Direct answer
The University of Reading LLM Advanced Legal Studies requires a good undergraduate honours degree (2.1 or above) in Law, or an equivalent qualification from a non-UK university. Applicants with a 2.2 degree may be considered if they have three years of relevant work experience, have passed the Bar exam, or have higher marks in specific law modules. A degree in Humanities or Social Science may also be accepted. The IELTS requirement is 6.5 overall with no element below 5.5. The full-time course lasts 12 months and starts in September or February. The international tuition fee for 2026/27 is £26,450. The application deadline for the September 2026 start is 13 July 2026. The official page does not publish entry requirements tailored specifically for Chinese applicants.
Degree classification and equivalent qualifications
The standard academic requirement is a good undergraduate honours degree (2.1 or above) in Law. The university also accepts an equivalent qualification from a non-UK university. The official evidence does not define what constitutes an equivalent qualification for any specific country, including China. You will need to check the university’s country-specific equivalency information separately.
Alternative entry routes with a 2.2 degree
The programme page lists three pathways for applicants who hold a 2.2 degree. You may be considered if you have at least three years of relevant work experience. You may also be considered if you have passed the Bar exam. A third route exists for applicants with a 2.2, less experience, and higher marks in law modules. The official evidence does not quantify “less experience” or define which law modules or marks qualify.
Non-law degree holders
Applicants whose undergraduate degree is in Humanities or Social Science may also be considered. The official page does not specify which subjects within Humanities or Social Science are acceptable, nor does it state whether additional conditions apply.
English language requirement
The IELTS requirement is 6.5 overall, with no element less than 5.5. The university accepts equivalent qualifications, but the official page does not list them. You must verify which alternative tests and scores are accepted for this programme.
Course structure, start dates and fees
The LLM Advanced Legal Studies is offered as a 12-month full-time course or a 24-month part-time course. Start dates are in September and February. The international tuition fee for the 2026/27 academic year is £26,450.00.
Application deadline
The application deadline for the September 2026 start is 13 July 2026. The official page does not state a deadline for the February start.
What the official page does not cover
The official page does not publish China-specific entry requirements, a Chinese degree classification equivalency table, or a list of accepted alternative English language tests. It does not state whether this programme participates in Clearing or guarantee an offer under any conditions. All of these points require live rechecking directly with the university or on its published admissions pages.
FAQ
Does the University of Reading publish specific entry requirements for Chinese applicants to this LLM?
No. The official programme page states entry requirements in terms of a UK degree classification or an equivalent from a non-UK university. It does not provide a country-specific equivalency for China.
Can I apply with a 2.2 degree and no legal work experience?
The official page states that applicants with a 2.2 degree, less experience, and higher marks in law modules may be considered. It does not define “less experience” or specify the required module marks.
What is the IELTS requirement for this programme?
The requirement is 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5. The page mentions that equivalent qualifications are accepted but does not list them.
Is there a February start date for this course?
Yes. The official page lists start dates in September and February. It does not state an application deadline for the February start.
Does this programme participate in Clearing?
The official page does not mention Clearing participation. You must check the university’s Clearing pages for live availability.
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn entirely from the University of Reading’s official programme page for the LLM Advanced Legal Studies, 2026/27 entry. For broader context on UK university selection, see our University of Reading 2026 guide. If you are comparing institutions, you may also find our Bournemouth University 2026 guide useful. For an overview of how UK universities feature in agency rankings, refer to our 2026 UK study-abroad shortlist and agency scores. For a wider comparison of study-abroad agency rankings, see our 2026 guide to Chinese study-abroad agency rankings.