |
| Working rights | Any employer | Must be authorised for employment |
| Conversion to work visa | Skilled Worker visa if sponsored | H-1B (lottery required) |
The UK Graduate Route's 2-year duration is better than US OPT's 1 year for law graduates (who don't get STEM OPT extension).
Prepare for IELTS with Gabble — LLM programmes at Oxford, Cambridge, NYU, and UCL require IELTS 7.5 with Writing 7.5 specifically. AI-powered writing feedback to reach this target.