Law And Society - Llm

at Keele University

Compulsory core modules

LAW-40053 Foundations in Law and Society Research: Theories and Concepts (15 credits, Semester 1)

Research in law and society seeks to understand, explain and challenge the boundaries between law and the social and cultural context in which it operates. This module will introduce you to the key theoretical approaches and themes that frame and interrogate law and legal institutions. This includes the meaning and complexity of legal issues, the relation between law and social relations, the impact of legal change, and the ways in which law can be deployed for change. You'll develop the research skills and knowledge to explore the potential and possibilities of different approaches to the role of law in society.
 

LAW-40052 Socio-legal Studies: Approaches and Themes (15 credits, Semester 1)

You’ll be introduced to a range of interdisciplinary approaches in law and society research such as in Law and Ethics, Regulation Studies and Legal History, as well as methodological approaches, such as Fieldwork in Law, Archives and Documents, and Researching Elites. You’ll also consider a number of themes central to law and society research, such as law in action, resistance (e.g., political imprisonment) legal research and activism (e.g., penal abolitionism).
 

SOC-40014 Philosophy of the Social Sciences (15 credits, Semester 1)

You will study the philosophy of the social sciences, together with philosophical debates around different methodological approaches to social science research. This module features the work of a range of key thinkers, including Durkheim, Popper, Kuhn, Weber, Adorno, and Foucault, who have informed the ways in which researchers consider knowledge in the social sciences. We start with the enlightenment idea of the search for science and the nineteenth century beginnings of social science. Topics covered include: naturalism, the relationship between the individual and society, falsificationism, paradigm shifts, the interpretive tradition, critical theory, structuralism and post-structuralism. The overall intention is for students to be able to apply different philosophical positions to their own research interests.
 

LAW-40039 Dissertation (60 credits, prepared for throughout the course)

The production of a 15,000 to 20,000-word dissertation provides an exciting opportunity to work under the supervision of an expert in your chosen field of interest, demonstrating a level of knowledge and understanding far beyond what you have learned in class. You’ll be supported to develop the research skills needed to conduct an extended piece of work on a topic of your choice, analysing existing relevant research. Some students start the course with a clear idea about what they want to write about, but others find and develop particular interests as the course progresses. Examples of recent dissertation topics by students which reflect the breadth of the subject include: the regulation of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, recognition of statehood, the use of force and Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL).

ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The Law and Society programme is open to graduates with a first or second class honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in Law or a related discipline (such as sociology, criminology or politics), or any other person with appropriate professional qualifications and/or experience. Applications are welcome from current legal practitioners.
 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Applicants for whom English is not a first language must provide evidence of a qualification in English language, unless they hold a previous degree that was taught and examined in English. The minimum score for entry to the LL.M. is academic IELTS 6.5 (with no subtest below 5.5) or equivalent.

International - Full time £16,800 per year
 

A postgraduate law degree is an internationally-recognised qualification that can open up opportunities for a wide range of roles across the public, private and third sectors.
 

Intellectually challenging and personally fulfilling, the LLM in Law and Society will give you unique insight into the connected areas of the law, rights, justice, human behaviour and society that can be of enormous benefit when working in legal practice in areas such as family law, criminal law or social welfare law. You could also pursue careers with national and international charities and NGOs, or in law reform, for example, with the Law Commission for England and Wales, the European Court of Human Rights or European Commission on Human Rights, or the International Court of Justice or International Criminal Court.
 

By developing your ability to undertake critical analysis, solve complex problems and present rational, coherent and accurate arguments orally and in writing, you’ll graduate with essential skills valued by legal and non-legal employers alike, in areas such as banking, insurance and Civil Service.
 

The specialist research skills you learn, particularly on Pathway 2, provide a strong foundation for pursuing further study at doctoral level for those interested in doing so. Pathway 2 is recognised as fulfilling the requirements of the ESRC postgraduate social science research training and development and as the first master's year of '1+3' awards, which means you can apply for postgraduate funding.