Overview of Programmes

The programme encourages independent learning and innovative thinking in a supportive academic community and attracts students from around the world. It is the perfect programme for students who do not wish to be overly specialised in their postgraduate legal studies while at the same time it enables them to broaden and deepen their knowledge of the law, further develop their research skills and significantly enhance their career prospects both within the legal profession and elsewhere.

Students can learn about the world of , aviation law, international trade law and privacy law while at the same time having the opportunity to study Islamic law, refugee law, international humanitarian law and more.

Programme Structure

The LL.M. degree is taught over a period of one academic year on a full time basis, commencing in September. The year is divided into two semesters during each of which students are required to take three modules. Each module is offered in one semester only and involves 22 hours of classwork. Various forms of assessment are utilized in the different modules. Where modules are assessed by way of examination, as the examinations are scheduled at the end of each semester, in December and April/May. Students may be required to take Reassessment examinations in August/September. In addition, all students must complete a research dissertation over the academic year on an approved theme. These dissertations must be submitted on or before end of June.

In addition to a mandatory research dissertation, students will study three modules per semester, choosing from an extensive and diverse range of modules, each worth 10 ECTS.

A comprehensive list of LL.M modules currently on offer is available here

*The Law School reserves the right to vary the following list and, in particular, the right to withdraw and add modules. Note that timetabling considerations may also restrict choice.

**Where a module is highly subscribed and/or becomes full, priority will be given to students enrolled in the related LL.M programme (where the module is listed as ‘Section A’).

Programme Outcomes

Having successfully completed this programme, students should be able to:

• Identify, evaluate and synthesise jurisprudential theories and concepts at a level appropriate to masters graduates;
• Use appropriate legal theories, doctrines and concepts to identify, formulate, analyse and solve legal problems within national and international contexts;
• Conduct effective and targeted research in case law, legislation and academic legal commentary at both the national and international levels;
• Critically analyse the interplay between law and social change in a variety of different contexts;
• Conduct effective and targeted research in case law, legislation and academic legal commentary at both national and international levels at a level appropriate to masters graduates;
• Demonstrate the capacity to conduct effective research and to present the fruits of that research in a coherent and compelling manner.
• Discuss and debate different perspectives on legal problems, theories and doctrines;
• Communicate effectively in oral and written modes in professional and academic settings and work effectively in multi-disciplinary settings;
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability and independence in order to engage productively with a changing social, cultural and technological environment;
• Have the capacity to engage in life-long learning, including vocational training for the legal profession.