Law LLM

Study level: Postgraduate
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The Law LLM course is designed to challenge and cultivate your knowledge of Law, aiming to provide you with opportunities to explore the complex legal framework of our global society.

Year of entry

2024-25

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time
16-24 months (with professional experience)

Course code

FBLT096

Start date

September 2024
January 2025


Course overview

In addition, the course will present opportunities to:

  • Focus on international and comparative law, while developing skills, knowledge and experience to help you stand out in the global graduate market.
  • Contribute your work for possible publication to the Coventry Law Journal and Law Blog, alongside expert legal academics and professionals.
  • Apply for a ‘professional experience’ opportunity2, designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.
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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 UK Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2024

Why you should study this course

This course will provide you with an opportunity to further develop your knowledge of Law, particularly in areas affected by international and comparative law.

You will be introduced to the relevant rules, values and institutions of comparative and international law, which then feed into, and aim to challenge your learning, through study topics including public international law, international human rights, commercial law, and corporate social responsibility.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute for the 2024-25 intake. Upon successful completion of this module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost.


Memberships

International Association of Law Schools

Coventry Law School is a member of the International Association of Law Schools, an association of around 230 law schools from over 70 countries, representing around 10,500 law faculty members. Having this status allows our law students the opportunity for a variety of international experiences, including with our member institutions across the world2.

European Law Faculties Association (ELFA)

Coventry Law School is also a member of the European Law Faculties Association with over 250 members from Europe and beyond.

British and Irish Law Education and Technology Association (BILETA)

Coventry Law School is currently a member of British and Irish Law Education and Technology Association, one of the largest Technology Law associations in Europe.


What you'll study

This broad course will introduce you to the relevant rules, values and institutions of comparative and international law, as well as being able to draw on the wide-ranging legal topics taught within Coventry Law School.

The course allows you the opportunity to acquire substantive and practical knowledge of international and comparative law, which can then be employed in commercial and other legal practices. You can expect the course to test both your critical understanding of the law, as well as its practical application.

Modules

  • This module will examine on a comparative basis, the socio-historical and legal/political imperatives behind, and development of, State constitutions. In doing so, it will critique the legal and political parameters and concept of what is termed a constitution and identify the origin of a number of individual State constitutions.

    Compulsory

  • Public International Law concerns the regulation of the global system of states. This module looks at the sources, subjects, and principles governing this area of law. In doing so, the module will address the legitimacy of international law, particularly with respect to the function of law-making.

    Compulsory

  • Human rights are central to understanding law, politics, and justice within the contemporary world. By approaching human rights from a global perspective, you will be able to develop an understanding of the historical, theoretical, conceptual, and legal regimes governing this area of law. The module will explore the extent to which the international human rights framework and its institutions have been successful in securing human rights, as well as the limitations of the regime in realising global human rights.

    Compulsory

  • Many areas of commercial legal practice concern the application of broad and diffuse areas of law to particular sectors and industries. While the sectors considered in this module will vary, the purpose of this module remains the same: to give you the experience of drawing from a variety of areas of your experiences of legal study and apply that knowledge to a particular sector.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to examine the core legal element of international commerce: the contract of sale; as well as the legal aspects of the carriage of goods and international trade transactions. The components analysed being the most frequently used sales contracts, the contract of carriage by sea, marine insurance policies which cover the goods whilst at sea, and methods of financing the transaction.

    Compulsory

  • This module will consider the different theories on the role of the corporation in society, and the theoretical arguments for businesses taking on ethical stances. In particular, the module will examine the ways in which unethical corporate behaviour produces adverse effects on the corporate world and the broader society.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to manage change using creativity and innovation, in different types of organisational scenarios. You will critically assess strategies for change and change management and explore the leadership skills required to lead such successfully. 

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to provide you with the research and presentation skills appropriate to scholarship at postgraduate level and thus to allow you to display enhanced research and legal skills during your programme, specifically in the preparation and writing of their written assessments.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of the module is to provide you with a basis from which to undertake a substantial research project appropriate to the master’s level. In doing so, the module will be geared towards enabling you to identify an appropriate research topic and to develop a research strategy for its completion.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will carry out a substantive piece of independent research into a legal issue relevant to your course of study. You will be expected to draw upon the knowledge acquired, and the intellectual, technical and analytical skills developed throughout your course. You will be supported in this module through a series of group supervisions and will be allocated a project supervisor.

    Compulsory

With professional experience option

The professional experience opportunity2 enables you the opportunity to apply for optional professional experience in semester 1, which, upon successfully securing an opportunity, will extend the duration of your master’s to either 16, 20 or 24 months. The professional experience provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability.

Please note that the optional professional experience modules incur an additional tuition fee, for which 1 semester of professional experience is £1,333.33, for 2 semesters of professional experience is £2666.67, and for 3 semesters of professional experience is £4,000.

Professional experience may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Professional experience opportunities are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of our Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Find out more about the professional experience option.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

You will be taught by a team of academic staff which includes internationally recognised researchers at the forefront of their field.

You will be taught through a number of different teaching methods which may include:

  • Workshops
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Presentations
  • Group projects

This course can be offered on a full-time or part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.


Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake roughly 12 hours of self-directed study a week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

  • Written coursework
  • Reports
  • Tests
  • Presentations as part of individual assignments or group work elements.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

Our Law LLM course is international in nature, drawing upon international case studies to provide an international perspective to the course’s content. Further supporting this international focus is the experience of our academic staff and the typically diverse makeup of Coventry Law School students.

As well as having an international focus throughout your studies, the course aims to offer opportunities to attend field trips overseas2 and to engage in collaborative online international learning (COIL) projects with students from universities elsewhere in the world. Where available, these opportunities stand to enhance your ability to examine issues from several perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of how issues would be addressed in different legal systems.


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

A minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate degree in Law, or a joint honours degree where Law has been studied to an appropriate level. This course is aimed primarily at law graduates, legal practitioners (solicitors and barristers) from the UK and other jurisdictions, and politics and business graduates with some knowledge of law.

Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international pre-master's. Upon successful completion our International Pre-Master's - Business will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this postgraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

A minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate degree in Law, or a joint honours degree where Law has been studied to an appropriate level. This course is aimed primarily at law graduates, legal practitioners (solicitors and barristers) from the UK and other jurisdictions, and politics and business graduates with some knowledge of law.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5. 

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £11,200 | £15,200 (with prof. experience)   Request fee information
EU £11,200 | £15,200 (with prof. experience) per year with EU support bursary**
£20,050 | £24,050 (with prof. experience) per year without EU support bursary**
Not available
International £20,050 | £24,050 (with prof. experience)   Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU support bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.


Facilities

Our learning facilities4, which include modern classrooms, open learning spaces and our Moot Room, allow you the chance to get the most out of your learning experience.

Moot Room

Moot Room

Our Moot Room allows you the opportunity to develop those vital and practical legal skills. You can practise your legal skills in a realistic setting, as well as having the chance to take part in mooting competitions.

Legal clinic

Legal Clinic

Use the Legal Clinic to develop your practical legal skills and help you stand out in your future career. You will have access to 'real' clients and work alongside trained solicitors and lawyers.

A lawyer stands in a court room, with people behind we assume make up the jury, and two judges to his left

Routes into a Legal Career

Find out more about how Coventry University can kick start your legal career through our preparation courses.



Careers and opportunities

On successful completion, you should be able to:

  • Evidence a critical understanding of the theories, concepts, values, principles and rules of international law within an institutional, social and global context.
  • Critically understand the various theories, concepts, values and principles of constitutional law within comparative constitutions.
  • Demonstrate understanding of contemporary issues and developments within various areas of constitutional law, public international law and human rights, and commercial and corporate law.
  • Identify, synthesise and critically analyse relevant and in-depth information from primary and secondary legal sources, using both digital and non-digital resources.
  • Draw reasoned and critical conclusions through the application of legal principles and knowledge to complex real-life and/or hypothetical legal, political and commercial problems.
  • Evidence enhanced intellectual independence including addressing and resolving legal and related questions, acquiring new knowledge, addressing and resolving ambiguity and engaging in critical analysis and evaluation.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of social responsibility and ethical behaviour in an academic and vocational capacity.
  • Effectively communicate, by explaining and conveying information at various levels appropriate to the audience.
  • Demonstrate self-management and an ability to work and research independently and collaboratively.
  • Critically evaluate the principles of developing and proposing strategy for leading strategic change.

The skills learnt and practised throughout the Law LLM course can be utilised by those intending to enter the legal profession in the UK and overseas.

However, the utility of the course is not restricted to those who wish to pursue a career in legal practice, as the skills and attributes developed and acquired throughout the course are translatable to many other career destinations.

The course is designed to prepare you for the global jobs market, further graduate-level study (PhD) or a career in academia. Please note that further study opportunities may be subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements and additional costs may apply.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university's Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Where our graduates work

Some previous graduates have chosen to specialise in Business, International and Diplomatic Relations or Human Rights Law as lawyers both at home and abroad, while other previous graduates have gone on to work for international organisations in a non-legal capacity in the areas of international human rights, the environment and for local and national government agencies.

Further study

After completion of the Law LLM, further graduate level study such as a PhD may be considered.

I will take the education I received and experiences that I had on the LLM Law course into the future. The course has equipped me both academically and practically to flourish in which ever legal route I choose to pursue.

Sheena Devi, LLM Law graduate 2022
Group of students and a lecturer practicing in the Moot Room

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2023/2024 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2024/25 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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