How long does the LLM in Comparative Law take?

The LLM in Comparative Law runs one year full-time or two years part-time on-campus, online and by distance learning. Every LLM in Comparative Law cohort follows the same weekly seminar timetable.

How is the LLM in Comparative Law delivered?

The LLM in Comparative Law is taught on-campus in central London, online in live seminars, and by distance learning with recorded seminars. Dissertation supervision is one-to-one across all three modes.

Is the LLM in Comparative Law recognised in the UK?

Yes. The LLM in Comparative Law is a UK Level 7 Master's award aligned with IBA and CIArb coverage. It is a strong foundation for cross-border practice, though the SQE and Bar routes remain separate qualifications.

What are the entry requirements for the LLM in Comparative Law?

A UK Bachelor's degree at 2:2 or above (or equivalent), plus IELTS 6.5 for non-native English speakers. Senior lawyers without a first degree can enter the LLM in Comparative Law on portfolio.

What does the LLM in Comparative Law cost and is funding available?

Fees for the LLM in Comparative Law vary by mode and cohort intake. LSLPE admissions publishes the current schedule and advises on employer sponsorship and instalment plans.

LLM in Comparative Law | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The LLM in Comparative Law at LSLPE is a UK Level 7 postgraduate law programme running one year full-time or two years part-time across on-campus, online and distance routes. Content is calibrated to senior comparative work relevant to cross-border practice: common law and civil law traditions, mixed jurisdictions, harmonisation, model laws and the interaction between domestic legal orders and international regimes.

By graduation you are producing extended comparative case notes, drafting harmonisation memoranda, arguing convergence and divergence points in seminar, and delivering an original dissertation of publishable standard supervised by a practising counsel or an academic specialist.

Key Features

Content aligned with International Bar Association (IBA) coverage of comparative practice.
Themes aligned with Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) work on transnational dispute resolution.
Aligned with Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) senior-track expectations for cross-border work.
Seminars run in the case-room tradition of the Inns of Court, argued in public.
Dissertation supervision by practising counsel with cross-border practice and academic comparativists.
Distance and online cohorts share the same weekly seminar timetable as on-campus students.

What You Will Learn

The main comparative law methodologies: functional, cultural, structural.
Common law and civil law contract, tort, property and procedure compared.
Mixed jurisdictions: Scotland, Louisiana, Quebec, South Africa.
Harmonisation instruments: UNCITRAL, UNIDROIT, Hague Conference.
Comparative constitutional design.
Comparative human rights adjudication.
Model laws and their transplantation to domestic systems.
Research method design for a Master's-level comparative dissertation.

Who This Course Is For

Solicitors, barristers and in-house counsel doing cross-border work.
Graduates of an LLB or civil law degree progressing to senior comparative practice.
International lawyers seeking a UK Level 7 comparative credential.
Policy officers in FCDO, DBT and comparative regulatory teams.
Career changers with a first degree in law moving into comparative or transnational specialism.

Career Pathways

In-house Counsel in a multinational
Legal Executive on cross-border transactions
Corporate Counsel in a City firm
Contract Lawyer on international agreements
Legal Adviser in a multilateral body
Compliance Officer with an international remit
Legal Researcher on comparative themes
Legal Analyst on transnational dispute resolution

The LSLPE careers service maintains standing relationships with City firms, chambers with an international caseload, arbitration institutions and multilateral bodies, and refreshes content annually against IBA and CIArb guidance.

Entry Requirements

A UK Bachelor's degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent international qualification in law or a related discipline.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Applicants without a Bachelor's degree but with 5+ years of senior professional experience in cross-border practice are considered on portfolio.
One academic and one professional reference.
A 500-word research proposal or professional practice statement identifying a comparative topic.

Why Study at LSLPE

LSLPE teaches comparative law from central London, within a short tube ride of the Royal Courts of Justice, the Inns of Court, City firms with cross-border practices and arbitration institutions. Every intake, on-campus or remote, joins the same weekly seminar structure with named programme-tutor support, run in the case-room tradition, evidence-led and argued in public.

Three parallel study modes let progressors and working practitioners complete the LLM in Comparative Law without leaving employment, and the LSLPE careers service maintains standing links with City firms, arbitration bodies and multilateral organisations.

Apply for LLM in Comparative Law

The LLM in Comparative Law is a senior UK credential for lawyers working across jurisdictions. It is a strong foundation for cross-border practice, though the SQE and Bar routes for domestic practice remain separate. Enrol on an LSLPE Master's programme — dissertation, capstone or sponsor project supervised by practising barristers, policy advisers and City economists. Enrol Now