Code

005M201

Start

September 2025, January 2026

Fees

£11,300 (UK) * £18,000 (INT) *

Duration

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Location

Hendon campus

Why choose LLM (General) at Middlesex?

In today’s interconnected world, legal professionals must navigate complex systems that span international law, human rights, commercial law, and business regulation. Our LLM (General) provides a comprehensive and practice-oriented understanding of these diverse legal frameworks, preparing you for a wide range of global challenges.

You will gain in-depth knowledge across key areas, including international law, human rights, commercial law, and international business, exploring how legal principles operate within varied cultural, political, and economic contexts. Alongside this, you will develop advanced analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.

Led by experienced academics and practitioners, the programme equips you with the critical thinking and communication abilities essential for tackling complex legal issues. Whether your goal is legal practice, policy-making, business, or academia, this LLM will provide the intellectual and professional foundation to excel in a rapidly evolving global legal landscape.

What you will gain

Our LLM General programme offers a comprehensive and flexible approach to mastering the legal frameworks that shape global commerce, international law, and human rights. You will develop advanced legal research skills through the core module Legal Research Skills alongside a diverse selection of optional modules that allow you to tailor your studies to your interests. These options cover essential areas such as the Law of the International Sale of Goods, English Commercial Law, International Commercial Litigation and Arbitration, International Human Rights Law, Business and Human Rights, Comparative Corporate Governance, World Trade Organization Law and Policy, and Technology and the Law.

apartment

1st

in London for Law, Times Higher Education Young Universities Ranking 2024

public

We are an international university

50% of our students come from outside the UK

lan

Top 10

UK university for Employability, UniCompare Rankings 2025

About your course

This LLM programme is designed to equip you with advanced legal expertise and a deep understanding of key areas including international law, human rights, and international business and commercial law. You'll study four core modules and two optional modules across the autumn and winter terms, followed by either a dissertation or a work-based project in the summer. Depending on when you begin the course, you’ll submit your final dissertation or project in either October or January of the following academic year.

You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a year-long legal work placement, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a professional setting. This combination of academic depth and hands-on experience gives you the confidence, skills and professional insight needed to progress in today’s competitive legal sector.

Modules

Through a dynamic mix of academic, practical, and research-based learning, you will develop the critical skills needed to succeed in the global legal and business sectors. The programme cultivates strong analytical thinking, persuasive communication, and creative problem-solving through case-based learning, debates, presentations, and written assignments. You will gain experience in applying legal principles to real-world challenges, honing your ability to deliver strategic, ethical, and sustainable solutions. Exposure to diverse legal systems and current global issues sharpens your adaptability and intellectual curiosity, preparing you to operate confidently in complex international environments.

This module provides you with a foundation in advanced legal research and analytical skills essential for successful engagement with the LLM programme. It engages with research methodologies and practical exercises focused on interpreting and evaluating legal sources.

Students take either - it is compulsory to pick one of these options

The module aims to ensure that you are equipped with essential skills to research and write a dissertation. The module adopts a learner-centred instructional style, combining exposition with exercises, discussion and self-directed learning in a series of workshops supported by online resources.

*Eligible students only

This module empowers you to apply theory in real workplace settings, fostering self-directed learning, goal-setting, and self-assessment to enhance transformative learning, adaptability, and professional growth through negotiated internships or current work experiences.

This interdisciplinary module co-taught by governance and environmental experts, provides you with an in-depth understanding of the central sustainability challenges faced by humanity today, and governance theories, approaches and solutions, including international agreements, legislation, policies and voluntary responses to address them.

This module will engage you in a comparative study of the central channel of international trade: the sale of goods. It critically examines the English Sale of Goods Act and the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), alongside related factors such as trade terms and documents of title.

This module aims to bring you up to date with contemporary issues, legal problems and emergent changes to primary and secondary legislation and to the regulatory framework governing the conduct of trade, business and financial services.

The module focuses on the legal and policy responses to technological developments. It will develop students’ ability to engage in interdisciplinary research to assess the scientific, political, economic, social and ethical aspects of new technologies.

This module addresses the core rules and principles of international law. It enables you to analyse and critically evaluate how international law impacts international relations and contemporary concerns such as globalisation, the use of armed force, statehood, international responsibility of states, peace and security and international justice.

The module engages students in an active investigation of the European Convention system of human rights protection. It provides a systematic understanding of its legal frameworks, institutions, and approaches to interpretation and remedies, while encouraging students to develop their own views on contested human rights issues.

This module engages with contemporary issues, legal problems and emergent changes in the practise and management of commercial cases that cross jurisdictional lines and may raise conflict of laws questions. The module also explores international commercial arbitration in depth as a standalone binding method of ADR.

This module examines the UN international human rights framework and regional systems in Africa and Asia. It critically analyses monitoring mechanisms, challenges in implementation, and strategies to advance rights protection. Students research treaty and Charter bodies, developing a rights-based approach to address gaps in global human rights enforcement.

This module explores corporate theories, governance, and responsibility, focusing on laws and practices regulating directors and company operations across selected countries. It examines relationships among directors, shareholders, and employees, and analyses factors influencing the convergence of corporate governance practices globally.

This module explores corporate human rights abuses and accountability gaps through landmark cases. It introduces the interdisciplinary field of business and human rights, examining corporate liability and international standards from the UN, EU, OECD, and World Bank, equipping students to critically assess the human rights impact of global business practices.

This module covers the international legal framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO), global trade regimes, and the impact of globalization on economic relations. It includes practical mooting activities to develop skills in debating complex trade cases and deepens understanding of the global trading system’s structure and regulations.

This module aims to provide students with a systematic understanding of the rules and principles of International Law and International Relations that are relevant towards explaining the legal personality and activities of International Organisations, with a special emphasis on their role in the settlement of international disputes.

This module introduces international criminal law as a tool for human rights protection. Students critically examine its sources, development, and tribunal case law, gaining a comprehensive understanding of its rules, principles, justice mechanisms, relation to other legal bodies, and future prospects for the field’s evolution.

This module enhances postgraduate employability by offering practical law-related work experience in free legal advice settings. It enables students to gain recognised credit, develop intellectual and interpersonal skills, and deepen their understanding of law’s practical application through reflection and hands-on learning in a professional environment.

More information about this course

To find out more about this course, please download the LLM (General) programme specification (PDF).

Register your interest

Teaching

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.

The LLM General delivers a dynamic, practice-focused learning experience through interactive sessions, discussions, and independent study. Taught face-to-face by leading experts on our Hendon campus, the programme covers key areas of international law, human rights, business, and commercial law. You will develop advanced research, analytical, and practical skills to build professional confidence in diverse legal contexts. Varied assessments enable you to showcase your expertise in legal analysis and argumentation across multiple disciplines.

You will study on our Hendon campus, in North London.

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

If you're studying full-time, you'll typically be expected to attend four modules per week, with each module consisting of three hours of weekly class time. If you're studying part-time, you'll generally be expected to attend two modules per week.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.

Feedback

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.

Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.

Assessments are varied and dynamic, including presentations, case studies, critical essays, and research projects, giving you the tools to demonstrate expertise in legal analysis and argumentation. Assessments are designed to help you enhance your communication skills by engaging in structured discussions, written assignments, and presentations, fostering clarity, precision, and persuasive argumentation. Problem-solving abilities are cultivated through the critical analysis of complex legal issues, where you will be encouraged to apply legal principles to address real-world challenges in the field of international law and human rights, and international business and commercial law.

Entry Requirements

For this course, ideally, we are looking for these qualifications:

A 2:2 honours Law degree or above or Graduate Diploma in Law/CPE

We welcome your application regardless of your background. If you have studied a subject with law minors, or if you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.

Eligibility

UK and international students are eligible to apply for this course.

Academic credit for previous study or experience

If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University programme of study. For further information please visit our prior learning accreditation page.

Interviews

We don't require interviews for this course.

We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:

Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
Work placements and networking with top London employers
Award-winning career support to get you where you want to go after university.

Qualifications

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the accepted qualifications on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest international office.

English language

You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre-sessional English course.

Visas

To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa. Please check to see if this applies to you.

Apply as early as possible to make sure you get a place. You can submit your application before you receive your final qualification.

Personal statements

Make sure that you highlight your best qualities in your personal statement that are relevant to this course. Such as your ability to be forward-thinking, creative and collaborative.

Interviews

You won’t be required to attend an interview.

Find out more

Find out how to apply for postgraduate taught courses and watch our step-by-step video.

Admissions questions? Ask us a question now via the live chat icon on the screen.

North London Campus

Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.

Learn more

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Student using computer help from library support

We have one of London's biggest and best university campuses with everything you need in one place. Our facilities

Facilities and support

Facilities

Students will use up-to-date technologies for teaching and learning including software and labs.

The Sheppard Library

Our library is open from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday during the term and includes:

Over 1,000 study areas with rooms for group study and over 600 computer spaces
350,000 books and e-books and more than 24,000 online journals
Free laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

Careers

How can the LLM (General) degree support your career?

Our LLM General equips you with practical skills, comprehensive legal knowledge, and global networks to thrive in diverse legal careers. Graduates can pursue roles in international business law, human rights advocacy, arbitration, policy advising, or legal counsel positions within multinational firms, NGOs, and international organisations, shaping law and policy worldwide.

Career pathways include:

International Commercial Lawyer: You can embark on a career in international business law, specialising in cross-border transactions, and corporate governance, often working with multinational law firms or corporate legal departments
Human Rights Lawyer: You can pursue a career as solicitors or barristers specialising in human rights law, representing clients in international human rights litigation, working with NGOs, or engaging in advocacy at international courts and tribunals
International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Specialist: You can specialise in resolving cross-border legal disputes, including those involving human rights violations or business-related conflicts, by working with international arbitration bodies, law firms, or dispute resolution centres
Policy Advisor or Legal Advisor in International Organisations: You can work with international bodies like the UN, World Bank, or regional organisations on policy development, legal advisory roles, and human rights governance.

MDXworks

Our employability service, MDXworks will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.

In addition to our employability service, you will receive specialised guidance from the course leader and other academics. Our experienced academic team have indispensable advice on navigating and succeeding in recruitment processes for both national and international organisations. As a student, you will also have access to support services provided by the Clinical Legal Education program and will be encouraged to attend career-focused workshops, skills sessions, and events. Visit the Clinical Legal Education site.

Global network

Our London location helps us connect with over 1,000 industry partners to develop our students’ future employment prospects.

And we have unique work and study opportunities at our campuses in Dubai and Mauritius.

At Middlesex, you’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. After you graduate, we'll support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

Work placements

You’ll have access to excellent opportunities to apply your learning in practice, developing real-world legal experience alongside your academic studies.

You can choose to replace your dissertation with a 60-credit work-based project, applying your legal knowledge in a real-world setting. You’ll also have the option to gain year-long legal work experience through an internship, supported by MDXworks and guided by academic staff. Securing your placement is part of the learning experience, helping you build professional confidence and career-ready skills.

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We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Next steps

Open Days

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Research

The university promotes research and encourages students to participate in research projects

Accommodation

We’ll help you find your new home in London while you study at Middlesex

Student Life

Find out more about what life is like on Campus

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North London campus

Our north London campus is just 20 minutes from central London, giving you easy access to everything this vibrant city has to offer. Make the most of incredible professional opportunities, cultural experiences, and more affordable living, all within a supportive and close-knit campus community.

Learn about campus life