LLM
London
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The LLM (Master of Laws) at SOAS University of London is a prestigious postgraduate program renowned for its unique focus on the legal systems of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Situated in the heart of London, SOAS offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment, attracting students from around the world who are passionate about international law, human rights, and socio-legal studies. The program is designed for law graduates and legal professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge of global legal issues within a multicultural and comparative framework. Whether you aim to pursue an academic career or advance professionally in international legal practice, the LLM at SOAS equips you with critical legal thinking and specialized knowledge tailored to global challenges.
Curriculum: The LLM curriculum at SOAS is both flexible and diverse, allowing students to tailor their degree to their specific interests. With a wide array of modules such as International Human Rights Law, Environmental Law, Islamic Law, Law and Development, and Commercial Law in a Global Context, students can craft a personalized academic journey. The program combines rigorous theoretical foundations with practical case studies, offering both full-time (one year) and part-time (two or three years) study options. Emphasis is placed on independent research, critical analysis, and legal writing, culminating in a supervised dissertation that reflects each student’s area of expertise and interest.
Research Focus: SOAS is internationally recognized for its pioneering research in legal pluralism, human rights, environmental justice, post-colonial legal theory, and transnational legal processes. The university's School of Law is home to several active research centers, including the Centre for Human Rights Law and the Centre for Law and Society in a Global Context. Students benefit from regular workshops, conferences, and guest lectures that bring together leading scholars and practitioners. The research-driven approach encourages students to engage with complex legal questions from both theoretical and empirical perspectives, fostering innovation and critical inquiry.
Industry Engagement: SOAS maintains strong links with NGOs, international organizations, government bodies, and legal firms, offering students unique opportunities to engage with the legal profession. Through guest lectures, legal clinics, networking events, and internships, LLM students gain real-world experience and insights into the legal industry. The university's London location further enhances access to a broad range of professional events and career opportunities. Students are encouraged to participate in advocacy work, pro bono initiatives, and policy research projects, strengthening their practical skills and employability.
Global Perspective: What truly sets the SOAS LLM apart is its global outlook and commitment to decolonizing legal education. The program attracts a diverse student body, creating a vibrant international community that reflects the global nature of contemporary legal issues. Courses are taught from comparative and transnational perspectives, with particular attention to legal systems and challenges in the Global South. This global focus not only enriches academic discussions but also prepares graduates to work effectively across legal cultures and jurisdictions.
Location
London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25740
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
SOAS University of London offers a variety of scholarships to support international students pursuing postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance to students from diverse backgrounds.
SOAS International Scholarships: SOAS University of London offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to support students from various regions and backgrounds who are looking to study at the institution. Scholarships vary by program and are awarded based on merit or financial need.
Postgraduate Scholarships: SOAS provides several postgraduate scholarships for international students, including the prestigious SOAS Postgraduate Scholarships. These are awarded based on academic merit and cover partial or full tuition fees. Some specific awards are dedicated to students from particular regions, such as Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, to encourage diverse participation in postgraduate programs.
Regional Scholarships: SOAS University of London provides scholarships for students from specific regions, including the Commonwealth, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships are aimed at increasing access to higher education for students from regions with traditionally lower rates of study abroad participation. Some of the notable scholarships include the SOAS Africa Scholarship and the SOAS South Asia Scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Certain scholarships are tailored to international students from specific countries. For example, SOAS offers scholarships for students from countries like India, China, Nigeria, and others. These scholarships typically cover a portion of tuition fees and may also include additional benefits like travel allowances or accommodation assistance.
External Funding Opportunities: In addition to the internal scholarships offered by SOAS, international students are encouraged to explore external funding sources. The UK government, private organizations, and international agencies often provide scholarships and grants for students pursuing studies in the UK. SOAS offers guidance and resources to help students find external funding options and apply for them.
SOAS Excellence Awards: The SOAS Excellence Awards are designed to support exceptionally talented international students. These awards are often given to those students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential in their field of study. The Excellence Awards provide significant financial assistance and are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Pursuing an LLM at SOAS University of London opens the door to a wide array of global career opportunities. As one of the UK’s most prestigious institutions for legal studies, especially renowned for its focus on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, SOAS prepares graduates to thrive in diverse legal systems and international frameworks. The university’s rich academic heritage, combined with its global outlook and strong industry connections, positions LLM graduates for success across legal, academic, governmental, and non-profit sectors.
Legal Practice and Law Firms: Many LLM graduates from SOAS go on to work in top-tier international and regional law firms. With specialized knowledge in areas such as international trade law, environmental law, human rights, and Islamic law, alumni are in demand for roles that require nuanced understanding of transnational legal systems. Whether pursuing qualification as a solicitor or barrister in the UK or practicing law in their home jurisdictions, SOAS students leave with critical thinking and analytical skills that are highly valued by legal employers.
International Organizations and NGOs: A distinctive feature of the SOAS LLM is its strong orientation toward global justice, development, and human rights. Graduates often pursue careers in international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, or International Criminal Court, as well as in NGOs focused on humanitarian law, gender rights, environmental advocacy, and social development. The program's emphasis on legal pluralism and social justice equips students with the tools to tackle complex global issues from a legal perspective.
Academic and Research Careers: For those interested in academia, SOAS provides a strong foundation for PhD studies or academic roles. Its research-intensive environment and unique focus on comparative and non-Western legal systems make it an excellent springboard for a career in legal scholarship. Many graduates go on to become lecturers, researchers, or policy advisors, contributing to legal reform and innovation in academic and governmental institutions.
Policy and Government Roles: SOAS LLM graduates are well-prepared for careers in public policy, diplomacy, and governance. With an in-depth understanding of international law and development, alumni frequently work for governmental agencies, ministries of justice, foreign affairs departments, and public advocacy institutions. Their training at SOAS, which emphasizes the intersection of law, society, and global change, makes them effective policy makers and legal advisors.
In-House Legal and Corporate Roles: Corporations operating across borders increasingly seek legal professionals who understand international regulations, commercial law, and compliance. SOAS LLM holders often find roles as in-house counsel, compliance officers, or legal consultants within multinational companies, especially those engaged in emerging markets or with interests in regions like the Middle East, Africa, or Asia.
Entrepreneurship and Legal Innovation: Graduates with an entrepreneurial mindset also leverage their SOAS education to launch legal startups, consultancy firms, or advocacy groups. With a strong foundation in global legal systems and a critical understanding of law and development, they are well-positioned to drive legal innovation and contribute meaningfully to access-to-justice initiatives and legal tech solutions.
