LLM in Comparative and European Private Law

Programme description

This programme aims to equip you with an in-depth understanding of core areas of private law across the two great legal traditions of Europe, common and civil law. It offers you the opportunity to obtain an advanced qualification that is both academically rigorous and professionally beneficial.

Drawing on both the civil and common-law traditions, it combines the comparative study of key areas of private law with the dynamics of European harmonisation initiatives. It is particularly suited to those who have studied a range of private law subjects at undergraduate level, although it is also open to those whose undergraduate law degree has combined other specialisations.

Programme structure

The programme offers you a wide range of subjects that deal with various aspects of private law from a comparative and European perspective, enabling you to tailor the LLM to meet your specific interests. Courses are taught by members of the Law School academic community who are experts in the field.

You must complete 180 credits of study – 60 credits are taken in the compulsory dissertation and the remaining 120 credits are taken in taught courses. You will choose a minimum of 80 credits from the compulsory courses and up to 40 credits of option courses.

Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances or lack of demand for particular courses, we may not be able to run all courses as advertised come the start of the academic year.

Learning outcomes

This programme is designed to equip students with recognised Masters-level training in European Private Law.

You will receive advanced legal training enabling you to identify and interpret problems relating to private law using tools of comparative analysis.

As well as providing training in legal research, you will gain an understanding of the main challenges for modern comparative law, including issues of European harmonisation. The programme will also enable students to progress to the PhD should they so wish.

Entry requirements

A minimum 2:1 honours degree from a UK university, or its international equivalent, in law.

We will also consider candidates with a degree in a related discipline which includes relevant prior study.

Entry to this programme is competitive. Meeting minimum requirements for consideration does not guarantee an offer of study.

English language requirements

All applicants must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of their English language ability:

• an undergraduate or masters degree, that was taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country as defined by UK Visas and Immigration

• IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.5 in each module)
• TOEFL-iBT: total 100 (at least 23 in each module)
• PTE(A): total 67 (at least 61 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections)
• CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 176 in each module)
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components

Degrees taught and assessed in English must be no more than three years old at the beginning of your degree programme. Language tests must be no more than two years old at the beginning of your degree programme.

Career opportunities

This programme will provide you with an excellent foundation for both doctoral research in the growing field of comparative and European private law and legal practice in transnational law firms, or employment in international organisations.