LL.M. Educational Programme with Durham University, UK

Durham LLM
Degree
LLM Educational Programmes
Duration
1 Year
Year
2026/2027

Programme overview  

An LL.M. (Master of Laws) is a highly regarded international qualification, designed to develop specialist expertise, international legal skills, and a global network. 

In a way that is unique of its kind, Luiss enables students to incorporate an international LL.M. directly into their Law degree programme, allowing them to study abroad and to obtain this prestigious qualification before graduating. This innovative programme guarantees students a dual degree, early access to a global professional network, and an unparalleled competitive advantage in the international job market. 

Programme structure  

The programme is structured as follows: 

  • From the 1st to the 4th year at Luiss 
  • The 5th year at Durham University, UK

Places available  

There are 10 places available for each academic year. 

Who is eligible to apply?  

This LL.M. is a programme reserved for students in their fourth year of the Single-Cycle Master's Degree in Law. Depending on their major, students can apply for: 

  • LL.M. in International Trade and Commercial Law, open to students majoring in International Law, European Law, Law and Innovation, Corporate and Tax Law, or Business Law and Economics 
  • LL.M. in International Law and Governance, open to students majoring in International Law 
  • LL.M. in European Trade and Commercial Law, open to students majoring in International Law, European Law, Corporate and Tax Law, Business Law and Economics, or Administrative Law 
  • LL.M. in Corporate Law, open to students majoring in European Law, Corporate and Tax Law, Business Law and Economics, or Civil Law 

Fees and charges 

The programme requires the payment of tuition fees. In addition to the tuition fees charged by Luiss, selected students will also pay tuition fees to Durham University. Luiss students will receive a 20% discount, meaning they will be required to pay tuition fees of approximately £25,000 for the 2026–2027 academic year. 

All costs associated with taking part in the mobility programme (e.g. accommodation, insurance, transport, etc.) will be the students' responsibility. 

Qualifications awarded  

After completing the programme, students will be awarded: 

  • Single-Cycle Master's Degree from Luiss 
  • LL.M. qualification from Durham 

To be awarded the qualifications, participants must comply with the rules and conditions of both universities regarding credits, attendance, and deadlines. 

Disclaimer  

The information provided on this page – including the eligible degree programmes at Luiss, the fields of study (majors), and the admission requirements – is subject to annual review and may be updated for future years of mobility. Candidates are advised to check this webpage regularly for the most up-to-date information before submitting their application. 

Luiss Academic Coordinator

Alessio Persiani
 Faculty | apersiani@luiss.it   

Single Commission

Daniele Gallo 
Faculty | dgallo@luiss.it

Alessia Farano 
Faculty | afarano@luiss.it 

Barbara de Donno 
Faculty | bdedonno@luiss.it  

Pietro Pustorino 
Faculty | pustorin@luiss.it  

International Degree Programmes
Viale Romania 32
00197 Rome

For general enquiries:
international@luiss.it

For questions about the programme:  
Nicla Scaglione 
nscaglione@luiss.it 
Tel. +39 06 85225409 

Study Plan 2026–2027

 

  • Students will complete the entire LL.M. programme and sit all the examinations at the partner university during their 5th year. 
  • Upon their return, all courses listed on the official Transcript of Records will be recognised as a block (Block Transfer Recognition), covering Luiss courses in the 4th year (2nd semester) and the 5th year (1st and 2nd semesters). The final dissertation will not be included in the credit transfer. 
  • Luiss dissertation: Students must choose a Luiss supervisor, follow Luiss's standard graduation procedures, and defend their dissertation in July, October/November, or March/April, depending on when the Transcript of Records is available. The processing of grades involves manual procedures, and Transcripts of Records must be received well in advance of the graduation session. Given this timeframe, please bear in mind that graduating in the summer session is generally not possible.  
  • Dissertation at the Partner University: If required, students will also complete a final dissertation for the partner university, following its specific guidelines and deadlines. 

Further information

  • Students selected for an LL.M. programme are required to follow the curriculum set out for their year of mobility, including any changes, particularly those relating to language courses and other academic activities. 
  • Although every effort is made to provide students with complete, accurate, and timely information, Luiss reserves the right to make changes, add to, or withdraw the programme. 
  • Luiss is not responsible for any cancellations or changes resulting from events beyond its control. Should the programme be cancelled or modified for these reasons, Luiss will promptly inform all students. 

How to apply

Details of the application procedure and any further information not available on this webpage can be found in the Call for Applications for your mobility year. For further information, please contact the International Degree Programmes Office at the following email address: international@luiss.it.  

Admission Criteria mobility year 2026/27

For the coming years of mobility, the eligibility criteria are reviewed and updated on this web page, typically in September each year. 

Requirements for applications for the 2026/2027 mobility year
Having successfully completed and been awarded a total of at least 180 credits 
Have a weighted average of 27/30 or higher

Hold one of the following English language qualifications: 

  • IELTS: a minimum overall score of 7.0, with no component below 6.5 and a minimum score of 7.0 in Writing. 
  • TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 90, with no component scoring below 20  
  • Cambridge CPE: a minimum overall score of 185, with at least 176 in each component and at least 185 in Writing. 
  • Cambridge CAE: a minimum overall score of 185, with at least 176 in each component and at least 185 in Writing. 
  • Pearson Academic PTE: a minimum overall score of 68, with no less than 62 in each Communicative Skill and a minimum score of 68 in Writing. 
  • Duolingo English Language Test (DET): an overall score of 130, with 130 in Writing and no less than 120 in any other individual subscore. 

Language certifications must not have been obtained more than two years before the start of the mobility period (August/September 2027). Candidates must meet the requirements by taking a single test. 

Selection Criteria mobility year 2026/27

The criteria set out below apply to applications for the 2026–2027 mobility year. 

Luiss will select a shortlist of candidates based on its unquestionable assessment of each student's academic profile and motivation. Further details about the selection process will be published at the same time as the call for applications. 

The results will be communicated to Durham University, which reserves the right to make the final decision. 

The selection process is divided into three stages: 

Step 1 Eligible candidates will be placed on the ranking list following an assessment of their academic performance (credits 53%, internship credits 2%, weighted average 45%). 
Step 2 An interview will focus on the candidate's motivation, academic background, and previous international or professional experience. 
Step 3 Having reviewed the Luiss Committee's ranking and the candidates' dossiers, the partner universities reserve the right to confirm the final ranking. 

Call for Applications – Deadlines for the 2026–2027 Mobility Year

For the coming years of mobility, the timescales are reviewed and updated on this webpage, typically in September of each year. 

PhaseTimelines
Publication of the call for applicationsEarly December 2025
Opening of the application period8 January 2026
Deadline for submitting applications21 January 2026
Selection interviews10 February 2026
Selection resultsBy 20 February 2026 (to be confirmed)
Confirmation of participationWithin one working day

Read the Call for applications – Mobility Year 2026–2027

Application instructions – 2026–2027 mobility year 

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