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MA Law Conversion VS LLM Law Conversion

Abbie Whitlock

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Sep 11, 2025
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Hello, Does anyone know the difference between the LLM Law Conversion with SQE1 (BPP) compared to the MA Law Conversion (SQE1) (ULAW)? Is an MA or LLM better?
Hi!

Both courses are essentially law conversion programmes that incorporate SQE1 preparation, but the difference is mostly in the title of the qualification and the provider.
  • BPP's LLM Law Conversion with SQE1 - you would finish with a Master of Laws (LLM). An LLM is a postgraduate qualification that is sometimes seen as slightly more academic.
  • ULaw's MA Law Conversion (SQE1) - you finish with a Master of Arts (MA). An MA is also a respected postgraduate qualification, and in the UK there's no real difference in standing between an MA and an LLM when it comes to employers.

In practice, firms don't tend to favour one over the other - they will mainly care whether you have completed a law conversion and the SQE. I would make your decision based on the teaching style, support, and resources offered by each provider, so it's worth looking into the course structure for each and any student feedback.

In summary: both will get you to the same place. The choice between MA vs LLM won't make much difference to your applications, so I would focus on which provider you would prefer 😊
 

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