Specialise in public international law, human rights, or international commercial law at a Russell Group university with a strong legal heritage. The programme combines theoretical rigour with practical moot court and clinic experience.
1 year
Full-time duration
£25,200
Tuition (international)
September 2026
Next intake
IELTS 6.5
English requirement
Overview
Specialise in public international law, human rights, or international commercial law at a Russell Group university with a strong legal heritage. Birmingham Law School is one of the largest and most established law schools in the UK, with active research centres in human rights, criminal justice, and commercial law.
The programme combines theoretical rigour with practical moot court and clinic experience, preparing you for careers in international law firms, NGOs, government, and international organisations.
Compare options
Same field, different universities
See how this programme compares with law programmes at other universities we work with.
Your counsellor helps you compare and apply to multiple programmes simultaneously — at no cost.
Entry requirements
What you'll need
Academic
Bachelor's (2:1 or equivalent) in Law
English
IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL 88
Documents
Law degree transcripts, SOP, two references, passport
💡
Don't have a law degree? Birmingham also offers the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) as a conversion course — your counsellor can advise on the best route.
What you'll study
Core modules
01 Public International Law
02 International Human Rights Law
03 International Commercial Arbitration
04 Law of International Organisations
05 International Criminal Law
06 Research Dissertation
After you graduate
Career outcomes
£40,000
Starting salary in international law firms
2-year visa
UK Graduate Route post-study work visa
91%
Employed within 6 months
Top employers
International courts, NGOs, DLA Piper, Clifford Chance
How to apply
Application timeline
October – December 2025
Prepare your application
Gather law degree transcripts, IELTS score, personal statement, and two academic references. Your counsellor reviews everything free of charge.
January – April 2026
Submit via Birmingham portal
Apply through Birmingham's online postgraduate admissions system. Rolling admissions — early application recommended for scholarship consideration.
March – May 2026
Receive your offer
Birmingham typically responds within 4–6 weeks. Your counsellor follows up on your behalf and helps you accept your offer.
May – August 2026
Visa & accommodation
Pay your deposit, receive your CAS, apply for your Student Route visa, and arrange accommodation in Birmingham.
September 2026
Welcome week & start
Arrive in Birmingham for orientation and begin your LLM International Law programme.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & deposit
Tuition (international)
Per annum
£25,200
Deposit
Required before CAS / visa
£2,500
IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)
Per year
£776
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
Birmingham and the UK government offer several scholarship options for international law students. Your counsellor matches you with every award you qualify for.
Birmingham Global Masters Scholarship
University of Birmingham · Merit-based
£3,000–£5,000
Coverage: Tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: International postgraduate taught students with strong academic record
Duration: Full programme length
Deadline: Automatic consideration on admission
Source: birmingham.ac.uk scholarships, 2026
Chevening Scholarship
UK Government · Fully funded
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living allowance + flights + visa
Eligibility: 2+ years work experience, return to home country
Duration: 1-year master's programmes
Deadline: November (for September start next year)
Source: chevening.org, 2026
Great Scholarships
British Council · Country-specific
£10,000
Coverage: £10,000 tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: Citizens of 15 eligible countries incl. Egypt, Saudi Arabia
Duration: 1-year postgraduate programmes
Deadline: Varies — typically March–May
Source: study-uk.britishcouncil.org, 2026
🎓
Not sure which scholarships you qualify for? Your counsellor reviews every option and handles the applications — at no cost.
Loans & financing
Alternative funding options
Prodigy Finance
International student loan · No collateral
Varies
Covers tuition and living expenses for postgraduate students at top-ranked universities. No cosigner required; rates based on future earning potential.
Part-time work
Earn while you study in Birmingham
Up to 20 hrs/week
Student Route visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. Birmingham's legal, professional services, and retail sectors offer good student employment options.
Living costs
Monthly budget in Birmingham
Birmingham is the UK's second-largest city but significantly more affordable than London — with excellent transport, dining, and cultural options.
Rent (student housing)£400–£680
Food & groceries£120–£200
Transport£45–£75
Mobile & internet£20–£35
Books & supplies£20–£40
Personal & leisure£80–£180
Estimated total£685–£1,210/month
UKVI maintenance requirement: £1,023/month (outside London) for 9 months — you must show this in your bank statements for the visa.
Student visa
Visa requirements for the UK
Visa type
Student Route visa (formerly Tier 4)
CAS required
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from Birmingham
Financial proof
£1,023/month × 9 months = £9,207 (outside London)
Health surcharge (IHS)
£776/year — covers NHS access
Visa fee
£490 (standard processing)
Post-graduation
2-year Graduate Route visa — work in any role
📋
Your counsellor guides you through the full visa process — from CAS letter to biometrics appointment.
Student stories
Hear from our students
"Birmingham's LLM gave me exactly the specialisation I needed — the International Commercial Arbitration module opened doors to a training contract at a top City firm. My counsellor helped me get a Chevening Scholarship that covered everything."
HS
Hassan S.
LLM International Law, Birmingham — Class of 2025 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
"I chose Birmingham over London because the tuition was lower and the city is so affordable. The moot court experience was invaluable — it gave me the confidence to argue cases in front of real judges. My counsellor made the visa process completely stress-free."
FA
Fatima A.
LLM International Law, Birmingham — Class of 2026 · 🇮🇶 Iraq
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a law degree to apply for the LLM?
Yes, you typically need a Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB or equivalent) with a 2:1 or above. Candidates with significant professional legal experience may also be considered. If you don't have a law degree, Birmingham offers a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) as a conversion route.
Can I practise law in the UK after the LLM?
The LLM is an academic qualification, not a professional qualification. To practise as a solicitor in England and Wales, you need to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). However, the LLM strengthens your profile enormously — especially for international law firms — and the 2-year Graduate Route visa gives you time to secure a training contract.
Can I stay and work in the UK after graduating?
Yes. The 2-year Graduate Route visa lets you stay and work in any role — no job offer needed to apply. International law firms, NGOs, and government agencies actively recruit LLM graduates.
Is Birmingham a good city for law students?
Birmingham has a thriving legal sector — it's home to major law firms (DLA Piper, Squire Patton Boggs, Gowling WLG) and is the UK's second-largest legal centre after London. The city is also significantly more affordable, with rent 40–50% lower than London.
What is the IHS and do I have to pay it?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £776/year and gives you access to the NHS (UK's public healthcare). It's paid as part of your visa application — not optional for Student Route visa holders.
