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Law LLM

Specialise in corporate governance, IP or commercial arbitration on this LLM Law degree.

Key information

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Overview

If you want to add to your existing law qualifications by specialising in an area of law that interests you, or if you’re a graduate from another subject area who's looking to develop your legal knowledge, our LLM Law degree course is the perfect next step for you.

By selecting modules and a dissertation that you’re passionate about from our wide range of options , you’ll tailor your degree to meet the needs of your career.  This Master’s degree is ideal for you if you’re already practising law and you want to specialise, or if you’re considering a career in legal research or teaching. 

You’ll learn from subject experts as you develop your knowledge, and study topics that could range from human rights to intellectual property law and employment law.

To study this course you may have previous work experience in law, although this isn’t required, and you should want to expand your understanding of a range of legal subjects. You’ll have strong analytical skills, alongside critical thinking skills and the ability to criticise and analyse situations. 

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.

Course highlights

  • Choose specialist modules in an area that interests you   
  • Develop an in-depth understanding of legal issues and law
  • Learn from subject experts
  • Explore topics such as corporate governance and employment law
  • Work with an external company during your final project
  • Prepare for or build on your law career

Contact Information

Student Recruitment Centre

+44 (0) 23 9284 2991

Contact Student Recruitment Centre

Modules

What you'll study

You will study 180 credits on this course and be able to choose which modules you study.

The learning outcomes for this module will be confirmed soon. 

Explore this module

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Identify which legal issues are relevant based on the facts of the Case Study

  • Clearly explain relevant laws and best practice principles

  • Apply relevant laws and best practice principles to the facts of the Case Study

  • Understand how legal rules from different legal subjects can impact upon one another

  • Effectively use a range of legal sources and cite them in accordance with OSCOLA

Explore this module

The learning outcomes for this module will be confirmed soon. 

Explore this module

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Integrate a sound knowledge, an understanding and a critical awareness of the nature, structure and fundamental principles of data protection law

  • Develop a critical awareness and original insights on practice-related issues and challenges pertinent to data protection law and policy

  • Critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in the subject area and to engage in informed debate on current/emerging legal and policy issues/challenges observable in the data protection field, displaying elements of original thinking

  • Work independently in the analysis of a variety of authoritative primary and secondary resources in the area of data protection law to be able to create cohesive and persuasive arguments

  • Communicate effectively ideas and the results of independent research in academic and professional communication with others

Explore this module

Learning outcomes for this module will be available soon. 

Explore this module

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Develop an awareness of legal and social meanings of words

  • Acquire an understanding of the general approaches to statutory interpretation

  • Evaluate specific rules and maxims of statutory interpretation in the light of the general approaches

  • Critically analyse exceptions/special cases in statutory interpretation

  • Apply the approaches to - and specific maxims of - statutory interpretation to hypothetical cases

Explore this module

The learning outcomes for this module will be confirmed soon.

Explore this module

The learning outcomes for this module will be available soon. 

Explore this module

 

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Gain a deep understanding of the effects the anti-competitive action of one firm can have on consumers and other firms

  • Critically consider how and why competition law and its enforcement places limits on firms' freedom to act.

  • Develop critical analysis on the recent case law of the European and UK Courts as well as the decisional practice of the European Commission in a number of different sectors, such as the digital economy, social media and the environment

  • Gain an understanding of jurisdictional issues, such as the extraterritorial application of national competition laws

  • Gain comparative insights regarding the manifestation of competition policy issues in the EU and the UK

  • Enable students to identify and analyse relevant legal issues and resolve problem questions through the application of substantive competition law

Explore this module

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Understand the particular regulatory challenges arising from cross-border family relationships

  • Critically assess the solutions to international family problems adopted in EU and international instruments, including human rights implications

  • Critically assess the operation of international family law and ongoing suggestions for reform

Explore this module

The learning outcomes of this module will be confirmed soon. 

Explore this module

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Clearly and succinctly explain relevant legal principles

  • Understand the operation of, and how to effectively use, relevant sources of law

  • Critically and objectively analyse legal sources and principles involving the administration of English legal system

  • Use legal knowledge to identify legal issues and apply various sources of law to practical situations

Explore this module

The learning outcomes for this module will be available soon.

Explore this module

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Clarify, specify and justify the aims of a research project related to their work

  • Review, assess and draw on relevant previous research

  • Draw appropriate conclusions and recommendations from research outcomes, supported by relevant evidence and arguments

  • Communicate the aims, review of previous research, critical analysis of research methodology, arguments and conclusions and recommendations of the research project in a clearly written and structured document

Explore this module

The learning outcomes for this module will be available soon. 

Explore this module

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of strategy as a multi-faceted organisational phenomenon

  • Apply that understanding to develop, justify, and critique an approach to strategy

  • Critically assess the implications of the developed strategy approach for corporate governance

  • Judge the ethical and governance implications of strategic decisions and demonstrate how to prioritize stakeholders, including the demonstration of a critical awareness of stakeholder implications of sustainability related practices of the organization

Explore this module

Part-time

You will choose which modules to study in each study block.

The learning outcomes for this module will be confirmed soon. 

Explore this module

The learning outcomes for this module will be confirmed soon. 

Explore this module

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Integrate a sound knowledge, an understanding and a critical awareness of the nature, structure and fundamental principles of data protection law

  • Develop a critical awareness and original insights on practice-related issues and challenges pertinent to data protection law and policy

  • Critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in the subject area and to engage in informed debate on current/emerging legal and policy issues/challenges observable in the data protection field, displaying elements of original thinking

  • Work independently in the analysis of a variety of authoritative primary and secondary resources in the area of data protection law to be able to create cohesive and persuasive arguments

  • Communicate effectively ideas and the results of independent research in academic and professional communication with others

Explore this module

Learning outcomes for this module will be available soon. 

Explore this module

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Develop an awareness of legal and social meanings of words

  • Acquire an understanding of the general approaches to statutory interpretation

  • Evaluate specific rules and maxims of statutory interpretation in the light of the general approaches

  • Critically analyse exceptions/special cases in statutory interpretation

  • Apply the approaches to - and specific maxims of - statutory interpretation to hypothetical cases

Explore this module

The learning outcomes for this module will be confirmed soon.

Explore this module

The learning outcomes for this module will be available soon. 

Explore this module

 

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Understand the particular regulatory challenges arising from cross-border family relationships

  • Critically assess the solutions to international family problems adopted in EU and international instruments, including human rights implications

  • Critically assess the operation of international family law and ongoing suggestions for reform

Explore this module

The learning outcomes of this module will be confirmed soon. 

Explore this module

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Clearly and succinctly explain relevant legal principles

  • Understand the operation of, and how to effectively use, relevant sources of law

  • Critically and objectively analyse legal sources and principles involving the administration of English legal system

  • Use legal knowledge to identify legal issues and apply various sources of law to practical situations

Explore this module

The learning outcomes for this module will be available soon. 

Explore this module

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of strategy as a multi-faceted organisational phenomenon

  • Apply that understanding to develop, justify, and critique an approach to strategy

  • Critically assess the implications of the developed strategy approach for corporate governance

  • Judge the ethical and governance implications of strategic decisions and demonstrate how to prioritize stakeholders, including the demonstration of a critical awareness of stakeholder implications of sustainability related practices of the organization

Explore this module

The learning outcomes for this module will be confirmed soon. 

Explore this module

The learning outcomes for this module will be confirmed soon. 

Explore this module

Learning outcomes for this module will be available soon. 

Explore this module

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Develop an awareness of legal and social meanings of words

  • Acquire an understanding of the general approaches to statutory interpretation

  • Evaluate specific rules and maxims of statutory interpretation in the light of the general approaches

  • Critically analyse exceptions/special cases in statutory interpretation

  • Apply the approaches to - and specific maxims of - statutory interpretation to hypothetical cases

Explore this module

The learning outcomes for this module will be confirmed soon.

Explore this module

The learning outcomes for this module will be available soon. 

Explore this module

 

The learning outcomes of this module will be confirmed soon. 

Explore this module

The learning outcomes for this module will be available soon. 

Explore this module

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Identify which legal issues are relevant based on the facts of the Case Study

  • Clearly explain relevant laws and best practice principles

  • Apply relevant laws and best practice principles to the facts of the Case Study

  • Understand how legal rules from different legal subjects can impact upon one another

  • Effectively use a range of legal sources and cite them in accordance with OSCOLA

Explore this module

The learning outcomes for this module will be available soon.

Explore this module

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to: 

  • Clarify, specify and justify the aims of a research project related to their work

  • Review, assess and draw on relevant previous research

  • Draw appropriate conclusions and recommendations from research outcomes, supported by relevant evidence and arguments

  • Communicate the aims, review of previous research, critical analysis of research methodology, arguments and conclusions and recommendations of the research project in a clearly written and structured document

Explore this module


Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Careers and opportunities

Careers this Master’s prepares you for

During this LLM Law Master's you'll develop your law knowledge and research skills, and have the opportunity to work with an external company on your final project.  

Career planning

During your course you'll have expert career support from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Business and Law Career-Ready Programme. This support will continue for 5 years after you graduate.

Female student standing at careers and employability help desk

Career support

You'll benefit from:
  • Networking events
  • Regular emails from the Career Ready Programme sharing job opportunities, application tips and events
  • Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council
  • Workshops to enhance your employability skills
  • Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
  • 1-to-1 appointments 
  • CV and cover letter advice
  • Interview preparation and practice
  • Support starting your own business

Learn more about your career support

How you'll spend your time on this LLM Law course

We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.

We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.

It is our expectation that all international students will join us here on campus in Portsmouth.

Course structure

This Master's degree will take:

  • 12 months full-time

You can expect:

  • 2-3 days on campus per week during the University term
  • Some online learning activities, including pre-recorded lectures

Teaching

Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.

You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through a variety of means, including:

  • coursework
  • reports
  • reflective essays
  • exams

Full details of assessment can be found in the modules in the 'What you'll study' section.

Term dates

September start

The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.

January start

Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.

January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.

See key dates

Supporting you

Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.

In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.

The Maths Cafe offers free advice and help with maths skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop, or use our online resources.

You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.

They can help with:

  • academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
  • reflective writing skills
  • critical thinking skills
  • delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
  • understanding and using assignment feedback
  • managing your time and workload
  • revision and exam techniques

If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.

As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).

ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • academic writing
  • note taking
  • time management
  • critical thinking
  • presentation skills
  • referencing
  • working in groups
  • revision, memory and exam techniques

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to

  • discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
  • liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
  • access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
  • liaise with external services

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

Graduation Class of 2021

Joining us as an international student

You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.

Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in. 

Information for international students

Course costs and funding

Tuition fees (September 2024 / January 2025 start)

  • Full time: £12,000
  • Part time: £4,000 per year

(including Transition Scholarship)

  • Full-time: £12,000
  • Part-time: £4,000 per year

  • Full time: £17,900
  • Part time: £5,970 per year

University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount

Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.

You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Tuition fees terms and conditions

Funding your studies

Find out more how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover. 

If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government postgraduate loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students and our international student scholarships.

Loans, scholarships and bursaries

Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.

Female Master's student
Explore funding

Funding for international students

Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.

international business students
Discover your options

Financial support for disabled postgraduate students

Explore financial support for students who have disabilities or dependents during their studies.

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Additional costs

These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:

  • Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
  • Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
  • General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
  • Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Entry requirements​

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.

September 2024 / January 2025 start

  • A second-class honours degree or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.

Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.

Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.

To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification. 

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.

You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:

  • you have a UK degree
  • you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
  • you are a national of a majority English speaking country

Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.

If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

How to apply

Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.

There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full. 

If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.

You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.

Extra information for international students

If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.

You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Ready to apply?

Start this course in September 2024

Apply now (Full-time 1 year)

Apply now (Part-time 30 months)

Start this course in January 2025

Apply now (Full-time 1 year)

I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate

If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2023, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:

  • a shorter application form to complete
  • access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
  • a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses 

Learn more about fast track

After you apply

Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.

You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.

Learn more about how we assess your application.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.