These FAQs are for the Master of Laws (LL.M.) program only. For more information on the Juris Doctor (J.D.) program, please refer to pages 13-17 of the college 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?

For a student with full-time employment, it will take at least two academic years. For a full-time student, it will take at least one academic year.

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 LLM Program operates on a regular academic calendar of two semesters (usually September to January and February to June) and one mid-year term (usually July to August).

For a student with full-time employment aiming to complete the LL.M. degree in two academic years, the first year and a half can be for regular coursework, and the last semester and mid-year term can be for thesis-writing and defense.

For a full-time student seeking to graduate in one academic year, 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?

LLM courses will be taught using the blended method, i.e., a mix of remote learning and in-person activities. For the Second Semester of AY 2022, in-person sessions are planned for Weeks 7 through 9 of the semester at eh 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 available for students in the LL.M. Program?

Financial scholarship is available on the basis of a student’s financial need. Applicants must indicate their intent to avail of scholarships in their application form. Qualification for scholarships 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.