LLM Law

Our LLM (Master of Laws) programme gives you the opportunity to study at our vibrant School of Law with its unique focus on the legal systems and legal challenges of the Global South generally and Asia, Africa and the Middle East in particular.

The structure of the LLM allows you to create your own programme of study, choosing from a wide array of modules, including those in comparative law, international law, law and development, commercial and trade law, human rights, environmental law, Islamic law and dispute resolution.

In addition, students may be able undertake modules outside of the School of Law, opening up SOAS’s array of world-leading options in languages, cultures, arts, humanities, politics, economics and finance, and beyond.

Students complete the LLM by undertaking a dissertation, developing an extended research project on a topic of their choice.

LLM (Master of Laws) and Specialisms

Depending on the modules you take, you will graduate with an LLM (Master of Laws) or on a specialist pathway. Our specialist pathways are:

• Environmental Law and Sustainable Development
• Human Rights, Conflict and Justice
• International Commercial and Economic Law
• International Law
• Islamic Law
• Law and Gender

Why study LLM (Master of Laws) at SOAS?

• SOAS is ranked 14th in the UK for Law (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• We're ranked 12th in the UK for Academic Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• Our research publications have been rated first in the UK - and our School of Law rated sixth in the UK - in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Why you?

The LLM (Master of Laws) programme is ideal for LLB or other graduates with a related degree as well as legal or other professionals who wish to expand their knowledge of, and critical engagement with, law, particularly as it relates to the Global South.

You will join an international alumni of graduates from the LLM at SOAS, many of whom are now working at the UN, in NGOs, in government, in private practice, in policy work or in academia.

Please note that the LLM is open to applicants from different disciplines and is not restricted to those who hold a UK law degree or international equivalent.

Global Partnerships

This programme can be offered as part of a dual LLM degree with a number of our partnering Universities. For example:

• LLM/MA in Environmental Justice in South Asia (Term one: SOAS in London; Term 2: NLUD in Delhi)

For further information about our LLM Dual degree partnerships, please visit Global Partnerships.