Different audiences
An LLM (Master of Laws) is normally aimed at people with a prior law qualification who want to specialise or study another legal system. Master of Legal Studies, Master of Studies in Law and Juris Master degrees are usually designed for people who do not intend to practise law, such as compliance, human resources or policy professionals.
Entry requirements
LLM programs often ask for a first law degree; legal studies masters usually accept graduates of any discipline. Neither assumption is universal, so check the program page. This directory records prior-law-degree requirements separately from other entry requirements.
What the award does and does not do
Neither award automatically makes a graduate eligible for a bar examination or admission to practice. Some regulators consider a foreign LLM in specific circumstances; many do not. Check the regulator first.
Browsing
See LLM programs and legal studies degrees.
Official sources
- International Bar Association (starting point; check current rules) · accessed 1 November 2026