‘Global perspective’ and better jobs: Why Indians are opting for LLM abroad

NEW DELHI: Jyothish Krishna plans to be a solicitor. “I have three years of experience. I am planning to write an exam in England and Wales and then, I can transfer my certificate to Ireland,” said Krishna, who has recently earned an LLM degree from the University of Galway, Ireland.

Krishna completed a postgraduate diploma in banking law at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) Kochi, and worked as a corporate and technology lawyer representing companies in the Kerala High Court. Now, already employed in Ireland, he hopes to practise in the country as a solicitor.

Karun Roy has a similar story. After earning a BBA-LLB degree from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in 2021, Roy worked for two years before joining the Newcastle University’s LLM programme. He had wanted to study in one of the Russell Group universities, public research institutions in the UK.

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Why LLM abroad

Martin Hogg, dean of the University of Galway’s School of Law, believes that exposure to a wider spectrum of academic options allows students to tailor their education to specific career goals and interests, fostering a more personalised and enriching experience.

The global perspective gained is highly valued. “Many Indian students see this as an opportunity to broaden their horizons, gain an international outlook, and understand diverse cultural nuances. This not only enhances their academic knowledge but also equips them with a global mindset, a crucial asset in today’s interconnected world,” said Hogg.

Roy is doing a master’s in International Commercial Law. He joined the LLM programme in September 202. He is waiting to submit a research proposal and simultaneously studying for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) scheduled in January.

Students say there’s greater job assurance and far better pay than what they get in India.

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Study abroad loan and jobs

Roy took a loan to cover the cost of studying abroad but has already repaid most of it working part-time in Newcastle. “I am exploring job options. They are presently recruiting for 2025.
They recruit two years ahead,” added Roy. With recent deliberations in the UK on giving British citizens preference in employment, Roy is keeping other options open.

“In the worst-case scenario, if nothing works out here, I will probably go to the Arab nations. I am going to focus on money laundering as I have taken that as one of my electives. There are good opportunities in the UAE for those specialising in money laundering and financial law,” he added.

Krishna has also taken a loan. Expecting to earn 65,000 euros annually, he believes he can repay it easily. He has already secured a job through placement at a commercial law firm in Ireland.

Ireland has been witnessing a steady increase of Indian students with many going to study law.

“We expect interest from Indian students will increase further when we launch two new LLM programmes in 2024, one in Criminal Justice, Criminology and Human Rights, and a second in the cutting-edge field of law and innovation, with a focus on technology and law,” said Hogg.

According to the Higher Education Authority’s Graduate Outcomes Survey, conducted on 671 Indian graduates in Ireland, the responses showed that an overwhelming majority – 626 Indian graduates – were employed in various capacities within Ireland.