Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
LLM Law by Research
Course Overview
The LLM by Research requires an original contribution to the body of knowledge in a particular academic or professional discipline.
Start and Duration
- Sep, 1 year
- Sep, 2 years
- Jan, 1 year
- Jan, 2 years
Level
- Research
- Research
- Research
- Research
Qualification
- Master of Laws by Research
- Master of Laws by Research
- Master of Laws by Research
- Master of Laws by Research
UK Fees
- £8,266
- From £3,852 per year*
- From £4,133 per year*
- £8,266
- From £3,852 per year*
- From £4,133 per year*
International Fees
- £14,500
- From £6,732 per year*
- From £7,250 per year*
- £14,500
- From £6,732 per year*
- From £7,250 per year*
Campus
- Online
- Buckingham
- Online
- Buckingham
- Online
- Buckingham
- Online
- Buckingham
School
- School of Law
About the Course
Course Outline
The LLM by Research requires an original contribution to the body of knowledge in a particular academic or professional discipline. It will take approximately one year to complete with full-time study and two years of part-time study.
Entry Requirements
Applicants
Applicants are normally expected to have a first or second class honours law (or law-related) degree or significant experience in law.
Mature Students
Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
International Students
We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.
The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
English Levels
If English is not your first language, please check our postgraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.
Selection Process
Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be conducted by Microsoft Teams, email or phone.
Research Proposals
We are only prepared to take on research students where we have the necessary expertise to supervise the research amongst our staff. Therefore, you may wish to look at the research interests of our current staff.
Candidates will be required to submit a short word (excluding footnotes) Research Proposal. The Research Proposal will need to set out the proposed topic of research, and the proposed contribution the research will bring to the existing debate within the literature. Ultimately, the Research Proposal should present the proposed USP (Unique Selling Point) of the Thesis. Please note, we will be assessing you research potential through different methods.
Find out more about writing your Research Proposal.
Teaching & Assessment
Quality Supervision
The aim of the Research Programme is to help students develop the following: a) a systematic and in-depth understanding in the subject area of choice of research by the student; b) the critical skills necessary to analyse and evaluate complex legal problems and related issues; c) To give students the opportunity to undertake a substantial independent research project at Level 7 of writing; d) research skills necessary to demonstrate familiarity with and understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities; e) To develop research skills necessary to display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the opinions of other authors in the subject.
High Calibre Staff
Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.
Supervisory Methods
Candidates spend a considerable part of their studies undertaking supervised research, at the end of which they submit a thesis embodying the results of that research. This thesis must demonstrate familiarity with, and an understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities. It should display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the judgements of others. The subject should be dealt with in a competent and scholarly manner. In addition to this:
- All postgraduate research students are required to take the Research Methods Course.
- All postgraduate research students must attend supervisory meetings
- All postgraduate research students must attend any other training required to assist with the completion of the PhD.
After Your Course
Graduate Employment
Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.
Course Fees
The fees for this course are:
Start| Type| First Year| Total cost
---|---|---|---
Sep 2025 Full-time (1 Year)Online| UK| £8,266| £8,266
INT| £14,500| £14,500
Sep 2025 Full-time (1 Year)| UK| £8,266| £8,266
INT| £14,500| £14,500
Sep 2025 Part-time (2 Years)Online| UK| £3,852| £7,704
INT| £6,732| £13,464
Sep 2025 Part-time (2 Years)| UK| £4,133| £8,266
INT| £7,250| £14,500
Jan 2026 Full-time (1 Year)Online| UK| £8,266| £8,266
INT| £14,500| £14,500
Jan 2026 Full-time (1 Year)| UK| £8,266| £8,266
INT| £14,500| £14,500
Jan 2026 Part-time (2 Years)Online| UK| £3,852| £7,704
INT| £6,732| £13,464
Jan 2026 Part-time (2 Years)| UK| £4,133| £8,266
INT| £7,250| £14,500
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Postgraduate Loan Scheme
A system of postgraduate loans for Masters’ degrees in the UK is supported by the UK Government. The loan will provide up to £11,222 for taught and research Masters’ courses in all subject areas. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.
You may also find it useful to visit our External Funding page.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We have bursaries and scholarships available for both home and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and these are awarded based on location, merit or financial need.
Funded scholarships and bursaries may be awarded across all schools of study, and represent a partial remission from tuition fees. Bursaries are means-tested and are intended for those who need a contribution towards their fees in order to study at Buckingham.
Students applying for this course may be eligible for the following:
UK Students
- Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship
- Scholarship
- The scholarship will reduce tuition fees by 33% for new UK and international postgraduate students.
- Royal Charter 40th Anniversary Scholarship
- Scholarship
- Research scholarship that offers outstanding applicants some or all the fees paid for by the University.
International Students
- Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship
- Scholarship
- The scholarship will reduce tuition fees by 33% for new UK and international postgraduate students.
- Royal Charter 40th Anniversary Scholarship
- Scholarship
- Research scholarship that offers outstanding applicants some or all the fees paid for by the University.
Accommodation
Due to the mode of study on this course you will not normally need a room in University accommodation during your degree.
Program Outline
LLM Law by Research - University of Buckingham
Degree Overview:
- The LLM by Research is a program designed for students seeking an original contribution to the body of knowledge within law.
- It takes approximately one year for full-time study and two years for part-time study.
- The program aims to develop students' critical thinking, research, and analysis skills within their chosen legal specialization.
Outline:
- The program focuses on independent research, culminating in a thesis demonstrating the student's in-depth understanding of their chosen topic.
- Students benefit from one-on-one supervision from experienced faculty members throughout the research process.
- The program does not include formal taught modules or a prescribed course schedule.
Assessment:
- Assessment is entirely based on the submitted thesis.
- The thesis is evaluated for its originality, depth of research, critical analysis, and contribution to the field of law.
- Additional assessment may involve participation in research seminars and presentations.
Teaching:
- The program emphasizes individual supervision and guidance from experienced academic staff.
- Students receive regular feedback and support throughout their research journey.
- The program fosters a research-intensive environment with opportunities to engage with other researchers and academics.
Careers:
- The LLM by Research prepares graduates for a variety of careers in legal research, academia, government, and non-profit organizations.
- Graduates may pursue further research, doctoral studies, or professional careers in their chosen legal field.
- The program welcomes applications from students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Additional Notes:
- Entry requirements include a strong law degree or equivalent experience.
- International students are welcome to apply.
| Start | Type | 1st Year | Total cost | |---|---|---|---| | Sep 2024 | Full-time (1 Year) | UK£8,266 | £8,266 | | Sep 2024 | Part-time (2 Years) | UK£4,133 | £8,266 | | Sep 2024 | Full-time (1 Year) | Online | UK£8,266 | £8,266 | | Sep 2024 | Part-time (2 Years) | Online | UK£3,852 | £7,704 | | Jan 2025 | Full-time (1 Year) | UK£8,266 | £8,266 | | Jan 2025 | Part-time (2 Years) | UK£4,133 | £8,266 | | Jan 2025 | Full-time (1 Year) | Online | UK£8,266 | £8,266 | | Jan 2025 | Part-time (2 Years) | Online | UK£3,852 | £7,704 | | Apr 2025 | Full-time (1 Year) | UK£8,266 | £8,266 | | Apr 2025 | Part-time (2 Years) | UK£4,133 | £8,266 | | Apr 2025 | Full-time (1 Year) | Online | UK£8,266 | £8,266 | | Apr 2025 | Part-time (2 Years) | Online | UK£3,852 | £7,704 |
- Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.