LLM Full Form: Courses List, Subjects, Colleges [2024]

LLM also stands for Master of Laws also known as Latin Legum Magister. It  is a postgraduate law degree that provides advanced and in-depth training in various legal topics. LLM programs allow students who have completed an undergraduate law degree (LLB or equivalent) to enhance their understanding and expertise in specific areas of law.

The program usually includes coursework, research, and may involve writing a thesis or dissertation. LLM programs offer legal professionals the opportunity to specialize in areas such as international law, human rights law, environmental law, commercial law, and more.

Eligibility  to be admitted to the LLM Degree program, individuals must have completed an LLB, BA LLB, or BBA LLB degree from a recognized and accredited university. Duration of the program is a minimum of one year. 

What is the full form of LLM?

LLM is an abbreviation for "Master of Laws" that stands for Latin Legum Magister,  which is a postgraduate academic degree in law. LLM is an abbreviation for "Legum Magister" in Latin, which is known as "Master of Laws" in English. Individuals who already have a basic law degree (such as an LLB or JD) and those who want to further specialize in a specific area of law or build ability in a specific legal subject generally pursue an LLM degree. Many colleges and law schools across the world offer LLM programs, which generally include coursework and, in some circumstances, research or thesis work.

Why Choose LLM?

 People who want to specialize in a specific area of law opt for LLM. Normally, during three or five years of law school, you study over 30 different law subjects. LLM lets you focus on one area, which helps you stand out in that field. Some popular areas are Civil Law, Criminal Law, Intellectual Property Law, Corporate Law, Company Law, Cyber Law, and Environment Law.

LLM is a must for those who want to do research or teach. To become an Assistant Professor, you need to finish LLM, pass UGC NET, and then do a PhD, following new UGC guidelines. Also, law firms often hire professionals with a degree in a specific field of law they practice in.

With an LLM, you'll:

• Develop strong research skills for long-term studies.
• Get deep knowledge about a specific area of law.
• Improve your legal reasoning and understand law theories

Course Objectives of LLM

There are wider opportunities  after  completing LLM as it is a specialized degree, which offers an expert and subject-oriented curriculum.. There are many organizations like media and publishing houses, courthouses, NGOs, FMCG, real estate, consultancies, finance sector, corporate sector and international organizations like UN, UNICEF etc. which are ready to hire LLM graduates. Apart from that, an LLM graduate also has the option to venture into freelance legal practice.

Students  holding an LLM degree can pursue various  career paths such as

•  Magistrate
•  Criminal Lawyer
•  Legal Officer
•  Corporate Lawyer
•  Bank Advisor

Program Outcomes of LLM 

There are various advantages of completing online LLM other than jobs such as- you

The program outcomes of an LLM (Master of Laws) degree can vary depending on the program and the student's goals. However, the following are some common program outcomes or objectives of a law LLM program:
1.      The goal of an LLM program is to deepen a student's understanding of the law, including its principles, theories, and concepts in a specific area of law. LLM programs allow students to specialize in a specific area of law, such as international law, human rights, tax law, environmental law, corporate law, or any other legal field of interest.
2.      Students are expected to develop strong research skills, such as conducting legal research, analyzing complex legal issues, and writing scholarly papers.
3.    LLM programs promote critical thinking and the ability to analyze legal issues, cases, and arguments critically.
4.    Students must improve their legal writing skills, which are required for drafting legal documents, briefs, and academic papers.
5.    Some LLM programs may emphasize oral advocacy in order to prepare students for legal practice in courts, arbitration, or negotiation.

Mode of Education of LLM 

You can choose from four modes- 

• Online Education
• Distance Education
• Regular Education
• Part Time

Duration and eligibility are the same in all four modes, but the difference is that you don’t get enough convenience in regular  mode and if you opt for online many advantages come along with that such as- 

Area	Regular Mode	Online/ Distance/Part-Time Mode
Flexibility	Timings of the classes are fixed.	You can learn at your own time, no fixed classes.
Self-discipline	Many distractions are there in the classroom	Whereas in an online mode you can totally focus on video lectures.
Affordability	Cost of it is high due to physical infrastructure	It cost less due to absence of physical  infrastructure

Specializations in LLM

Specialisation in an LLM (Master of Laws) program is a distinct and advanced academic course that allows individuals with a basic law degree (such as an LLB or JD) to concentrate their studies on a specific area of law. This specialisation is to provide deep knowledge, expertise, and proficiency in a specific area of law. LLM specializations range from international law, human rights, environmental law, and corporate law to more specialized subjects like space law, intellectual property, and maritime law. The primary goal of specialisation in an LLM program is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the nuances, principles, and changing trends in their chosen field. 

Corporate and Financial Law Online	Alternative Dispute Resolution
Intellectual Property Rights and Tec Law	International Business and Finance Law
Constitutional Law	Environmental Law
Criminal Law	Taxation Law
Insurance Law	International Trade and Business Law
Human Rights	Corporate Law and Governance

Program highlights of LLM

•  The LLM course duration can extend up to three years but the minimum duration is one year. 
• It's important that LLM Distance Education Colleges have UGC approval for the degree to hold trustworthy qualification status. 
• Typically, online applications are accepted during the May and last date of the registration depends upon the colleges. 
• It is much more convenient for working persons, because they can earn a degree while working. 
•  The average LLM fees are notably lower compared to regular programs, often under INR 50,000. Document submission usually follows, typically scheduled between June and August 2024.

Course Curriculum/Subjects of LLM

The LLM course curriculum covers a wide range of topics for enhancing legal knowledge and expertise. It includes areas of expertise such as international law, constitutional law, corporate law, human rights law, environmental law, and more. The program has theoretical and practical aspects, providing in-depth exploration of legal principles, case studies, and emerging trends. 

In the table below I have mentioned some core subjects of the LLM

Legal research and writing	Intellectual property law
International law	Contracts and commercial law
Corporate law	Constitutional law
Administration law	Environmental law
Criminal law and procedure	Comparative legal system

Eligibility criteria of LLM

Candidates for an LLM (Master of Laws) programme are typically required to have a basic law degree, such as an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) or its equivalent, from a recognised institution. Most LLM programmes accept students from a variety of academic backgrounds, including graduates of both domestic and international law programmes. Furthermore, some programmes may have GPA requirements, whereas others consider relevant work experience, research, or a statement of purpose as part of the admissions process. Prospective LLM students should carefully review the program's specific eligibility requirements, as these can vary between institutions and may include language proficiency tests for non-native English speakers or additional exams. 
As per the course demand and person’s pace of learning, the duration of the online LLM (Latin Legum Magister) course can bre vary. But generally it last for 3 years.

Some Top Law Colleges

Various colleges and universities provide LLM programs with different specializations. Mostly, the National Law Universities (NLUs) offer LLM courses through the Common Law Admission Test. Additionally, various public and private institutions also offer LLM programs. Some of them I’ve mentioned below- 

Name of Law School	Ranking	NIRF Points
National Law School of India University,Bengaluru	1	80.52
National Law University, Delhi	2	73.91
NALSAR University of Law,Hyderabad	3	73.76
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences,Kolkata	4	69.34
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi	5	68.3
Symbiosis Law School, Pune	6	66.67
Gujarat National Law University	7	65.69
Siksha `O` Anusandhan,Bhubaneswar	8	64.04
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	9	62.2
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University,Lucknow	10	61.05

Entrance Exams for LLM

For LLM Admission in 2024, most top colleges use entrance exams. They consider scores from national or university-level entrance exams that candidates take.

Here's a list of entrance exams for LLM Admission 2024. Most law colleges use these exams for admission. You can take national, state, or university-level exams to apply for LLM Admission in 2024

CLAT	AP PGLCET
AP LAWCET	AILET
LSAT	DU LLM Entrance Exam

Entrance Exams Syllabus

Since LLM entrance exams are at the graduate level, the syllabus tends to be quite similar. The questions are typically drawn from common subjects studied during LLB programs. Below are some of the topics commonly covered in the LLM entrance exam syllabus.

• Family law
• Company law
• Law of Torts
• Criminal Law
• Tax law
• Property law
• International Law

Preparation for entrance exam

To qualify in LLM entrance exams, one should study both graduate-level law books and stay updated with legal current affairs. Here are key tips for LLM entrance exam preparation:

• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus beforehand.
• Gather necessary study resources - LLB graduation books and standard entrance exam guides.
• Stick to a study schedule, dedicating 4-5 hours daily.
• Stay informed by reading a newspaper daily and revising notes.
• Solve previous year's LLM entrance exam papers.
• Take mock tests to boost your knowledge.

Some common books of online LLM

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

• Thoughts on Linguistic States
• Annihilation of Caste
• The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution

M.P. Jain

• Indian Constitutional Law
• Principles of Administrative Law
• Outlines of Indian Legal and Constitutional History

H.M. Seervai

• Constitutional Law of India: A Critical Commentary
• Constitutional Remedies for Writs and Other Constitutional Rights

N.R. Madhava Menon

• The Indian Legal System: An Enquiry
• Towards a Better Globalization: The Survival Paradigm

Upendra Baxi

• Voices of Suffering and the Future of Human Rights
• The Crisis of the Indian Legal System. Alternatives in Development

Career prospects after completing LLM

Completing an LLM programme opens up  different career opportunities in law and related fields. Graduates can pursue careers as legal specialists, consultants, or advisors in areas such as international law, corporate law, human rights, and environmental law. In law firms and corporations, LLM holders mostly earn higher salaries quickly. They also pursue academic careers, such as teaching and conducting legal research. To address complex issues, governments, non-governmental organisations, and international organisations all require advanced legal experts. Completing an LLM broadens career opportunities, provides leadership, and allows for meaningful contributions.

How to Find a Job after completing LLM

While doing your LLM, it's good to do training and internships at top companies. This helps you learn practical skills like researching, writing legal documents, negotiating, and advising. If you don't have experience, you can do internships during breaks to build these skills.

If you want to teach, you should write research papers, attend seminars, and conferences. It's also helpful to pass UGC NET/JRF to be eligible for a Ph.D.

For those who want a job in the professional field, knowing all about their specialty and understanding national and international rules is crucial. They also need the right qualifications to practice law.

In simple words, do internships, gain practical skills, and know your specialization well to find a job after your LLM.

What salary one can expect after completion of course?

LLM graduates have a wide range of job options in India. They can apply for various roles that match their specialization. The average salary for LLM graduates is around INR 8 -15 lakhs per year, depending on their job and industry.

LLM graduates can also work as freelance lawyers, partner with companies.

Why should you opt for online LLM? 

Pursuing an online LLM offers expert expertise, global recognition and cutting-edge career prospects. It fosters networking, sharpens critical analysis, and equips graduates for a variety of legal roles. Acquired interdisciplinary skills, along with personal growth, contribute to lifelong learning and impactful contributions to legal reform and social issues. 

One more good thing about pursuing Online LLM is once you get in-depth knowledge of your field that actually increases your pay scale.

An Online LLM can provide a global perspective. It is internationally recognized, allowing you to explore career opportunities in different countries and work with different legal systems. This can be especially valuable in an increasingly interconnected world.  

Degree	Bachelors
Full Form	Master of LAWS.
Duration	Minimum - 1 Year, maximum - 2 years
Course Eligibility	Applicant must have passed from a recognized university
Average Fees	Fees depend upon the university you choose, but the starting fee is Rs. 19000 - Rs. 40000.
Job Roles	Magistrate, Criminal Lawyer,  Legal Officer,  Corporate Lawyer
Mode of learning	Online and distance/ part time and regular.
Average salary	For experienced  professionals, the salary range typically starts  from INR 6 LPA to 12 LPA.