Firms rarely specify any requirements for postgraduate study but the study can only help applicants to stand out from the crowd. With the LLM (Law Masters) you are able to study a subject area in much greater depth and institutions offer a range of specialised LLMs from Human Rights to International Shipping.

Although an LLM alone does not allow you to practice as a lawyer in the UK it undoubtedly enhances your application, and allows you to develop an expertise in a specific area of law. For some students, taking an LLM in the UK or a foreign jurisdiction also offers the benefit of an international perspective and the opportunity of immersing themselves in a different culture.

An LLM normally involves either nine to ten months' full-time study, or two years of part-time study based at an insitution or by distance learning. Some Law Schools are now intending to offer the Legal Practice Course and Bar Vocational Course as master's degrees rather than diplomas. For example, BPP Law School and The College of Law will provide you with the opportunity to graduate with an LPC or a BVC and a Masters degree in Legal Practice. Upon completion of your LPC or BVC at BPP you will have completed 120 (two thirds) of the 180 credits required for an LLM. You can complete the remaining 60 credits at BPP to obtain an LLM in Professional Legal Practice. This can be done in the summer after you complete your LPC or BVC or over a longer period of time.

There are no central admissions systems or deadlines that cover all postgraduate courses so check with the providing institution direct. As a general rule you should start your research at least a year before you wish to start your course and apply six to nine months before the course starts - usually in September of each year. Fees can range greatly but expect to pay anything from from £7,000 - £10,000. Overseas students are charged an increased rate over home students so make sure you do plenty of research to find the Law school that can offer the best course for you.

A good place to start your research is at www.llmstudy.com where you can search a comprehensive database of global LLM programmes and unique LLM bursaries.

Interested in qualfying in the UK? To find out which course you need to take and when visit our online guide to qualifying as a lawyer in the UK