The LLM is a type of postgraduate degree that is gaining increasing popularity in Brazil. Due to its unique characteristics, a frequent question we receive is: are Master's degrees and LLMs interchangeable in Brazil?

To move the discussion forward, let's first present the LLM as it has been received in Brazil compared to its concept abroad.

Next, let's review some of the legal requirements for Master's degrees in Brazil, before arriving at our final conclusions.

Come on!

LLM in Brazil vsLLM abroad: what do I need to know?

The Latin Legum Magister , or Masters of Laws , originated in common law countries such as the United States, England, and Canada. There, the program functions as a proper Master's degree in law and lasts one year.

The LLM program abroad is characterized by its focus on practice and networking . It places high value on the prior professional experience of applicants, precisely because it is key to achieving excellence in the classroom and developing extracurricular activities.

Many universities do not require a final written paper as extensive as a dissertation produced in Brazil, which demonstrates their more professional than academic focus.

In Brazil, the LLM program shares the same fundamental characteristics. The central focus is the intertwining of prior knowledge and specialized professional experience to train decision-makers capable of solving highly complex problems.

Networking is another distinctive feature of the LLM program , which is also present in Brazilian programs. Contact with qualified faculty and students is key to opening doors and opportunities in already established careers, or even in new areas of work.

So what would be the difference between pursuing an LLM in the United States, for example, and in Brazil?

Well, the first is the actual relocation abroad, which requires a specific visa, various costs, and time.

In technical terms, an LLM abroad is equivalent to a Master of Laws degree. This means that if you completed an LLM in the United States, you will have a Master of Laws degree there.

Following this line of reasoning, am I automatically a master here as well?

No. When we complete undergraduate or graduate studies abroad, we have to have our diplomas revalidated if we want that degree to be valid in Brazil as well.

According to the Brazilian National Education Guidelines and Framework Law , revalidation must be done at a public university with a recognized course of the same level and area or equivalent. In other words, if you completed a Master's degree with an emphasis in Criminal Law , your diploma must be revalidated by a Brazilian program in Criminal Law.

Regarding stricto sensu postgraduate courses (Master's and Doctoral degrees), the MEC (Ministry of Education) issued Normative Ordinance No. 22 of December 13, 2016 , which outlines some of the necessary documentation for the procedure.

One of them is a copy of the thesis or dissertation with proof of approval from the examining board.

examiner. If there is no public defense of the thesis or dissertation, the foreign university must explain the quality assessment procedures adopted for the thesis or dissertation.

In other words, for a course to be recognized in Brazil as a Master's degree, there must be a public defense of a dissertation, or the foreign university must adopt quality assessment procedures as rigorous as those in Brazil.

One of the reasons why foreign LLM certificates are not validated as Master's degrees in Brazil is therefore linked to the lack of production or public defense of a dissertation.

Another difference relates to the duration. In Brazil, Master's degrees must be completed in an average of 24 months, while foreign LLM programs are only 12 months long.

And now?

If you completed an LLM abroad and were unable to validate it as a Master's degree, it will count as a lato sensu postgraduate qualification. The same applies to programs completed in Brazil: your certificate will be a lato sensu postgraduate qualification.

You might even ask yourself: if the qualification is the same as for traditional postgraduate studies, are the programs similar?

The answer is no.

On the IDP Blog , we've already discussed some differences between an LLM and traditionally recognized postgraduate programs.

Traditional specializations are generally taken by recent graduates. The majority of the students, therefore, are professionals at the beginning of their careers. The classes tend to be more theoretical, focusing on reviewing and deepening knowledge of the subject matter.

There are also differences in methodological approach. The LLM is geared towards more developed legal practice, and assumes that students already have advanced theoretical and professional background for classroom discussions.

Ultimately, the LLM program offers a unique approach to developing leaders and decision-makers. Students utilize their in-depth legal knowledge as a tool for growth in debates and case studies, aiming for career advancement.

Okay, but why pursue an LLM instead of a Master's degree directly in Brazil?

LLM and Master's degrees are different postgraduate programs for professionals or students with distinct goals.

In other words, if you're undecided between one or the other, you should first understand where you are in your career and how each of these degrees can contribute to achieving your life and career plans.

Start by considering that entering a Master's program requires a different level of maturity in research. 

The LLM, on the other hand, focuses on professional development. Your studies will be closely linked to current market topics and solutions to challenges faced in your career and those of your colleagues.

Within the Master's program, we have two options: Academic and Professional in Law . Here, you should give greater weight to research.

In academia, assignments tend to be more theoretical. In professional settings, while they may involve a practical problem, the focus is on innovation and application in the job market, in order to meet social demands.

Whether in Academic or Professional programs, in addition to the requirements of the admission selection process, you must complete the credits and submit a dissertation at the end.

In the LLM program, your focus is on resolving highly complex practical legal issues that are relevant to your career today. 

How can IDP help me?

To this day, few educational institutions in Brazil offer LLM programs, which makes this postgraduate degree even more exclusive and prestigious in the eyes of the market. 

IDP offers four training options: 

• LLM in Business Law and Corporate Governance;
• LLM in Economic Criminal Law;
• LLM Process and Appeals in Courts;
• LLM in Health Law.

Consult the course guides to learn more about the subjects that make up each IDP LLM, and about the quality and excellence in education that awaits you. Be prepared to discuss the hottest topics in the market with the most prepared and recognized faculty in Brazil.

Classes are offered in a hybrid format. Online meetings are held live every two weeks, and in-person modules are held in Brasília/DF every two months. This flexibility was designed to help you balance your academic and professional life.

Networking begins in the online classroom, discussing experiences. In face-to-face meetings, you can deepen your network knowledge with colleagues and teachers.

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References

BRAZIL. Law No. 9.394, of December 20, 1996. Establishes the guidelines and bases of national education.

BRAZIL. Ministry of Education. Normative Ordinance No. 22 of December 13, 2016.