Law
Our LLM in Law will place you in the jobs market armed with impressive expertise in the latest developments in a range of law specialisms. This course will allow you to tailor your study of law entirely to your needs and interests and direct your own study amid a wide array of options, choosing from areas of law such as the environment, human rights, international business, commerce, and technology.
Key Facts
Duration:
One year full-time. The academic year (September to September) is divided into three semesters: September to January; January to June; June to September.
Assessment:
Assessment takes the form of; research proposals including a related bibliographic element, case studies, oral assessments and essays. Each student will complete a Master’s dissertation of 13,000 to 15,000 words which deals with an area of chosen study in the third semester.
Entry Requirements:
An Honours Degree 2:2 (minimum). Degrees in law, the social sciences, or other similar subjects are preferred. Those from other disciplines or with suitable professional experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable especially if ECTS evidence is available. Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) and/or Accreditation of Experiential Prior Learning (APEL) are considered on an individual basis according to current University Regulations.
English Language Requirements:
If you have a Bachelors degree from a UK University, you do not need to take an English proficiency test.
Non-native English speakers who do not meet this requirement must take a University recognised test of academic English language proficiency. For further information please see our English Language Requirements page.
Course Fees:Please see the tuition fee pages for current tuition fees. Please note that all fees are subject to an annual increase.
Funding:
Funding opportunities may be available, please check our funding calculator for details.
Overview
Why study LLM Law at Aberystwyth University?
- 96.5% of Aberystwyth Law School’s publications were judged to be of an internationally recognised standard or higher in the most recent research assessment – REF 2014
- Members of academic staff in Aberystwyth Law School are active in research and publication and participate in national and international debate and policy-making in legal and related fields
- Aberystwyth is a multinational community. Aberystwyth Law School participates actively in international and European academic networks and frequently hosts visits by academics and experts from other countries
- Expansive research is carried out within the Department across a range of research areas and within a range of research centres. Postgraduates integrate into our research culture through Departmental research seminars and postgraduate conferences
- Over the years a large number of well-known legal academics have taught in Aberystwyth Law School
- Study nearby to the National Library of Wales, one of five UK copyright libraries.
- Benefit from a mature and well-stocked library for Law and Criminology (Thomas Parry Library) and from generous information technology provision
- Aberystwyth University is a top 50 university for research power and intensity – REF 2014
Modules
Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.
| Module Name | Module Code | Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | LAM6260 | 60 |
| Legal Studies | LAM0120 | 20 |
Options
| Module Name | Module Code | Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Aspects of Commercial Contracting | LAM0420 | 20 |
| International Commercial Law | LAM0720 | 20 |
| International Criminal Law | LAM0620 | 20 |
| International Environmental Law | LAM0820 | 20 |
| International Human Rights Law | LAM1620 | 20 |
| International Humanitarian Law | LAM4220 | 20 |
| International Trade Law | LAM1220 | 20 |
| Law and Gender | LAM2420 | 20 |
| Migration and Asylum Law | LAM4420 | 20 |
| Negotiated Study Module | LAM2220 | 20 |
| Philosophy and Sociology of Human Rights Protection | LAM4520 | 20 |
* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh
Employability
Careers
This course will be attractive to those who want to improve their career prospects and who will be seeking employment in the public sector, including transnational, regional and international governmental organisations and NGOs, as well in the private sectors, particularly commercial or technology companies.
Skills
On this course you will gain a wealth of skills vital for success in legal and more general employment. You will:
• study the cutting-edge developments of many areas of law
• develop a critical appreciation of legal responses to urgent contemporary issues
• master a range of legal methodologies
• learn to quickly assemble, assimilate and interpret a wealth of legal information from a fascinating array of fields
• learn how to deploy your knowledge to assert your expertise and build a winning argument based on your own rigorous research and analysis
• develop your abilities in structuring and communicating complex ideas efficiently
• develop your planning, analysis, presentation, project management and professional independence
• enhance your problem solving and creative thinking skills
• devise and sustain a self-initiated programme of study
• develop study and research skills
• work effectively with others
Learning & Teaching
How will I learn?
This course is a one year full-time programme, but can be taken part-time over two years. The academic year is divided into three semesters. In the first two semesters, you will take the module of Legal Studies and five other modules of your choice. These modules are delivered via seminars, with a strong emphasis placed on independent study.
The taught part of the course is delivered through seminars and lectures, with a strong emphasis placed on independent study. In the final semester (June-September), you will complete an extended dissertation on a topic of your choice, subject to the approval of the course coordinator.
What will I learn?
On this course you have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of optional modules, allowing you to tailor your study to your needs and interests. Whichever modules you take, you will be given a thorough grounding in legal theory and practice to make you ready for the rigorous demands of the modern legal workplace. This study of legal theory is then always balanced with the investigation of an array of fascinating case studies to illuminate your study and put you in touch with an authentic experience of legal cases.
An important part of the course is the writing of a detailed dissertation within a specialism of your choice. Previous LLM students at Aberystwyth have found this opportunity to be invaluable in establishing a successful career.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment for this course occurs via written assignments and oral presentations.
Successful submission of the dissertation in the final semester leads to the award of an LLM.