LLM Law and Social Justice University of Leeds, Faculty of Social Sciences

You will have the opportunity to engage with core modules that explore the ways in which we define, access and attempt to enact justice. Our core modules specifically engage with principles of decolonisation in order to reorient discussions of justice from their colonial and racialised contexts. You will also investigate the range and magnitude of inequalities around disability, gender, race and class both domestically and globally, examining their ongoing implications for law, policy and practice. In addition to core modules, you will also have the opportunity to tailor your course with optional modules, exploring issues such as disability; health, justice and embodiment; social care law; and the building of just and resilient communities.

Throughout the course, you will develop advanced knowledge and transferrable skills such as understanding and solving problems, analysing and communicating complex information, and working independently and as part of a team. All of which will prepare you for a fruitful career in areas such as law, healthcare, social care, the third sector, activism, policy development and local government.

Research insight

The programme is hosted by the Centre for Law and Social Justice, whose members produce internationally-recognised research on key social justice issues. All of our teaching on the course is informed by the latest research, affording you the opportunity to engage with the latest research in fields such as disability law; intersex and trans embodiment; indigenous justice; issues of race and class; children’s rights; and social care law.

SPEAK TO A CURRENT STUDENT

Core modules will provide a sound understanding of social justice theories as well as developing competence in the exercise of socio-legal research methods and skills. The seminar teaching approach will also require you to be proactive and develop the necessary oral presentational skills.

A large range of optional modules ensures that you have both a thorough grounding in the key principles, concepts and literature that underpins the broad field of law and social justice as well as the opportunity to focus your study on specific segments of the discipline most relevant to your interest.

Essay assessments for each module will develop your ability to be self-directed and to think critically and analytically. The dissertation will allow you to develop and demonstrate your ability to work as an independent and proactive scholar, giving you in-depth knowledge and a critical understanding of the law and social justice in relation to your particular research question(s).

Course structure

Compulsory modules

• Inequalities, Law and Justice
• Theories of Social Justice
• Postgraduate Legal Research Skills
• Dissertation

Optional modules

• Environmental Law
• International Human Rights
• Global Human Rights Advocacy
• Global Justice
• Researching Society and Culture
• Contested Bodies
• Social Policy Analysis
• Social Policy Debates
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Public Administration: Policy, Planning and Development in a Globalised World
• Researching Inequality in the Media

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These will include lectures and seminars in which a high level of student engagement and discussion is expected plus online learning. You are encouraged to carry out significant advanced levels of independent legal research.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment is by a variety of methods but primarily involves written assignments. We assess the dissertation through your submission of a written piece of work of up to 15,000-words.

This programme is particularly suited to those who wish to pursue a career that centres on or involves understanding and applying the law and social justice. This includes areas in public service, the private sector, the voluntary sector, or any other arena where success is built upon higher-level skills and advanced knowledge of social justice and law.

Careers support

The School of Law offers career and personal development support through the School’s dedicated Employability Officers. You can book one-to-one appointments with our Employability Officers throughout the year to discuss your career aspirations and get advice on how to make the most of your time with us.

The School also arranges a number of community engagement (pro bono) and work experience opportunities, career development workshops, guest speaker events and careers fairs throughout the year. These opportunities will allow you to develop new skills, enhance your career prospects and network with prospective employers.

In addition to the School-specific careers support, you will also have access to the University’s award-winning Careers Centre. The Careers Centre offers one-to-one appointments, advice on starting your own business, careers events, mentoring schemes and support with your CV, applications and interviews.