Postgraduate programmes in Laws

Master of Laws (LLM)

Postgraduate
Diploma in Laws
Postgraduate
Certificate in Laws
2020
Academic direction by

london.ac.uk/llm
Join the World Class

1 A mark of excellence

 ain a University of London degree in Postgraduate
G
Laws and boost your career development.

2 Learn from the experts

 our programme is led, taught and assessed by senior professors from Queen
Y
Mary University of London and UCL, both of which are ranked in the top
10 Law departments in the UK (2019 QS World University Rankings).

3 Worldwide relevance
Gain advanced knowledge of legal issues for careers in law, government,
banking and financial services, national and international corporations, regional
and international organisations, shipping, the media, human rights and more.
Choose from over 30 specialisations or compile your own combination of courses.

4  ccess a wealth of resources

A
 ou receive comprehensive Study Guides written by subject experts, as well as
Y
access to extensive online learning materials for each course: introductory video
casts, online revision forums, e-materials, e-forums, and e-clinics with the Dean.

5  lexible learning
F
With up to five years to complete the programme, you can spread the cost
of your degree and continue working full time. And with no relocation
costs, studying for a University of London degree by distance learning
can represent a more affordable option than studying on campus.

2 Postgraduate programmes in Laws

“In a fast changing
environment of
worldwide access
to higher education,
a University of London
degree continues
to offer a guarantee
of quality, value and
intellectual rigour.”
Professor Wendy Thomson
Vice-Chancellor,
University of London

london.ac.uk/llm 3
Your prestigious University
of London qualification
About your qualification
When you graduate with a degree from the University of London
you will receive two important documents – your Final Diploma
(the parchment you receive on graduation) and a Diploma Supplement.

The Final Diploma

• Indicates that you were registered with the University
of London and awarded a University of London degree.
• Gives the name of the University of London member
institutions that developed the syllabus and provided assessment.
• Features the University of London crest and the
Vice-Chancellor’s signature

The Diploma Supplement

• Describes the nature, level and content of the programme
you successfully completed.
• Includes the transcript of courses taken, marks achieved
and overall classification.
• States the role of the University of London member
institutions and the method of study.

4 Postgraduate programmes in Laws

 Contents

Join the World Class 2

Key dates Your prestigious University of London qualification 4
A welcome from Postgraduate Laws 6
Is this programme for me? 8
To sit exams in May Your progression through the awards 9
Best to apply before: Flexible study 11
30 September (previous year)
Study support 12
Must register by: Specialisations 13
10 November (previous year) Courses 14
Entrance requirements 15
To sit exams in October
How to apply and register 16
Best to apply before:
28 February (same year) Further information 18

Must register by:

15 April (same year)

A global reach
with over 50,000
students spanning
180 countries

london.ac.uk/llm 5
A welcome from
Postgraduate Laws
Our programmes are also flexible and Rachael Williamson
can be adapted to the circumstances Programme Officer
of each student – from the law Postgraduate Laws programme
graduate wishing to complete the
LLM within one year to the non-
qualified professional starting on ‘I am delighted to have joined the
the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Laws team and to work
progressing to the LLM in up to five years. on a programme with an outstanding
reputation.
We offer a choice of over 65 courses.
You can pursue an LLM degree I understand the nature of distance
without specific specialisation or learning and recognise that the many
in any one of the 32 specialisations. commitments our students have
If you enter the programme through requires hard work and dedication
the Postgraduate Certificate and to complete their programme. I am
Professor Helen Xanthaki devoted to facilitating a positive student
Dean progress to the LLM, you can
emerge with three specialist awards. experience and to be a supportive
Postgraduate Laws programme contact throughout your studies.’
I am proud to be directing a unique
programme that offers the opportunity
‘We are delighted to welcome you to
to study law at postgraduate level to
the University of London’s Postgraduate
anyone who is willing and able to put
Laws programme. Our qualifications
in the hard work required. My team and
are highly desirable and serve as proof
I are all here to make sure that success
of academic excellence. When you join
can come your way.’
the programme, you become part of
an international community of high
academic achievers.
Many of you will be seeking to advance
your career in law, but some of you
will be seeking to develop your career
in other professional arenas, such as
government, the civil service or the
private sector. Our programmes are
accessible to law graduates, non-law
graduates and anyone with
professional experience.

UCL Queen Mary University of London

6 Postgraduate programmes in Laws

‘The Department of Law at Queen Mary
University of London and the Faculty
of Laws at UCL welcome you to our joint
online Postgraduate Laws programme
awarded by the University of London.
Together we offer you academic
excellence in 67 fields of law, packaged
in a flexible and financially competitive
programme. We extend our open access
invitation to you: come and join the
world class, benefit from an exceptional
programme taught by world experts,
and entice employers with your
achievements.’

Professor Piet Eeckhout

Dean of Laws
UCL

Professor Penny Green

Head of Laws
Queen Mary University of London

london.ac.uk/llm 7
Is this programme for me?

Progression routes
Once you have passed the five modules
for the Postgraduate Certificate, you will
automatically be eligible for progression
to the Postgraduate Diploma. Similarly,
once you have passed the 10 modules
for the Postgraduate Diploma, you will
automatically be eligible for progression
to the LLM. To see how this works in
practice, please see ‘Your progression
through the awards’ on page 9.

The qualities you need

Our programme is for everyone who
has the desire and motivation to study
Career advancement Career advancement hard and succeed. The programme
requires you to be highly motivated
for law graduates for non-law graduates and disciplined. You need to be able
to master complex problems
Law students and professionals study Non-law graduates or experienced independently. Some students find
our programme to gain expertise in professionals pursue an LLM to gain such self-directed study challenging,
a specialised field of law, such as expertise in areas of the law that but all agree that it is incredibly
commercial law, banking law, regulate their current or prospective rewarding. Watch our students
arbitration, common law or shipping careers. Our programme offers and graduates describe their study
law. Law firms tend to prefer job 32 specialisations, allowing you experiences and how the degree
candidates with an LLM from a good to demonstrate a broad awareness has helped them in their careers.
university because it indicates that they of law or specialist knowledge of a
have acquired advanced, specialist legal specific field – for example: public law Student overview:
training and are qualified to work in for government; international law for bit.ly/llmstudent-intro
a multinational legal environment. international or regional organisations; Programme overview:
human rights for NGOs; or maritime bit.ly/llm-intro
law for shipping. The choice of courses
is extensive and their application to the
career market one of the widest available.

8 Postgraduate programmes in Laws

Your progression through
the awards
Structure An example of how you could progress:
You take the following number
of courses and modules: Postgraduate Certificate in Laws, to Postgraduate Diploma in Laws,
Postgraduate Certificate in Laws to Master of Laws (LLM)
Five modules from up to four courses Module Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4
Postgraduate
Postgraduate Diploma in Laws
Certificate in Laws: A
10 modules from up to four courses 5 modules in total
Master of Laws (LLM) B
16 modules to complete four courses C

Progression rules D

If you begin with the Postgraduate Module Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4
Postgraduate
Certificate, you can still progress to the
Diploma in Laws: A
LLM by completing the requirements
10 modules in total
for each award and working upwards. B
You simply complete the additional
modules necessary to achieve the next C
award, as shown in the adjacent chart.
D
Please note: you must finish each
award for which you are registered
before moving on to the next. Master of Laws (LLM): Module Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course 4
16 modules in total A
Intermediate awards B

The university offers three nested C

awards: PGCert, PGDip and LLM.
You decide which level you enrol at D
(subject to entrance requirements)
and where to exit. Start with PGCert,
collect it, then move on to PGDip,
collect that too; then on to the LLM!
Or pause where you want.

london.ac.uk/llm 9
“The best part of my experience was
what I studied. For instance, I did
financial services laws and studied
financial crime which was useful in
my work as a financial compliance
officer. I found it really rewarding
that I could apply what I was
learning in my work.
I made friends all over the world,
but organising times to study
together was tough. This was
a challenge, but it was
probably also what gave
me the most support.”
Ixora-Rose Wong-Williams
British Virgin Islands

10 Postgraduate programmes in Laws

Flexible study
The postgraduate programmes in
Laws are flexible: you are not required
Flexible assessment How much study
to attend online revision sessions Exams are held twice a year in May and time will I need?
(although it is strongly advised that October in over 180 countries. Each
you do), complete assignments or module is assessed by a 45-minute It is up to you how you schedule
come to London. You can sit your unseen written exam with a choice your studies, depending on your work
exams wherever you are based of questions. You can choose when and personal commitments. However,
and whenever you are ready. to be examined on any module, so we recommend that you dedicate
long as you complete your study around 120 hours to each module.
Flexible admissions within the period of registration.
How many modules
You can apply to join at any time
of year and start whenever you
Flexible payment should I study at one
receive your study materials. You do not have to pay in full when time?
you start your first course, unless you
Do I need a degree? wish to. Most students choose the pay- Most students choose to study one
course (four modules) every six
as-you-go option, spreading the cost
You do not need a law degree to apply: by paying for each new module in turn. months. In this way, you can complete
students with a good non-law degree the four courses (16 modules) required
to complete the LLM within two years.
can start on the Postgraduate Diploma
and progress to the LLM. Students
How many times can
without an honours degree or without I repeat exams? Is CPD available?
a degree can start on the Postgraduate
Certificate. For entrance requirements If you are required to resit a module, Subject to the regulations of your
please see page 15. you will have one further attempt professional association you may
to pass. If you don’t feel ready to sit an seek CPD points by studying our
exam, you can withdraw by notifying
Flexible study period us in advance and you will not lose
modules either on the degree or on
a stand-alone basis.
an attempt. As long as you have not
You have between one and five years to made a first attempt at an exam for You can take up to four credit-bearing
complete the LLM and the Postgraduate a module, you are still able to replace individual modules from the
Diploma; and from six months to five it with another. programme on a stand-alone basis.
years for the Postgraduate Certificate. For more information please visit:
london.ac.uk/llm

london.ac.uk/llm 11
Study support
Study support
and materials
This is a programme of independent
study. To improve and aid your study
experience, extensive study materials
are provided, including:
• a comprehensive Skills Guide
• e-textbook(s) and online essential
readings for each course The Virtual Learning Summer course
• e-Study Guides written for distance
learning purposes, often by the
Environment (VLE) Prospective and registered students
author of the textbook and may attend our two-day summer
The VLE is integral to your study course at UCL or Queen Mary London
updated annually
experience, providing: campuses. You would need to budget
• past examination papers, sample for the cost of the course and any travel
• online introductory videos from the
scripts and Examiners’ commentaries, or accomodation while in London.
lead academic on each course; plus
all available on our Virtual Learning
an online revision forum with the The summer course allows students to
Environment (VLE)
academic tutor of each course; plus attend lectures from their Professors at
• Postgraduate Laws Programme reading materials UCL or Queen Mary Law schools, build
handbook containing information and on exam techniques, meet the Dean
• extensive Online Library resources:
advice that is specific to your studies and network with other students and
onlinelibrary.london.ac.uk/resources
• Regulations containing full details academics from the programmes.
• more than 10 legal databases
of syllabuses, programme structures
including LexisNexis® and Westlaw®
and assessment
and other databases of business, Additional
• monthly vlogs and open online management, economics and
clinic with Professor Helen Xanthaki, scholarly materials educational support
the Dean
• an induction module which covers Some students may choose to
• Student Café where students can the regulations, methods of study access additional tuition support at
discuss issues and learn from peers. and examination skills. a recognised teaching centre. For
further information about recognised
centres, including brief profiles and the
programmes that they are recognised
to teach, please visit:
bit.ly/recognised-centres

12 Postgraduate programmes in Laws

Specialisations
You don’t have to specialise but if
you would like to become a specialist You can specialise in any of the following areas:
in a particular field of law, you’ll
need to follow specific courses. The 1. Banking and finance law 17. Intellectual property law
specialisation will be named on your
final certificate for the award; for 2. Commercial and corporate law 18. International business law
example, the ‘Master of Laws (LLM)
in the specialisation: international 3. Common law 19. International criminal justice
business law’. If you follow the
progression route from Postgraduate 4. Comparative and foreign law 20. International dispute resolution
Certificate in Laws to Postgraduate
Diploma in Laws to the Master of 21. International intellectual
5. Competition law
Laws (LLM), each award might be property law
in a different specialisation.
6. Computer and communications law 22. International justice
To have a specialisation named on
your certificate, you need to complete 7. Corporate and securities law 23. Law and development
a certain number of courses or
modules within that specialisation:
8. Criminology and criminal justice 24. Legal theory and history
at least three full courses for the
Master of Laws (LLM), at least eight
modules for the Postgraduate Diploma 9. Economic regulation 25. Maritime law
in Laws and at least four modules for 10. Environmental and natural
the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws. 26. Media law*
resources law
Please note that throughout your
study on the programme, you can 11. Equity and trusts 27. Medicine and the law*
only select modules from up to four
courses. See page 14 for a list of courses. 12. European law 28. Procedural law

13. Family law 29. Public international law

14. Financial services law 30. Public law

15. Human rights law 31. Sports law**

16. Insurance law 32. Tax law*

*Only available for PGCert and PGDip.

**Only available for PGCert.
For examples of specialisations please visit: london.ac.uk/llm

london.ac.uk/llm 13
Courses
For the full list of syllabuses for each course, please visit the course web pages: london.ac.uk/llm
Admiralty law Insurance law (excluding Law and policy of international
Advanced contract law Marine insurance law) courts and tribunals
Intellectual property and medicine Law of financial crime
Advanced torts
Intellectual property and sport Law of international finance:
Applicable laws and procedures in
international commercial arbitration Intellectual property on the internet syndicated loans

Carriage of goods by sea International and comparative Law of international project finance
bank regulation Law of international taxation
Commercial banking law:
bank–customer relationship International and comparative Law of treaties
competition law
Commercial trusts law Law on investment entities
International and comparative law
Comparative criminal justice policy of copyright and related rights Legislation and statutory
interpretation
Constitutional and institutional International and comparative
law of the European Union law of patents, trade secrets Marine insurance law
Corporate finance and management and related rights Medical law and ethics
issues in company law International and comparative Multinational enterprises and the law
Corporate governance law of trade marks, designs Private international law in
and compliance and unfair competition
international commercial litigation
Derivatives law International and comparative trust law
Private law aspects of
Equity and trusts in context International commercial the law of finance
insurance law
European Convention Regulation and infrastructure of
on Human Rights International criminal law international commercial arbitration
International economic law Russian law and legal institutions
European internal market
International environmental law Securities law
European Union competition law
International investment law Taxation principles and policy
External relations law of
the European Union International law of the sea Telecommunications law
FinTech: Law and Regulation International merger control Transfer of technology law
Foundational and constitutional International natural resources law United Nations protection
issues in company law International refugee law of human rights
Franchising law International rights of the child Western European legal history
Human rights of women International trade law World trade law
Industrial and intellectual property Jurisprudence and legal theory Youth justice
14 Postgraduate programmes in Laws
Entrance requirements

Gonzalo
Huarte Petit
Am I eligible? Recognition of prior Argentina
To register for the LLM degree, learning (RPL) ‘The local institution here in
Postgraduate Diploma in Laws or my country which promoted
Postgraduate Certificate in Laws, you If you have obtained credit for
the programme had a
must satisfy our entrance requirements. postgraduate law modules/courses,
phrase for it: ‘It opens the
These can be satisfied through a wide you may be considered for RPL.
doors to the world to you.’
variety of qualifications from around Applicants for the Postgraduate
the world. Relevant work experience Certificate in Laws may request RPL for That was mainly my
can also be considered for entry. no more than one module, applicants inspiration for studying
For further details please visit our for the Postgraduate Diploma for no the LLM – to acquire
LLM web page: london.ac.uk/llm more than three modules (which must knowledge and expertise
normally be from the same course), that not only would serve
and applicants for the LLM for no more in my country, but would
Progression than five modules (four of which must also enable to expand my
normally be from the same course). professional horizons.’
Once you have passed the five modules
for the Postgraduate Certificate, you
will automatically be eligible for
progression to the Postgraduate
Diploma. Similarly, once you have passed
the 10 modules for the Postgraduate
Diploma, you will automatically be
eligible for progression to the LLM.

london.ac.uk/llm 15
How to apply and register

“I completed the LLM Getting started Stage 4

with no specialisation.
I enjoyed it because women You must apply online at: Complete the online registration.
london.ac.uk/llm We explain how to do this in the
and children’s rights is Offer Letter.
quite educating and I was Please read the ‘Guidance notes
for postgraduate applications’ before
enlightened about several
things I didn’t know. I’m
you complete your application. Stage 5
a clergyman and a church Stage 1 Start your studies. You will be given
administrator at my access to the VLE and your study
materials once you have registered.
church, so I chose courses Submit your online application.
to help me be able to make
policies for the church and Stage 2 Useful information
to solve some legal issues for applicants
for people in the church. Submit your documentary evidence.
This can be done online when submitting Submit your application even if it
Anyone coming to the your application or at a later stage. is incomplete (for example, if you
Please see: london.ac.uk/applications/ are waiting to sit an examination
programme will be able how-apply/supplying-evidence or to receive examination results).
to understand the modules Do not delay – we will be able
Please do not send original documents
because it is written and (scanned copies are acceptable). to formally advise if you will
explained well. It was very meet our entrance requirements
once you have completed an
interesting and educative Stage 3 outstanding examination.
to me, I’ve learnt so much
If you are unsure on whether or not
in this programme.” We will notify you whether or not you meet our entrance requirements,
you have been accepted. we might be able to advise you before
Helen Emmah Isong Please note: applications will only be you submit your online application.
Nigeria considered when we have received all However, due to an increase in our
the necessary documentation, including workload we are unable to provide this
the references, where applicable. advice during September and October
each year. Please visit: sid.london.ac.uk

16 Postgraduate programmes in Laws

 Ismeria Nana
Tsiquayeaba Bruce
Canada
‘University of London’s
distance and flexible learning
programme boasts of an
environment that is just
as distinguished online as
it is via traditional means
of study and that was an
important factor for me.
I wanted to have access to
its world class education
and be a part of its global
network. Knowing that, as
a future graduate of this
esteemed institution, I’d
be able to secure myself a
future that would have me
representing myself in the
best way possible is more
than I could have ever hoped
for. Honestly, I couldn’t be
happier with this programme!’

london.ac.uk/llm 17
Further information

Fees Bursaries If you are disabled and/or have access

requirements, we will make every
For newly registered students reasonable effort to meet your needs.
The total fee payable to the University
This may include making access
of London for 2020–2021 will be All University of London LLB alumni can arrangements for examinations such
published on our website once receive a 30 per cent bursary for their as a separate room or special aids.
confirmed. On average, fees incur a five LLM programme fees. If you would like to tell us about
per cent year-on-year increase. For the your disability and/or request access
latest information on programme fees, For all applicants residing in Pakistan,
Bangladesh or Malaysia a 40 per cent arrangements please complete the
please visit: london.ac.uk/fees relevant section of the application
bursary for the LLM is available.
Please note: student fees shown on form, or contact the Inclusive Practice
our website are net of any local VAT, The bursary, which can also be Manager at:
Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any applied to individual LLM modules, special.arrangements@london.ac.uk
other sales tax payable by the student can be requested as part of the
in their country of residence. Where the application process. Armed Forces
University is required to add VAT, GST or Please note: that the bursary only
any other sales tax at the local statutory applies to University of London Students who are members or
rate, this will be added to the fees programme fees and will not apply ex-members of the UK Armed Forces
shown during the payment process. to additional costs such as local should note that the University of
For students resident in the UK, our examination centre fees, teaching London has been approved by the
fees are exempt from VAT. centre fees or any other costs not Ministry of Defence in support of
directly payable to the University. Local the Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC)
Financial assistance examination centre fees may vary by scheme (ELC Provider Reference
centre. Terms and conditions apply. Number 1284). The Scheme provides
Some employers in both the public financial support to eligible Service
and private sector may offer financial Students with personnel who wish to enhance their
assistance to their employees. educational or vocational achievements.
No financial assistance is available disabilities The ELC Administration Service website
from the University. can be found at:
The University of London welcomes www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
applications from disabled students
and/or those who have access
requirements.

18 Postgraduate programmes in Laws

Connect with us online The information contained in this
leaflet was correct at the date of
f acebook.com/ publication but may be subject to
University.of.London.PGLaws change. The University does not
Used by current and intend by publication or distribution
prospective students, of this leaflet to create any
this provides news, contractual or other legal relation
developments and details with applicants, registered students,
of the Dean’s scheduled their advisers or any other persons.
LLM seminars. For the most up-to-date information
please visit our website.
y outube.com/LondonLLM Published by the University
Videos about the LLM of London Worldwide.
programme and some
of the courses available. Copyright © University of
London, January 2020.

london.ac.uk/llm 19
For further information on the range
of programmes we offer, please visit
our website or contact us at:
The Student Advice Centre
University of London
Senate House View the LLM
Malet Street web page
London WC1E 7HU
United Kingdom
Telephone +44 (0)20 7862 8360
sid.london.ac.uk

This material is available in alternative formats upon request.

Please contact: special.arrangements@london.ac.uk

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