Law LLM
Subject and course type
- Criminology and Law
- Postgraduate
Kingston University’s Law LLM offers a flexible programme tailored to the evolving legal landscape. Explore various modules that align with your own interests and career aspirations.
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Broaden your knowledge and excel in the legal industry
The course is designed to equip you with specialist knowledge, making you highly employable in the legal profession and beyond.
Entering the legal profession requires a comprehensive knowledge of diverse areas of law. Completion of an LLM demonstrates your skills, determination and expertise to any future employers. At Kingston University, you will gain access to an innovative curriculum designed to address the complexities of the modern legal landscape.
Whether you aim to work as a solicitor, barrister or in a related field, this course opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
If you’re a practising legal professional, an LLM will help you improve and focus your career towards the areas that interest you most. You will expand the scope of your knowledge and use your dissertation as an opportunity to carry out independent research in any area that interests you.
Kingston University has been an amazing, transformative opportunity for me to develop my international career.
Why choose this course
Learn how to apply the law successfully in complex situations. Develop research and investigative skills, relevant to the current legal environment. Importantly, learn to apply a critical and research-oriented approach to a range of chosen legal areas.
Kingston's Law LLM offers a dynamic learning experience. Guided by a team of skilled academics, including National Teaching Award winners, who combine teaching with legal practice. You’ll gain insights into a variety of cutting-edge legal topics, including technology, employment law, and climate change.
Our series of legal events and guest lectures enhance and supplement your studies.
Engage with real-world legal issues and investigate how the law relates to omnipresent topics like technology, employment and climate change.
This course also has the opportunity to collaborate with other disciplines, including criminology, psychology, and politics. Here at Kingston, we provide the ideal environment to deepen your legal expertise and stand out in your field.
Prepare for global impact
Kingston School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences offers courses in economics, sociology, law, psychology and criminology. Our degrees are underpinned by a vibrant research culture and delivered by a blend of practitioners and academics who are dedicated to equipping you with the employability skills to thrive in your career.
Course content
The Law LLM allows you to tailor your programme to your interests and career goals, with no named specialisation. You will:
- undertake three core modules covering family law, human rights, and technology and innovation.
- choose three modules from a range of optional modules. This ensures your degree is transferable to any career path upon completion.
You can choose to take the full-time programme (one year) or the part-time one (two years).
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Modules
Core module
30 credits
This module explores the role of law in responding to, and shaping, technological innovation. It is designed to give students the competitive edge in evolving legal and non-legal markets that embrace technological development. Particular focus is given to standards and regulations of artificial intelligence, cyberspace and cybercrime, e-commerce, employment, environment, healthcare, intellectual property and outer space. These areas are of particular importance in the current global market. These are also the areas of research undertaken by academic members of staff at Kingston University, involved in teaching and development of the module. The module implements an international and interdisciplinary approach, covering different jurisdictions, technologies, and industries.
30 credits
This module covers the formation and termination of marriage and civil partnership; how occupation and ownership of the family home is regulated and how effective these remedies are in cases of domestic abuse; the law's approach to finance and property division on divorce and maintenance for children, comparing this approach with the regulation of cohabitation.
The module then goes on to consider legal parentage and parenthood, parental responsibility and the regulation of disputes between parents about their children. Finally, local authority provision for vulnerable children and those who are experiencing harm in their families is considered, and adoption as a solution for children who cannot live with their birth families will be covered.
30 credits
From the origins of human rights discourse there has been a struggle for women to be seen as equal. Patriarchal societies and laws made by men to benefit men left women fighting for recognition to equal rights and protection under the law, from voting rights, the ability to own property and the right to work.
The concept of universalism in international law and prevailing concepts of non-discrimination have gone far in ensuring formal equality between the sexed under the law. However, there are still many areas in which the struggle is ongoing; from human rights law to family law, medical law to criminal law and employment law there are a multitude of scenarios in which women's rights fall short.
This module examines some of these core areas where the law has a significant and profound impact on women, examining the rationale behind these areas of legislation/regulation and analysing the impact that they have on women.
The overarching concept in this module is addressing whether women are, in the eyes of the law and society, equal by taking a critical approach to the areas examined while also addressing the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute.
Elective modules (choose 3)
30 credits
This module examines the regulation of collective labour relations between management and trade unions in the context of English law and international labour standards. This involves analysis of the development of collective institutions and procedures for the governance of labour relations at national and international levels. The study of labour law in a global context will be informed by policy debate on the effectiveness of enforcement of essential labour rights in a competitive economy.
30 credits
This module provides an overview of the legal issues concerning energy and climate change. It examines the legal frameworks that govern both international and domestic energy and climate change regimes. It does this within the context of the scientific, economic, social and political factors which influence the development of law and policy in this area.
This module provides you with an understanding of the challenges that are faced in developing effective legal and policy solutions. You will evaluate existing methods and consider developments which are taking place on national and international levels.
30 credits
International trade is an elective, which may be of interest to you if you seek to be employed in the commercial field in both the UK and overseas.
This module covers the international legal and institutional framework for regulating international trade. It helps you understand different aspects of international law and apply them to business and management problems arising in a global economy. It examines the legal, economic, political and institutional underpinnings of the world trade regime, the core principles and legal rules governing international trade in goods and services.
One focus of the module will be the World Trade Organization (WTO), which began in 1995 as a general umbrella organisation coordinating laws affecting trade. However, it also has a much wider impact on the regulation of international business activities.
The module also examines the various contracts that are essential components of international trade transactions, such as international sales contracts, the contract of carriage and the insurance contract. In addition, legal issues arising from international trade and dispute settlement will be explored.
30 credits
This module examines the law relating to the individual relationship between an employer and a worker, from its inception to its termination. Employment law is a dynamic amalgam of common law principles with significant statutory overlay. International law, EU law and the European Convention on Human Rights are other important sources of employment law standards. This module explores the respective rights and duties of the parties to the employment relationship from a number of critical perspectives. There will be an emphasis on the most topical issues of the moment.
30 credits
This module seeks to provide one with detailed and systematic knowledge and understanding of the nature and forms of civil evidence. It explores the various techniques required in the assessment of evidence and in the analysis and drafting needed to prepare and write arbitral awards.
30 credits
Arbitration has been one of the most important processes for resolving disputes for several centuries. Although other methods of dispute resolution have evolved in recent years, (for example, mediation and conciliation), arbitration continues to retain its importance in both domestic and international contexts. This module seeks to provide a critical understanding of important aspects of international and domestic arbitrations. It explores the characteristics of arbitration and discusses its operation in various international forums. The main focus of this module is on arbitration on the international context, but reference is also made to domestic arbitration. It is assessed through coursework.
30 credits
This module provides an understanding of the potential problems resulting from the extensive power wielded by those in control of large companies and it explores ways in which society can control this. It aims to provide students with the opportunities to analyse the ways in which English law imposes liability on companies and with the understanding of how a business might be run, including the identification of any potential problems.
30 credits
This module offers an understanding of the methods available to businesses of raising finance. In particular, the module will identify the financial consequences of the choice of business form. Furthermore it is concerned with the legal rules, policy and theoretical underpinnings that exist to deal with insolvent juristic and natural persons. The corporate insolvency regimes (administration, company voluntary arrangements, schemes of arrangement) that facilitate rescue of the juristic person, as well as other avenues (liquidation, receivership, informal arrangements) are critically examined in this module, in addition to the procedures that exist for natural persons (bankruptcy, individual voluntary arrangements, debt relief orders). The relative use of each procedure, relevant case law and statute and academic and practitioner comment is examined to posit each procedure in their relevant practical context.
I grew my legal skills, gained confidence and a better understanding on how to achieve my future goals.
Career opportunities
This course has a strong focus on employability, equipping you with the specialist knowledge and expertise to succeed in the legal profession. Law graduates are also sought-after applicants for other careers and professions.
Upon graduation, there is a wide variety of career opportunities to pursue with a Law LLM. Our LLM graduates have gone on to work for law firms, private business, government, NGO's and charitable organisations. They work in a breadth of roles with job titles including:
- Assistant solicitor
- Barrister
- Paralegal
- Partner
- Lawyer
- Legal advisor
- Judge
- Consultant
- Policy compliance manager
- General counsel
- Company secretary
- Senior associate
Regional and global companies that our graduates work for include:
- Norton Rose Fulbright
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
- Blaser Mills Solicitors
- Campbell Johnston Clark
- Fluor
- Nabarro
- Guile Nicholas Solicitors
- Adams and Remers
- Crown Court Worcester
- Carter Bells
- Adler Fitzpatrick Solicitors LLP
- Surrey Law Society
- Government Legal Services
- Russell Cooke Solicitors
- FPG Solicitors
- Rose & Rose
- IBM
Experience the pathway to employment and get personalised development feedback through our Assessment Centre Experience. You’ll learn more about the job market, exploring current trends and opportunities, recruitment processes and how to identify relevant roles. The Assessment Centre Experience also gives you access to webinars on top tips, employer expectations and best practice.
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 19% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:
- Law LLM: coursework: 100%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Each student receives a personalised timetable. This is usually available after you have completed your online enrolment, which is typically accessible one month before the start of your course.
You will be part of an intimate cohort of students which supports dedicated academic guidance and advice and gives you the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes therefore you will be taught alongside students who are on these courses within the School.
To anyone looking to join this course, I would recommend absorbing all the knowledge the lecturers have and using all the support services available, but also to enjoy yourself and Kingston life.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £12,400 |
| Part Time | £6,820 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £17,600 |
| Part Time | £9,680 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £11,900 |
| Part Time | £6,545 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £16,900 |
| Part Time | £9,295 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Law LLM at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support. Kingston University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships, including:
Get a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. Find out more.
Receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in your first year of study. Find out more.
Get a 15% reduction in tuition fees. Find out more.
Kingston University offers a 10% discount on full- and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni. Visit our alumni discount page to find out more.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
For courses that select on application alone, applicants should normally receive an initial decision or a request for more information within four to six weeks of receipt of their application. Our admissions team will notify you of the decision by email.
Learn more about the postgraduate application process in detail.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
I've had such a good experience doing my postgraduate degree at Kingston. Coming to England from Trinidad was a daunting prospect, but I've found everyone so helpful and encouraging. I chose the LLM in order to take advantage of the wide choice of options. In particular I've discovered a real interest in family mediation.
My previous employers in Trinidad have shown much interest in taking me back after the LLM course, and at the moment I'm planning to take the Bar Vocational Course in London and then returning to Trinidad to complete my professional qualification. I'm now determined to make a career using the experience and knowledge I've gained from the course.
