LLM (Master of Laws)

Course information

From the mechanics of global commerce to the rights of individuals, the law governs and shapes the world as we know it. Our Master of Laws (LLM) is your chance to gain a deeper understanding of it all while developing advanced legal research skills.

With the support of our leading academics and researchers and practising legal professionals, you’ll take an in-depth look at the mechanics of forming and applying the law, focusing on how the law governs relations between countries and how it relates to individuals, businesses and societies in and across countries.

You’ll explore the law’s impact on policy and policy-making processes at national, regional and international levels, and how the law relates to a wide range of areas, from conflicts between countries and the fight for equality to business regulation, international criminals and migration flow, among many others. And, as you expand your legal knowledge, you’ll also develop advanced critical, analytical and evaluative skills that can be valuable in a range of different roles.

Throughout the advanced independent study aspect of this course, you’ll make the most of the latest learning technologies, while working with expert academics and researchers who are helping to shape the legal environment, from discrimination law and medical ethics to intellectual property and competition law.

It is a flexible course, giving you the choice between studying a broad LLM or one of four specialist routes. You’ll spend an intensive year (or two if you study part-time) boosting your expertise with a course tailored to your professional interests or academic goals, whether you want a deeper understanding of subjects you’ve already studied or you would like to pursue new areas altogether.

By the end of the course, you’ll emerge with an internationally recognised postgraduate qualification that will both help you stand out in a competitive jobs market and act as an ideal grounding for a move into legal research or academia. In short, it’s a versatile qualification that will open up opportunities across different disciplines, a range of sectors and around the world.

Year 1

Over the course of a year’s intensive study (or two, for part-time study), you will study a range of units built around a strong core of advanced legal systems, skills and research. You can choose to do a broad LLM studying a variety of subjects, or one of the following specialist routes:

• European Law
• International Business Law
• International Human Rights Law
• International Law

Option units

Alongside your core units, you will have the opportunity to select from a wide range of optional units to tailor your studies toward your interests. You will choose two 30-credit units and two 15-credit units from the list outlined below.

If you choose to take one of the specialist LLM routes, you will be required to select two 30-credit options from a specified list related to the route and an additional two 15-credit units from a more general selection.

Please note: Option units are subject to availability.

Core units

• Advanced Legal Systems, Skills and Research 1
• Advanced Legal Systems, Skills and Research 2
• Advanced Independent Study

Optional units

• Equality And Human Rights Law
• European Competition Law
• Human Rights And Healthcare
• Intellectual Property In A Global Context
• International Criminal Law
• International Human Rights Law
• International Trade Law
• Law, Terrorism And Human Rights
• Principles Of Corporate Law And Governance
• Public International Law

Placement options

As a student at Manchester Law School, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved in voluntary work through our Pro Bono Network.

Working with one of our partners to provide free expertise to people in need means building real skills and vital career-boosting experience. You can explore different areas of law in practice, build your professional network and increase your skills, confidence and employability. Ultimately, it’s a chance to stand out from the crowd while potentially making a difference in someone's life before you even qualify.

We work with a variety of organisations on our pro bono projects, both locally and internationally. If you join our network, you could be working in court with the Personal Support Unit, on a free advice line at Slater and Gordon, with a team of commercial pro bono lawyers at Addleshaw Goddard at our Business Law Cafe or even at appeal hearings representing clients through the Legal Advocacy Support Project.

Our LLM course has everything you need to give your career prospects in the legal field, or in legally related areas, a real boost. It’s an interdisciplinary, versatile qualification that is internationally recognised, giving you the valuable skills and understanding that can open doors to exciting opportunities the world over.

You should leave us with the advanced analytical and research skills that will appeal to a huge range of organisations from the law, government and civil service to the third sector and the world of commerce. If you’d prefer to stay in academia and research, you will also be well prepared to take the next step with a PhD.

Whatever your background or experience, completing this course will show employers that you have the intellectual drive and dedication to succeed in your chosen field. With the advanced knowledge and skills development our LLM offers, you will be well-placed to work in both legal and legally related jobs at a regional, national or international level.

• 1 year full-time
• 2 years part-time