LLM Master of Laws

at Teesside University

You study four taught modules, the Applied Practice module and the dissertation module.

Course structure
Core modules
Contemporary Legal Issues and Skills

This module has the dual role of developing and consolidating legal research skills to Masters level and possible publication or future academic study, as well as introducing and highlighting current complex legal issues, initiating discussion and critical analysis. The contemporary issues element of the module is delivered by a variety of specialist speakers and current research active and subject specialist members of the School, ensuring that your learning is based on expert discipline-based research and experience.

Criminal Law

This module promotes a deep and critical understanding of the theories that underpin our criminal law, and the key substantive legal issues faced by judges and legislators of criminal law today. You examine culpability and blameworthiness, and explore these theories in the context of specific academic debates. You also examine factors associated with, and circumstances surrounding certain mala in se crimes, both against the person and against property.

Dissertation

The dissertation is the culmination of the LLM programme – an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and research skills to a specific area of interest through a 20,000-word dissertation.

International Law

You gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and structures which underpin international law, the sources and modes of development of international law, the nature of key international institutions and of the operation and enforcement of international law in specific areas and in the context of current international issues. You critically examine the extent to which international law performs its function of maintaining the international legal order.

Legal Theory in Context

You gain knowledge of key theories and concepts that underpin the development of law and policy and develop a depth of knowledge that enables you to actively contribute to policy development in your specialist area. You are encouraged to critically examine and challenge the theories and to engage in philosophical debate throughout the course.

A 2.2 (minimum) honours degree in a legal or related discipline or equivalent qualification or equivalent experience.

Equivalent qualifications include, for example CiLEX, or level 6 equivalent law degrees from other jurisdictions, and equivalent experience includes work involving regulatory compliance.

2022/23 entry
Fee for UK applicants
£6,100 a year

Fee for international applicants
£14,000 a year

Career opportunities

Upon graduation you will have developed recognised subject-specific knowledge and understanding, cognitive, intellectual, practical, professional and generic key skills and qualities, which have a directly beneficial effect on future employability, whether in the legal profession or in subject-related disciplines, including academia. You will be equipped to contribute to and inform policy-making decisions in your chosen sphere.

A number of our previous students have published work in academic journals, and / or have progressed to PhD study.