These FAQs are for theMaster of Laws (LL.M.)program only. For more information on the Juris Doctor (J.D.) program, please refer to pages 13-17 of thecollege brochure (here).
1. When will the LL.M. Program begin?
The start of the LL.M. Program coincides with the start of the academic year of the University of the Philippines Diliman, usually in September.
2. How long does it take to complete the LL.M. Program?
It takes at least one academic year, comprising two semesters and one mid-year term, to complete the LL.M. Program.
3. May I know the schedule of classes (hours, days) for the LL.M. Program?
The schedule of classes will vary depending on the professors teaching the course. Most classes will be scheduled for after office hours on weekdays and during weekends, but some professors may hold classes during office hours on weekdays. International visiting professors may opt to compress the delivery of their courses into periods as short as two to three weeks.
4. Does the LL.M. Program operate on a bi-semestral or tri-semestral basis?
The LL.M. Program operates on a regular academic calendar of two semesters (usually August to December and January to May) and one mid-year term (usually June to July). The first two semesters may be devoted to regular coursework and the first part of the thesis course, while the mid-year term will be reserved for thesis-writing and defense.
5. What should I expect of LL.M. courses?
Graduate level courses emphasize the development of analytical skills, application of advanced legal thought, and production of insightful research. Since LL.M. students are expected to be full-fledged lawyers possessed of certain competencies, courses are not going to be taught in the same way as undergraduate law courses. LL.M. courses are expected to be conducted in an environment of peer-learning and exchange, where teachers and students can learn from each other’s backgrounds and experiences and help each other achieve their respective academic goals. Graduates of the LL.M. Program are expected to become leaders in their respective fields of practice and expertise.
6. What is the minimum Cumulative Weighted Average Grade (CWAG) that an LL.M. student must maintain?
In accordance with the standards of the University of the Philippines, LL.M. students should maintain a CWAG of at least 2.0 to be able to complete the program.
7. Where will the LL.M. courses be taught?
Due to public health regulations, all LL.M. courses during the Academic Year 2022-2023 will utilize a mix of in-person and remote learning activities (blended method). We plan to hold in-person activities during the first week (for the First Semester, 5-10 September 2022) and the last three weeks (for the First Semester, 1-21 December 2022) of the semester at the University of the Philippines campus in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, with facilities for remote learning for students who cannot join in person.
8. How much will tuition and other miscellaneous fees cost?
Tuition fee is Php 15,000 (approximately USD 295) per unit. Miscellaneous fees amount to Php 2,400 (approximately USD 47) .
9. Are financial scholarships and tuition fee subsidy available for students in the LL.M. Program?
Financial scholarships and tuition fee subsidy are available on the basis of financial need. Applicants must indicate their intent to avail of scholarships and subsidy in their application form. Qualification for scholarships and subsidy will be determined separately from qualification for admission to the LL.M. program.
10. Can the LL.M. units that I earned in another university be credited to the LL.M. Program?
LL.M. and other graduate courses taken from another university cannot be given course credit in the LL.M. Program.
11. I have a law degree from a foreign university or law faculty. Am I qualified to apply for the LL.M. Program?
Persons holding a law degree from a foreign university or law faculty are qualified to apply for the LL.M. Program.
12. I am licensed to practice law in another country. Will the LL.M. Program enable me to meet the requirements for admission to the Philippine Bar and the practice of law in the Philippines?
The requirements for admission to the Philippine Bar and the practice of law in the Philippines are set out in Rule 138 of the Rules of Court.These requirements are not completely satisfied by the completion of the LL.M. Program.
13. I have taken some training courses and seminars administered by the Philippine Judicial Academy. Will those courses and seminars be credited to the LL.M. Program?
Training courses and seminars administered by the Philippine Judicial Academy are not credited to the LL.M. Program, as the academic requirements, course content, program goals, and evaluation methods are different.
14. I need an LL.M. degree in order to qualify for promotion in my workplace. Should I take the LL.M. Program?
LL.M. students are expected to undertake advanced legal research and will be held to high academic and professional standards throughout their participation in the program.
15. How shall I submit my application and supporting documents?
An applicant must submit his application and scanned copies of his supporting documents through our online platform.
16. How shall recommendation be submitted?
A person writing a recommendation must email a scanned signed copy of his recommendation to llm.upd@up.edu.ph.
FAQs
Is it hard to study for LLM? ›
LLM study is often known to be cramped with demanding seminars, weekly tutorials, mock tests and assignment deadlines leaving no room for that weekend hangover… However take comfort in the fact that students party harder after finishing work especially if it's well before deadlines.
Can you get an LLM without a JD? ›Yes, while you must have a bachelor's degree or an equivalent to apply to the Illinois LLM program, that degree does not need to be in law. Individuals without a first law degree should be aware that even with a LLM degree they may not be eligible to take a U.S. bar exam.
Is LLM a good degree? ›An LLM degree is an ideal option for anyone with a specific legal career path in mind. It will give you the tools, knowledge, and experience you need when applying for positions at legal firms that focus on your particular area of interest.
Is an LLM in International law worth it? ›LLM International Law graduates get the exposure to learn a lot about international law. They are able to create a difference in the world as they know a lot about international law.
What is a good GPA for LLM? ›Is there a GPA minimum? No. However, we recommend that students only apply if their cumulative LLM GPA is 3.50 or above for both the Fall and Spring semesters. Past applicants have tended to be in the top 10% of their LLM class, with an average cumulative GPA of 3.67.
Is LLM easier than JD? ›An LLM takes a lawyer deeper, to gain "advanced knowledge in a specific area of law for career advancement, upward mobility, and/or expanded practice opportunities." The primary difference in the curriculum is that a JD program covers general law concepts; the LLM is focused on a specific area of expertise.
Is someone with an LLM a lawyer? ›An LLM will provide you with advanced training in law, but it doesn't qualify you as a licensed lawyer. A JD prepares you for legal practice by teaching you everything you need to pass the bar exam and be an effective lawyer. An LLM is more theoretical than a J.D.
Does having an LLM make you a lawyer? ›An LLM is a non-professional qualification. You don't need an LLM qualification to practice law, but the advanced training and expertise you'll gain can make you more attractive to law firms. Most programmes are quite specialised, allowing you to study a specific branch of law in depth.
Can you practice in the US with an LLM? ›Bar admission is regulated by each of the 50 U.S. states, and each state has complete discretion in the process. Some states permit foreign lawyers with a LL. M. degree to take the bar exam and be admitted to practice.
What is the salary after LLM in USA? ›You can work as an associate attorney and attorney lawyer after completion of LLM in USA. The average salary earned by the graduates is 96,200 USD per annum.
Will I get a job after LLM? ›
Graduates of LLM can develop their career in respective and reputable positions such as Advocate, Legal Associate/ Associate Attorney, Criminal Lawyer, Corporate Lawyer, Real Estate Lawyer, Magistrate, Legal Advisor, Professor and many other such designations.
What are the disadvantages of LLM? ›An LLM is expensive and going overseas may mean further debt
Let's face it, the LLM is a heavy investment and may significantly weigh on your pocket in the future, particularly if you will need a loan to finance study. Generally, the tuition fees are high but the amount ranges depending on the institution you attend.
Program Requirements for LLM in the US
Juris Doctor (JD) or bachelor's degree (JD, LLB or equivalent) in relevant courses with at least an 83-86% score Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or 83% at bachelors level (varies with the university) Minimum 2 years of work experience (depends upon university)
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NY | New York University (NYU) School of Law |
| 2 | NY | Columbia University - Columbia Law School (CLS) |
| 3 | MA | Harvard University - Harvard Law School (HLS) |
| 4 | DC | Georgetown University Law Center (GULC) |
- LLM in Business Law Studies.
- LLM in Legal Studies.
- LLM in Administrative Law Studies.
- LLM in National Law Studies.
- LLM in Economic Law Studies.
- LLM in Human Rights Law Studies.
- LLM in Jurisprudence.
- LLM in Dispute Resolution Studies.
As you can see from these numbers, an LSAT score of 170 or higher and a GPA above 3.75 will give you a chance of gaining admission to Harvard Law School. If you have a GPA of 3.94 or higher and above a 175, you are pretty much a lock for admission, particularly given the class size of ~560.
What if my GPA is too low for Masters? ›For more competitive programs, a 3.0 or even higher may be the minimum GPA accepted, but in other cases, schools are more flexible and will admit students with a minimum 2.5, or they may have no GPA cutoff at all.
How can I get into a Masters with a 2.5 GPA? ›- GRE or GMAT Scores. ...
- Statement of Purpose. ...
- Consultation with a Faculty Member. ...
- Additional Coursework. ...
- Professional Work Experience. ...
- Recommendation Letters. ...
- Admissions Essay. ...
- Admissions Interview.
The Benefits of Earning an LLM
Earning an LLM gives you the opportunity to focus your law practice on a particular area of the law. This can help with opening up new career opportunities, as well as establishing yourself as an authority in a specific field. The legal landscape is always evolving.
Lots of companies hire LLM degree holders with an in-depth understanding of the subject. An LLM graduate additionally has the choice to venture into freelance legal practice rather than operating in the company world. Some reputed companies hiring LLM graduates are: Khaitan & Co.
What does an LLM qualify you to do? ›
On completing the LLM you may choose to pursue a professional qualification in order to qualify as a solicitor or barrister. You may go on to work in a wide range of areas, including NGOs and corporate law firms, whilst others choose to remain in academia or work in government departments.
Is LLM equal to PhD? ›An LLM PhD is a higher level of qualification in the field of legal studies. Successful LLM PhD graduates can become law professors and start teaching in the law colleges and universities.
Can LLM practice in court? ›M while practising as Lawyer, however the Bar Council of India in its meeting held on 18 & 20 December 2009, resolved as follows: “RESOLVED that the Practising Advocates can join in LL. M Course as Regular Student without Suspending the practise.” As such YES, Lawyers/Advocates can do LL.
How many hours do LLM students study? ›Time commitment
To complete the full LLM in two years, you will need to study for roughly 20 hours per week throughout the two years. It is up to you how you schedule your studies, depending on your work and personal commitments.
Most LLM programs are easy and there are only rare cases if LLM students who fail their exams. Grades don't matter for your career. The name of the school is much more important. The fact that you have studied in the US/UK for one year will help usually you when you return to your home country.
How long does it take to study LLM? ›It can be completed in one year for full-time students and over two years for part-time students.
Can LLM be done in 1 year? ›Students who have completed an undergraduate law degree or LLB and are eligible for the LLM program conducted for 1 year. This course is less time-consuming, holds equal value, and was recognized by UGC.
Can I work while doing LLM? ›I have spoken to other colleagues who studied a LLM and they tell me that, although challenging and exhausting, it is perfectly possible to study a LLM while working, since you are not in classes all day and as long as you dedicate daily time for your readings.
Can you become a lawyer with an LLM? ›An LLM will provide you with advanced training in law, but it doesn't qualify you as a licensed lawyer. A JD prepares you for legal practice by teaching you everything you need to pass the bar exam and be an effective lawyer. An LLM is more theoretical than a J.D.
How do you survive LLM? ›- Establish a good working relationship with your tutor. Your tutor is there to ensure you achieve your potential with your postgraduate studies – so make sure you use them! ...
- Be sure of your funding sources. ...
- Get a study plan together. ...
- Organise your paperwork. ...
- Get to know the other people on your course.