Program Overview

A master's degree in law is a fantastic way for law graduates to develop a specialisation, or for non-lawyers working in related fields to gain a deeper understanding of legal issues.

This LLM pathway combines specialist study of international law, with valuable practical training in advocacy, legal practice and litigation skills. You'll be taught fundamental topics in international law at the cutting-edge of current research, while simultaneously developing the necessary legal skills to apply your knowledge in a clinical context. You'll also have the chance to diversify your training through extensive module options.

Alongside the optional modules, you may choose to either write a 15,000 word dissertation or conduct a work-based project that will give you valuable experience of dealing with a specific legal issue in detail.

The course is perfect for lawyers and law graduates looking for career development, although all of our LLM courses can be studied by students without a background in law, since you will be trained in the necessary analytical and legal skills.

The programme also offers an optional placement year, following your first year. Placements will be provided and supported either by us or a partner organisation where you'll gain worthwhile and practical real-world experience in handling issues relating to aspects of social welfare law. This is a unique and exceptional opportunity for you to work in law. International students wanting to do the Placement year must indicate so upon application.

As such, the programme will also provide ideal training for paralegals, journalists, NGO and charity workers, policy advisors, consultants, lawyers, those working in business and finance or anyone who will benefit from a legal education in their career.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up-to-date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.

You'll study two core taught modules before choosing a further two optional topics from our extensive list of LLM modules. The core modules combine practical training in legal practice, with a strong foundation in contemporary international law so you'll develop a well-rounded understanding of the theory and its application.

Our course is also unique in its combination of both domestic and international law, giving you a deeper understanding of both aspects of the law by learning about their relationship to each other.

As well as choosing your optional modules, you can decide to either write a postgraduate dissertation or carry out a work-based project. Both of these options allow you to carry out independent study on a topic of your choice, developing your practical legal skills while honing your knowledge of a specific legal issue. This project, paired with the advocacy training in your core modules, ensures you graduate with an in-depth knowledge of international law backed by strong practical competence in legal practice.

UEL has a reputation for excellent research in international law, so you'll be taught by leading experts in the field.

The programme also offers an optional placement year, following your first year. Placements will be provided and supported by the London-based NGO, Pro Bono Communities, where you'll gain valuable experience in handling issues relating to aspects of social welfare law. Training and supervision will be provided by Pro Bono Communities and a module leader at UEL will oversee the relationship and assess student performance.