Cameron Miranda
If you're considering pursuing a master's degree in law but don't have an undergraduate law degree, you may be wondering if this is possible. The good news is that, yes, it is possible to enrol in a Master of Arts in Law (MA in Law) without a previous law degree. The MA in Law is designed for those transitioning from non-law academic backgrounds and can be an excellent way to develop transferable skills that are attractive to recruiters in both legal and non-legal industries. However, it's important to note that the course is intensive, and students are expected to grasp complex ideas and a vast knowledge base within a short timeframe. Alternatively, while a Master of Laws (LLM) is more commonly undertaken by students with a law degree or relevant legal work experience, some providers do offer LLMs to non-law students. However, an LLM is not a qualifying law degree and will not prepare you to practice law or sit for the bar in most states.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| MA in Law | Requires at least a 2:1 in any undergraduate degree discipline |
| LLM | Requires a law degree, a law conversion, relevant legal work experience, or a high level of professional and academic experience |
| LLM in Banking and Finance at the University of Law | Requires an undergraduate degree with a 2:1 minimum |
| LLM in Intercultural Human Rights at Saint Thomas University School of Law | Requires a bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent, with a demonstrated commitment to human rights and human dignity |
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What You'll Learn
MA in Law vs LLM
When it comes to studying law at the postgraduate level, two of the more popular options are the Master of Law (LLM) and the Master of Arts in Law (MA). While both courses are intellectually challenging, there are some crucial differences between them in terms of specialisations, entry requirements, and purpose.
The MA in Law has been constructed to enable a smooth transition from a non-law academic background by incorporating a pre-course module on legal methods. As an internationally recognised credential, it can be an impressive string to add to your bow in the eyes of future employers, as it features many transferable aptitudes alongside exclusively legal ones, such as critical evaluation, research, and presentation skills. The MA is attractive to recruiters in both legal and non-legal industries and can be studied in two different ways. The first is in conjunction with another subject (e.g. business, policy administration, and government), and the second is as a conversion course for non-law students. A legal MA studied in conjunction with a non-law-related subject does not hold the immediate recognition of being a legal degree as its LLM counterpart. This is because the focus of the degree is not solely on the law in-depth. Instead, the MA is often designed for those who wish to work in a different field but obtain core knowledge of the law. The MA conversion course is a great way to accelerate your pathway into the legal field, but as it is an accelerated course, you will be responsible for completing wider reading and staying on top of things.
On the other hand, the LLM (or Legum Magister, which is Latin for Master of Laws) is more commonly undertaken by students with a law degree (LLB), a law conversion like the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), or those with relevant legal work experience. This route is well-established and requires a genuine and enduring commitment to the legal sector. There are more specialised LLM courses, such as Environmental Law, Corporate Governance, and International Human Rights Law, for those who know exactly where they want to take their legal careers. The LLM is not essential to becoming a solicitor or barrister, but it is impressive to firms and chambers due to the superior training and expertise students receive, and it can help boost industry contacts. While the LLM is specifically designed for law graduates who wish to study a specialised area of the law, it is possible for non-law students to complete an LLM at some providers. However, there are other providers that require a law degree or vast levels of relevant experience. The LLM is also a good option for those who want to go on to teach law in higher education or secondary levels, but they will need to go on to study a PhD afterward.
In conclusion, the MA in Law is a great option for those with a non-law academic background who want to transition into the legal field, while the LLM is more suitable for law graduates who wish to study a specialised area of the law or teach law at a higher level. Both degrees can be equal in terms of academic value, but the LLM will be more impressive to employers in the law job market.
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Entry requirements for MA in Law
The MA in Law is designed for students without a law degree. The University of Law (ULaw), for example, has designed its MA in Law course specifically for students without an undergraduate law degree. The course incorporates a pre-course module on legal methods to enable a smooth transition from a non-law academic background.
The MA in Law typically requires at least a 2:1 in an undergraduate degree, which can be in any discipline, or an overseas equivalent. Some universities may also accept a 2:2 in any undergraduate degree, along with a law conversion course, such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).
International students hoping to become solicitors through this route may need to send their qualifications to the admissions team to determine their eligibility. Similarly, aspiring barristers may need to apply to the Bar Standards Board (BSB) for a Certificate of Academic Standing.
Additionally, applicants whose first language is not English will need to provide proof of English language proficiency, such as an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
Some universities may also offer alternative entry routes for students without an undergraduate degree. These routes typically require a combination of work experience, professional experience in a higher education setting, and leadership or management roles.
It is important to note that the MA in Law is different from the LLM (Master of Laws) program. The LLM is more commonly undertaken by students with a law degree, a law conversion, or relevant legal work experience. While the MA in Law provides a broad foundation in legal studies, the LLM allows students to gain deeper insights into specific areas of law.
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LLM course structure
The LLM (Legum Magister or Master of Laws) is a postgraduate law degree that allows students to gain deeper insights into specific areas of law. While some providers allow non-law students to complete an LLM, others require a law degree or vast levels of relevant experience. The LLM is not a qualifying law degree and does not provide the skills necessary to pass the SQE exams. However, it is still an internationally recognised credential that is impressive to firms and chambers due to the superior training and expertise students receive.
The LLM course structure varies depending on the provider and the specialisation. For example, an LLM in Banking and Finance at the University of Law requires an undergraduate degree with a 2:1 minimum, while other LLMs may require students without a law background to demonstrate a high level of professional and academic experience. In general, the LLM is an intensive course that requires a strong commitment to the law sector and the ability to grasp complex ideas and retain a vast knowledge base in a short timeframe. Students are expected to engage in independent research and writing, and to have a high level of passion and interest in the degree.
The University of Law (ULaw) has designed its Master of Arts in Law (MA in Law) course specifically for students without a law degree. This course incorporates a pre-course module on legal methods to enable a smooth transition from a non-law academic background. The MA in Law requires at least a 2:1 in an undergraduate degree in any discipline, or an overseas equivalent. International students hoping to become solicitors through this route must send their qualifications to ULaw's admissions team, while aspiring barristers must apply to the Bar Standards Board (BSB) for a Certificate of Academic Standing.
The LLM course structure typically includes a combination of lectures, workshops, preparation assignments, online tasks, and follow-up consolidation activities. Most LLMs will also require students to write a dissertation. The workshop and lecture schedule options are usually flexible, and the course can be completed in nine months of full-time study.
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LLM career prospects
An LLM, or Master of Laws, is a postgraduate law degree that allows students to deepen their knowledge of specific areas of law. While it is not a qualifying law degree, it can still enhance your career prospects in several ways.
Firstly, an LLM can help you develop in-demand expertise in a particular area of law, such as intellectual property law, drafting contracts, or mergers and acquisitions. This specialised knowledge can make you more attractive to potential employers and may even lead to improved salary prospects. Additionally, an LLM can provide you with valuable industry connections and networking opportunities, which can open doors to rewarding career opportunities.
For those with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, an LLM can further expand their knowledge in a specific legal discipline and keep their skills up-to-date. It is also a way for attorneys educated overseas to familiarise themselves with the U.S. legal system.
In terms of career paths, an LLM can be beneficial for those seeking to work as lawyers in specific sectors, such as environmental law. It can also open up opportunities for teaching in the field of law. While it is not essential to becoming a solicitor or barrister, an LLM can still impress firms and chambers due to the superior training and expertise it signifies.
It is worth noting that entry requirements for LLMs vary, and some providers may require a law degree or extensive relevant experience. However, there are also providers that offer LLM programmes specifically designed for students from non-law backgrounds, helping them transition into the study of law.
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LLM in the USA
An LLM, or Master of Laws, is a graduate qualification in the field of law. In the US, an LLM is typically designed for licensed attorneys from other countries who want to practice law in the US. It is a truncated degree that prepares these lawyers to take the US bar exam.
Requirements for LLM in the USA
To pursue an LLM in the USA, you will need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or a similar foreign qualification in the field of law. However, in rare cases, admission may be granted to holders of a bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to human rights and human dignity. For example, WMU-Cooley Law School accepts students with associate degrees or 60 to 90 credits from a four-year institution.
LLM vs MA in Law
It is important to distinguish between an MA in Law and an LLM. An MA in Law is designed for those transitioning from a non-law academic background, as it includes a pre-course module on legal methods. It is an internationally recognised qualification that can be attractive to recruiters in both legal and non-legal industries. On the other hand, an LLM is more commonly undertaken by students with a law degree (LLB), a law conversion degree, or relevant legal work experience.
LLM Programs in the USA
When considering LLM programs in the US, it is beneficial to research the specific requirements and specialisations offered by different law schools. While not all schools with JD programs offer an LLM, some universities that do provide an LLM in the US include Saint Thomas University, which offers a Master of Laws in Intercultural Human Rights, and Maastricht University, which offers an LLM in European Law and accepts students with degrees other than law.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to enrol in an MA in Law without having studied law at the undergraduate level. The University of Law (ULaw), for instance, offers an MA in Law course specifically for students without a law degree.
For an MA in Law, you will need at least a 2:1 in an undergraduate degree in any discipline or the overseas equivalent. International students with specific career goals may have additional requirements.
While it is possible to complete an LLM without a law degree at some institutions, many providers require a law degree or substantial levels of relevant experience. An LLM is a challenging course designed for those with a strong background in independent research and writing.
Entry requirements for LLMs differ from place to place. Some institutions require a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or similar foreign qualifications in the field of law. However, very rarely, admission may be granted to those with a bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the cause. Other LLM courses require students without a law background to show a high level of professional and academic experience.
The MA in Law is designed to facilitate a smooth transition from a non-law academic background and includes a pre-course module on legal methods. On the other hand, the LLM is more commonly undertaken by students with a law degree, a law conversion, or relevant legal work experience. The LLM is a well-established route that demonstrates a genuine and enduring commitment to the law sector.
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