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The LLM and LPC combined course enables you to cover both qualifications in 12 months, compared to studying them separately, which would take two years – potentially longer if you studied part-time or via distance learning.
Combining the two could also save you money on course fees, and if you are studying away from home, you could save on having to pay out for an additional 12 months’ accommodation and living expenses. For example, when you study the LPC with The University of Law, you can add an LLM at no extra cost.
No, it’s is not a ‘full’ Masters course. To obtain the Masters element of the course, you will need to complete a Masters-level dissertation. Some providers may require you to complete a live project or placement instead. Much of the course focuses on the LPC element, which is also available as a standalone course.
LPC LLM courses are structured in a way that will allow you to enter general or commercial practice. Some university courses incorporate the Solicitors Regulation Authority requirements of the Legal Practice Course as well.
The LPC will set you on a professional path to becoming a solicitor, while the LLM elements of study show that you have the intellectual drive and dedication to succeed in your chosen area of law. It is an ideal method of study if you want to stand out in the crowd.
If you plan to enter legal practice outside of the UK, it will better suit your aspirations. The LLM is globally recognised as a Masters Degree, while the LPC is less known by international legal systems.
Additionally, if you plan to switch from the solicitor route, or the legal profession generally, later in your career, the LLM is considered a much more transferable qualification.
On a practical level, unlike the standalone LPC course, the LPC LLM comes with a postgraduate loan option, which is why many self-funded aspiring solicitors opt for this study route.
Despite the LPC being a postgraduate course, it is not considered a Masters in Law qualification. It is, however, a vocational course that prepares you for practice as a solicitor. Completing the LPC enables you to progress to the final stage of becoming a solicitor – the training contract.
In contrast, the LLM requires in-depth academic study of a specific area of law. Unlike the LPC, the LLM is not a requirement in order to apply for a law training contract. It’s common for most aspiring solicitors to gain a Masters in Law by studying a 12-month LLM course, typically before starting their training contract.
This course allows you to combine both qualifications into one period of study. The structure of the programme requires you to choose modules to switch your resulting qualification into either the LLM in International Legal Practice Course or the LLM in Legal Practice Course.
The programme was originally only offered by the University of Law, but several providers have since emerged. The table below features a selection of institutions offering courses. Please note, while we aim to maintain the accuracy of this information, some course providers may not feature, while entry requirements, start dates and fees may be subject to change:
| University | Entry Requirements | Start Date | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Law | Qualifying law degree 2:2 or above | September, January, March and June (Full- and part-time and online) | £16,950 – London Bloomsbury, London Moorgate £13,350 – Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, Guildford, Norwich, Reading, Southampton £12,300 – Chester, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield |
| City University of London | Qualifying law degree 2:2 or above | September (Full- and part-time) | £15,350 |
| London Metropolitan University | Qualifying law degree (awarded by a Solicitor Regulation Authority (SRA) approved provider), with at least second class honours | September (Full- and part-time) | £13,500 |
| Nottingham Trent University | Qualifying law degree 2:2 or above | September (Full-time only) | £11,950 |
| University of Derby | Qualifying law honours degree, a Graduate Diploma in Law or an exemption granted by the Solicitors Regulation Authority | September (Full- and part-time) | Full-time – £12,000 Part-time – £2,000 per 30 credits |
| University of Wolverhampton | Qualifying law degree 2:2 or above | September (Full- and part-time) | £11,000 (UK) £14,450 (International) |
Note that LPC LLM fees are usually inclusive of:
When you study your LPC with the University of Law (ULaw), you have the option to add an MSc in Law, Business and Management or an LLM in Professional Legal Practice at no extra cost.
ULaw is one of the longest providers of LPC LLM courses in the UK and they work with over 90 of the top 100 law firms in Britain to ensure that you are fully prepared as a trainee solicitor and ready to transition into your first role.
The LPC LLM is classed as a Masters in Law qualification, which means that you could access a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 – this is available whether you study full- or part-time or online. The loan can be used to pay tuition fees or to cover your living costs while studying.
Please note, interest is charged on Masters Loans and you will have to pay it back, but not until you have graduated and your salary is over the threshold amount for your repayment plan. The threshold amount changes each year. You can make voluntary payments to your loan at any time.
Other LPC LLM funding options are available. Most law schools offer scholarships, which are often publicised on their websites – you should check to see if you are eligible.
Some providers also offer postgraduate awards of up to £1,000.
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