A master's degree in law is a fantastic way for law graduates to develop a specialisation, or for non-lawyers working in related fields to gain a deeper understanding of legal issues.
Since law is a vast and diverse subject, we offer a huge amount of flexibility in this general LLM programme. You also have the option of taking one of our specialist pathways that focus on different topics (see related courses below).
The pathways align to our major research strengths in areas like legal education, international legal research and human rights – but you can study modules from all these areas if you opt for the general LLM. Alongside the optional modules, you may choose to either write a 15,000 word dissertation or conduct a work-based project that will give you valuable experience of dealing with a specific legal issue in detail.
The course is perfect for lawyers and law graduates looking for career development, although all of our LLM courses can be studied by students without a background in law, since you will be trained in the necessary analytical and legal skills.
The programme also offers an optional placement year, following your first year. Placements will be provided and supported either by us or a partner organisation where you'll gain worthwhile and practical real-world experience in handling issues relating to aspects of social welfare law. This is a unique and exceptional opportunity for you to work in law. International students wanting to do the Placement year must indicate so upon application.
As such, the programme will also provide ideal training for paralegals, journalists, NGO and charity workers, policy advisors, consultants, lawyers, those working in business and finance or anyone who will benefit from a legal education in their career.
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up-to-date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
This general LLM is designed to give you freedom over the topics you study. As a result, the only core module is the 'Dissertation or Work-Based Project' and the rest of your course will consist of modules that you select from an extensive list.
The four available pathways (Business & Financial Law, Human Rights Advocacy, International Law & Legal Practice, Transitional Justice & Conflict) give you an indication of the prominent themes and specialisations in our law department, and this LLM enables you to place focus on the areas that interest you in this diverse field.
Modules range from those dealing with regulation in business and finance (Regulation of Financial Markets, Financial Crime and Corporate Criminal Liability, International Banking Law) to topics in human rights (Human Rights Practice and Advocacy, War and Human Rights, Minority Rights under International Law), issues arising from war and conflict (International Refugee Law, International Law and the Use of Force), and many at the intersection of these themes.
As well as choosing your optional modules, you can opt to either write a postgraduate dissertation or carry out a work-based project. Both of these options allow you to carry out independent study on a topic of your choice, developing your practical legal skills while honing your knowledge of a specific legal issue.
The programme also offers an optional placement year, following your first year. Placements will be provided and supported by the London-based NGO, Pro Bono Communities, where you'll gain valuable experience in handling issues relating to aspects of social welfare law. Training and supervision will be provided by Pro Bono Communities and a module leader at UEL will oversee the relationship and assess student performance.
