LLM/PG Dip/PG Cert (General)

Overview & facilities

In today's competitive global legal environment, the right postgraduate qualification confers a distinct advantage. This LLM course has been designed to reflect the diverse needs of students looking for postgraduate qualifications in law by allowing choice from the complete selection of modules available within the Law Department. The LLM will broaden awareness and knowledge of significant areas of law, and deepen understanding of legal processes, methods and concepts.

• Open to non-law graduates, provided they take the short non-assessed 'Introduction to Law' module during the induction period
• Flexible course enables you to pursue questions that are of particular interest
• The teaching strategy is innovative and is designed to be adaptable according to each student's needs
• LLM students carry out a supervised dissertation of 15,000 to 18,000 words, enabling them to investigate an issue question beyond the boundaries of existing knowledge
• We have a reputation for our strong support of overseas and non-traditional students
• Part-time students may undertake a work-based learning project
• Our London location provides rapid access to one of the world's pre-eminent cities and centres of legal business
• Located on an attractive campus in a friendly, cosmopolitan environment.

The LLM course starts in September. The course is either one year full-time or two years part-time.

Download the Law Department brochure.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Business Obligations (30 Credits) - Optional

  To identify how business organisations can function most effectively within the framework of the English law of obligations.

  Corporate Governance and Corporate Responsibility (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module will examine the major theories concerning the nature of corporations, their role and function in society, the major concerns surrounding corporate governance and corporate responsibility, and the laws and practices governing directorial conduct and company operation in selected countries. It will also examine the roles of, and relationship between, key players in corporate activities directors, shareholders and employees and will consider the evidence for the convergence of corporate governance practices. Finally, it will explore the various factors which may impact on the convergence of these practices.

  Discrimination and the Law (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to provide a basic knowledge and understanding of anti-discrimination law in relation to gender, race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age. The relevant laws and regulations will be introduced, as will the practical, social and philosophical context in which these operate. Attention will be given to the limitations of laws in these areas. Students should gain an overview of this field of law and an in-depth knowledge of a specific aspect, chosen by the student in consultation with the tutor.

  Dissertation (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  Provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of research methods in law; Develop further students capacity for research, analysis and evaluation; Develop further students ability to undertake sustained writing at postgraduate level in an appropriate style and at an appropriate level; Enable students to acquire deep knowledge and understanding in their chosen area of study.

  Globalisation and Trade (30 Credits) - Optional

  To provide students with specialised knowledge and understanding of: The history and theory of globalisation; The regulation of international trade through the World Trade Organisation; The relationship between international trade, harmonisation of the law and related disciplines such as business organisations and economics. The module aims to deepen students understanding of legal processes, methods and concepts. Its objective is to enable students to demonstrate their knowledge, analytical skills and understanding through extended writing in a cogent and appropriate writing style.

  Intellectual Property and Media Law (30 Credits) - Optional

  The overall aim of this module is to develop an understanding of the laws regulating intellectual property rights and media. In particular, it aims to facilitate students in developing knowledge of topics including copyright, trade marks and patents, as well as enabling them to relate the economic protection of intellectual property to the public interest in use of IP products such as television, newspapers and other media productions. The module seeks to expose students to the primary law of the United Kingdom, as well as of other jurisdictions where comparative analysis is appropriate.

  International Human Rights (30 Credits) - Optional

  To provide the student with an overview of the human rights related structures and functions of the international and regional systems for the promotion and protection of human rights and of how they interact with interdependent international law areas such as development, and security.The module will also provide students with a conceptual understanding of the international legal issues involved in the promotion and protection of human rights at international, regional and domestic level. It will enable students to critically analyse the political, cultural, philosophical context underpinning the international human rights discourse.

  International Migration and the Law (30 Credits) - Optional

  To provide students with a general knowledge and understanding of how international migration may be regulated; To enable students to understand the practical, political, social and other contexts which influence regulation; To examine UK immigration control as a case-study; to enable students to acquire an in-depth understanding of an aspect of migration law.

  International Organisations International Dispute Resolution (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module is aimed at providing students with an understanding of the rules and principles of International Law and International Relations to the extent that these are relevant towards explaining the legal personality and activities of International Organisations and defining their role in the settlement of international disputes and armed conflicts. The course will provide advanced conceptual insights into the legal, political and structural issues that underpin dispute resolutions at international level within International Organisation through a thematic focus on issues such as labour, trade, title to territory, and international peace and security.The module will enable students to think strategically about different means of settlement of disputes and their applicability to existing or potential conflicts.

  Issues in EU Law (30 Credits) - Optional

  To provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the legal basis of EU law; To provide an opportunity for students to specialise in an area of EU law of particular interest; To enhance the student s understanding of the legal, economic and political context of EU law; To encourage critical evaluation of developing policies and strategies in relation to EU law.

  Minorities and Groups in Vulnerable Positions (30 Credits) - Optional

  Specific groups are often the main victims of human rights violations, hence specific regimes of protection have been developed to protect the most vulnerable . This module aims to analyse the specific human rights regimes for the protection of minority groups, indigenous peoples, women, children, and other groups in vulnerable positions. This module aims to provide participants with an overview of the legal, political and philosophical issues pertaining to minorities, indigenous peoples and other groups in vulnerable positions. Students will seek to understand, assimilate and critically evaluate legal arguments with respect to the circumstances that exclude such groups from the reach of the law. Emphasis will be placed on analysis of the underlying legal and political basis within the discourse of vulnerable groups and how it pertains to the overarching issue of access to justice. Students will become familiar with current debates and cases with a special focus on discrimination, minority rights, indigenous peoples, women s rights and child rights.

  Recruitment and Termination Law (30 Credits) - Optional

  Provides an understanding of the way in which the law of contract is applied to the employment relationship and assesses the practical impact of statutory rights on the operation of the contract of employment. Provides an understanding of the manner in which the employment relationship can be terminated and creates awareness of how the law affects workplace rules and procedures relating to the termination of employment. Encourages a critical approach to legal regulation by examining the social and political context in which contracts of employment are formed and terminated.

Our general LLM offers you the opportunity to design a flexible programme of study by selecting from suitable postgraduate modules offered by the Business School. As well as the taught modules, all students undertake in-depth research in a relevant field through their dissertation. Students may choose any four modules available within the Law department.

The course is available as:

• The postgraduate certificate (two 30-credit modules studied on a part-time basis)
• The postgraduate diploma (four 30-credit modules studied full or part-time)
• The LLM (four 30-credit modules studied full or part-time plus a dissertation)
• You will also be able to sign up for single modules if this suits your needs, and then progress onto a higher qualification.

Your knowledge and understanding will be assessed through coursework, class participation, oral presentations and a dissertation.

Middlesex staff have many years' experience in offering postgraduate law teaching and research supervision. Students can expect high quality teaching and a supportive environment.  Studying at Middlesex places you close to the heart of legal London with the law courts, Houses of Parliament and the Inns of Court accessible by a short bus or tube journey.

Entry & applying

We believe in the importance of inter-disciplinary study and are keen to ensure diversity of skills among the student cohort. An undergraduate law degree minimum 2:2 is usually necessary for meeting our entry requirements; however graduates from related disciplines may still apply for an LLM degree if we can be convinced that they possess the skills to study law at a Masters level. Those without a law background would be required to undertake a course entitled Introduction to the Law during induction week. In appropriate cases, we also ask for an IELTS score of 6.5.

Standard entry requirements

We believe in the importance of inter-disciplinary study and are keen to ensure diversity of skills among the student cohort. An undergraduate law degree (minimum 2:2) is usually necessary for meeting our entry requirements; however graduates from related disciplines may still apply for an LLM degree if we can be convinced that they possess the skills to study law at a Masters level. Those without a law background would be required to undertake a course entitled 'Introduction to the Law' during induction week. In appropriate cases, we also ask for an IELTS score of 6.5.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas university, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

How to Apply

Apply now

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. The quickest way to apply is by making an online application, once you have created your account and completed your application, you will be able to track the progress of your application online. Alternatively, you can fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £7,500.

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,600.

Careers & placements

Those at the start of their careers will find that an LLM makes it easier to obtain work in their chosen field while established employees will be better placed to apply for more senior positions.  All students will gain from the in-depth knowledge and transferable skills acquired through postgraduate legal study. In the past, our graduates have worked for a range of organisations including NGOs, government, legal practice and business. Some of our students have moved onto higher study through an MPhil/PhD either at Middlesex or elsewhere.

What can you do with a law degree?
Many students embarking on a law degree will be considering a career as a solicitor or barrister after they graduate. Additionally, there are also many other career opportunities for law graduates to purse as a law degree develops skills highly sought-after in business, management and administration.

Where do our graduates go?
Based on data from the respondents of the 2007 Destination of Leavers in Higher Education survey, six months after graduating:

• 75% of Middlesex law graduates were in employment
• 25% were doing further studies 

Middlesex graduates from this group have been successful at gaining employment in the following companies:

Metroploitan Police
Voluntary services
Social Services

Graduate Roles
Below are just a few career opportunities that would be open to you as a graduate.  

Solicitor
A solicitor provides legal advice and assistance that covers any issue arising in private or business life for a variety of clients from private individuals to large companies. They represent clients in the lower courts and, with specialist training, in the higher courts. Qualified solicitors have a variety if career options and can choose to work in a private practice, within a business or organisation, in local or national government, or in the court services.

Barrister
Barristers are specialists offering advocacy and advice on legal matters and points of law and plead cases on behalf of their clients. There are a wide range of specialist areas including criminal law, chancery law and civil law and not all appear in court. Most barristers work from Chambers and are self-employed. An increasing number of employed barristers work in private and public organisations.

Legal Executive
A legal executive does similar work to that of a solicitor but do a more limited range of work often specialising in a particular branch of the Law for example, conveyance, wills and probate. 

Court Reporter
Court reporters record verbatim court hearings for official transcripts. They attend court cases and record all that is said using either a computer-aided transcription system or traditional shorthand.

Paralegal
A paralegal provides administrative and legal assistance for a firm of solicitors. Their duties range from clerical, to similar duties that would be undertaken by a trainee solicitor.

Community advisory work
If you are interested in the 'welfare' side of law you could consider social and probation work, welfare advice and housing management. At a professional level these careers require relevant experience and further training and qualifications. Considerable voluntary work experience is usually a pre-requisite for entry.

In-house Legal Departments
You will be involved with the legal aspects of your company. The areas of law dealt with will depend upon the legal issues arising within that company, ranging from routine contractual duties and dealing with external solicitors.