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With over 100 years of history as a leader and innovator of professional legal education in the UK, Birmingham Law School offers the opportunity to specialise and consolidate your legal knowledge through the Birmingham LLM.
Birmingham Law School sits at the heart of a world-top 100 universities, delivering legal education to recent graduates and professionals alike. Through our world-class research and Centre for Professional Legal Education and Research, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a thriving academic community contributing to the development of policy, law and discussion across the world.
The Birmingham LLM gives students the opportunity to follow one of our specialist pathways, or have complete flexibility with the General pathway.
General LLM
Commercial Law LLM
Criminal Law and Criminal Justice LLM
International Commercial Law LLM
International Law and Globalisation LLM
International Law: Crime, Justice and Human Rights LLM
International Trade Law LLM
Energy and Environmental Law (Distance) LLM
Why study this course
Study at a top global law school - the University of Birmingham is in the top 15 in the UK for Law (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021), reflecting the high quality of our teaching and our world-leading research. Our LLM has been developed by expert academics including Dr Jenny Papettas, Head of Postgraduate Studies.
Research-led teaching - our academics conduct cutting-edge research which informs law reform. The latest Research Excellence Framework confirmed that 96% of our research is judged to be internationally recognised.
Professional links - our Centre for Professional Legal Education and Research provides professional opportunities to network with top firms, engage with leading global experts and plan for your future career aspirations.
Optional modules - this pathway provides one of the widest ranges of options on any LLM programme in the UK with up to 30 modules available, enabling you to create a unique degree tailored to your interests and preferred specialism.
A global community - join a community represented by students and academics from across the globe, sharing their own unique academic and professional experiences from different jurisdictions.
Learning and teaching
Birmingham's LLM pathways have been designed to provide an in-depth analysis of important legal topics. Modules are all 20 credits in value, comprising 10 two-hour seminars to enable students to develop significant expertise in each area of law.
The LLM course lasts 12 months, running from September to September. All LLM pathways follow the same basic structure:
In part I of the course, you take six 20 credit modules: the range available depends on the pathway you decide to follow. Assessment in those modules, by essay or formal examination, is in May and June.
In part II of the course, your research and write a 15,000-word dissertation on a selected topic of law under the supervision of a member of staff.
Law School induction
At the start of the course, there is a comprehensive welcome and induction programme designed to help you settle in and gain an understanding of the Birmingham LLM. You will familiarise yourself with the various ways in which we can support you throughout the year to ensure that your LLM course is an exciting and rewarding experience.
Students can register for modules before arrival as well as at the start of the academic year. As part of the induction process, you will get the opportunity to learn more about the various modules available and make choices that correspond to your interests.
Studying part-time
All the LLM pathways may be taken part-time and completed over a period of two years. This mode of study is particularly suitable for barristers and solicitors who wish to combine professional practise with university-level study, gaining CPD points in the process.
Classes for part-time students on the LLM will be scheduled between 9 am-6 pm and students will typically have between 2-4 hours of teaching each week. Fees are the same as for full-time study but are split over two years.
For students from outside the UK, there will be an opportunity for induction to familiarise themselves with the English legal system, as it forms the basis for the modules on offer. The English for International Students Unit provides a range of support in reading and writing academic English.
