University of London LLM Laws, postgraduate (LLM, PG Dip and PG Cert)

Gain a prestigious University of London LLM by distance learning

The LLM (Master of Laws) is an internationally recognized postgraduate law degree, comparable to an MBA in business and management.

Valuable for both legal and non-legal professionals

A valuable qualification for both legal and non-legal professionals, the University of London International Programmes LLM, studied by distance learning, offers breadth and flexibility, enabling you to tailor your LLM degree to meet your personal and professional interests, without necessarily specializing in one area of law.

This LLM by distance learning offers one of the widest choices of modules on the global market, including:

• Commercial and Corporate Law [LLM with a specialization in Commercial and Corporate Law course page]
• International Business Law [LLM with a specialization in International Business Law course page]
• Human Rights Law [LLM with a specialization in Human Rights Law course page]
• International Dispute Resolution [Specialisation breakdown: International Dispute Resolution]
• Public International Law [Specialisation breakdown: Public International Law]
• Maritime Law [Specialisation breakdown: Maritime Law]
• Banking and Finance Law [Specialisation breakdown: Banking and Finance Law]

Access and choice

Access is a key principle - you do not need a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) to apply. If you do not have a degree, you can start on the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws and progress up.

Whether you're a practicing lawyer, LLB graduate or non-legal professional, if you're keen to enhance your prospects with current or prospective employers, there is an option to suit you.

Gain valuable transferable skills

The LLM will help you to:

• develop a sound understanding of the legal cultural context
• develop the skills to carry out effective legal research
• enhance your forensic legal skills such as analysis, critical evaluation, logical thinking and argument
• develop an advanced intellectual engagement with some of the most difficult legal problems.

Our students also value the many benefits of online distance learning

• Study when it's convenient for you.
• Become part of a global online community of people in your field.
• Choose to study over 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 years.
• Gain a world-class qualification from an internationally renowned University while maintaining your busy professional and personal commitments.

Developed by academics

The LLM from the University of London International Programmes has been developed by academics within Queen Mary and UCL Law departments, both of which have outstanding reputations.

Duration

You take the following number of courses and modules:

• Postgraduate Certificate – five modules from up to four courses.
• Postgraduate Diploma – ten modules from up to four courses.
• Master of Laws (LLM) – sixteen modules from four courses.

If you would like to specialize in a particular field of law, you need to study a certain number of courses or modules within that specialization, as follows:

• Master of Laws (LLM) - three complete courses (12 modules) chosen from one specialization.
• Postgraduate Diploma - eight modules chosen from one specialization.
• Postgraduate Certificate - four modules chosen from one specialisation.

How much time will I need?

It is up to you how you schedule your studies, depending on your work and personal commitments as well as your study situation and study style. However, it is recommended that you will need to dedicate a total of around 115 hours for each module you study – which means it will take about 1,840 hours in total to complete the full Master of Laws (LLM). Regular, probably daily, study and a place which helps you to concentrate are the keys.

Cost & Fees

The 2015 fees are valid from 1 January 2015. Fees are subject to annual review.

• Registration fee: £ 860
• Fee per module: £ 472
• Total LLM: £ 8,412
• Total PG Diploma: £ 5,580
• Total PG Certificate: £ 3,220
• Total Individual Modules are taken on a stand-alone basis: £ 515

Additional fees payable to the University (where applicable):

• Accreditation of prior learning application fee (per module): £ 80
• Examination resit fee (per module): £ 60
• Fee for changing module: £ 150

When to pay

Fees may be paid in one of two ways:

Either, pay the total fee on registration by making a single payment. This covers the registration fee and all module fees;

Or, if you prefer to spread out your payments, pay the registration fee plus the fee for each module you want to take in the first year, and then in subsequent years pay the fee for each new module you take.

You may register and pay fees for modules throughout the year, but must register for modules by 15 April to take the exams in October, or by 10 November to take exams the following May.

How to pay

All University fees must be paid in pounds sterling (GBP). The University accepts:

• Western Union - Quick Pay.
• Credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Electron, JCB).
• Sterling banker's draft/cheque.
• International money/postal order.

Other costs

In addition to the fees payable to the University, you should also budget for:

• the fee charged by your local examination center to cover its costs each time that you take an examination this fee will vary
• the cost of any local educational support
• a fee for the production of official transcripts.

Entry Requirements

Access is a key principle for all distance study programmes offered through the University of London International Programmes, and Postgraduate in Law is no exception.

The programme offers the opportunity to gain the same prestigious qualification awarded to students enrolled with one of the University's Colleges but without coming to London. It is open to a wide range of students and assessed to the same high standard as a programme within one of the University's Colleges.

There are no requirements for you to come to London, so no relocation or travel costs and you can continue working full time. In addition, any number of students can join this programme, so if you meet our entrance requirements you will be offered a place.

In order to be eligible to register for the LLM degree, Postgraduate Diploma in Laws or Postgraduate Certificate in Laws, you must satisfy our entrance requirements. We accept qualifications from around the world, please see Postgraduate Laws Qualifications for Entrance [PDF: 10pgs, 211KB]. However, for general guidance please see below:

Master of Laws (LLM)

Applicants are required to have at least one of the following:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of London with at least second class honors (applicants who obtained the LLB Pass degree before 1969 may make a special application).
• A Bachelor of Laws (or an acceptable equivalent) which is considered at least comparable to a UK second class honors degree, from an institution acceptable to the University.
• A bachelor degree (or an acceptable equivalent) which is considered at least comparable to a UK second class honors degree, from an institution acceptable to the University. In addition, at least 50% of all units studied must be in Law related subjects* that are acceptable to the University.
• Masters of Laws (or an acceptable equivalent) from an institution acceptable to the University.
• Master’s degree (or an acceptable equivalent) from an institution acceptable to the University. In addition, at least 50% of all units studied must be in Law related subjects* that are acceptable to the University.
• Passed the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) of England and Wales or the Qualifying Examination of the Solicitors Regulation Authority of England or the corresponding examinations in Scotland or Northern Ireland, where in either case the student has also obtained a bachelor degree which is considered at least comparable to a UK second class honours degree from an institution acceptable to the University.
• Obtained either the Common Professional Examination or an acceptable Graduate Diploma in Law where in either case the student has also obtained an undergraduate degree which is considered at least comparable to a UK second class honors degree from an institution acceptable to the University.
• Qualified as a solicitor or barrister in England or Wales, or the equivalent outside England or Wales.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the University of London.
• *Law related subjects mean a subject which is considered by the University to have substantial law content. If you require further information then please contact us.

Postgraduate Diploma

Applicants are required to have at least one of the following:

• A bachelor degree from the University of London with at least second class honors.
• A bachelor degree (or an acceptable equivalent) which is considered at least comparable to a UK second class honors degree, from an institution acceptable to the University.
• Masters degree from an institution acceptable to the University.
• Postgraduate Certificate in Law from the University of London.

Postgraduate Certificate

Applicants are required to have at least one of the following:

• A bachelor degree from the University of London.
• A bachelor degree (or an acceptable equivalent) from an institution acceptable to the University.
• At least five years relevant work experience, such as accounting, banking, finance or insurance.
• In certain circumstances, an applicant who does not satisfy the above requirements may be permitted to register for the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws if the University is satisfied that their background, experience and professional qualifications (if any) are sufficient.

Language requirement

You will meet the English language requirement if you have passed any of the following within the past three years:

• (IELTS) International English Language Testing System when an overall score of at least 6.5 is achieved with a minimum of 6.0 in the Written sub-test
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) score of 59 or above, with at least 59 in both Reading and Writing elements and at least 54 in Speaking and Listening elements
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English, provided grade C or above is achieved
• (TOEFL) iBT Test of English as a Foreign Language overall score of 92 or above with at least 22 in both Reading and Writing Skills sub-tests and at least 20 in both Speaking and Listening sub-tests.

Alternatively, an applicant may be considered for admission to the LLM, Postgraduate Diploma in Laws or Postgraduate Certificate in Laws if they submit evidence of:

• Substantial education (minimum of eighteen months) conducted and assessed in English; or
• Substantial work experience (minimum of eighteen months) conducted in English.
• Where an applicant does not meet the required English language level but believes they can demonstrate the required level for admission the University may, at its discretion, consider the application.

Computer requirements

Internet access

All students are required to have regular internet access, allowing them to access the following resources:

• The Student Portal.
• University of London email address.
• Details of their student records.
• Programme resources on the eCampus (VLE) (as applicable).
• Programme resources on the University of London International Programmes website.
• The Programme Specification and Regulations for their programme of study.
• The University Regulations and the University of London International Programmes Student Charter.

If a student can justifiably demonstrate that they do not have regular access to the internet to access the required resources, then in these circumstances, a student may formally contact the Programme Director to request for alternative special arrangements to be made.