LLM International and Comparative Law Online

Program Overview

---

LLM International and Comparative Law Online

Overview

The LLM International and Comparative Law is an innovative, flexible programme that will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of international and comparative law in practice. You will explore the main legal families worldwide and the roles of legal personnel and courts within each family type. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the issues of legal transplantation and convergence and consider comparative legal principles in the context of case studies selected from different fields of private law.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

• Minimum second-class honours degree

Duration Options

• 12 months (full-time)
• 24 months (part-time)

Study Mode Options

• Full-time
• Full-time Online
• Part-time
• Part-time Online

Next Start Dates

• September 2025

Course Structure

Terms 1 & 2 (full-time) or 1-4 (part-time)

• Compulsory modules:
  • International and Comparative Law
  • Research Methods Training to help you prepare for your dissertation
• Elective modules:
  • Choose three modules from our elective module guide running at your location of study

Term 3 (full-time) or 5 & 6 (part-time)

• Dissertation in International and Comparative Law

Course Start Dates

• September 2025
  • LLM International and Comparative Law
    • Full-time: Online
    • Part-time: Online
• February 2026
  • LLM International and Comparative Law
    • Full-time Online: Online
    • Part-time Online: Online
• September 2026
  • LLM International and Comparative Law
    • Full-time Online: Online
    • Part-time Online: Online
• February 2027
  • LLM International and Comparative Law
    • Full-time Online: Online
    • Part-time Online: Online

Fees and Funding

• 2024/25 Course Fee (for courses starting on or after 1 July 2024):
  • Online: £11,900 (or £11,400 including a £500 International Bursary*)
• 2025/26 Course Fee (for courses starting on or after 1 July 2025):
  • Online: £12,400

Employability

• We care about your career, which is why we offer support with job applications and other work experience opportunities as soon as you accept your place.
• Discover more about our employability support and career opportunities.

Course Information

• Course dates
• Assessment
• Structure

Assessment

• Modules are assessed by a three hour unseen written examination or 4,500 word coursework assignment.
• All assessments are conducted online.
• The dissertation module will be assessed by submission of a thesis (15,000 words), and provides an opportunity for sustained, in-depth and intensive investigation into, and reflection upon, a specialist area of International and Comparative Law.

Structure

• This online course has an innovatively flexible structure, with specific assessments that are conducive to effective learning.
• The approach to learning and teaching on the Master of Laws programmes is predominantly learner-centred, with live workshops taught by our expert lecturers to encourage conversation and discussion. However, if you're unable to attend then you can catch-up with recorded sessions at a time to suit you.
• Each taught module is divided into a number of Units which are presented using the Prepare, Engage, Consolidate approach.
  • Prepare: this represents all the work the student needs to complete before attending the relevant workshop. Traditional lecture content will be presented in short bite-sized segments of approximately 10 minutes to better engage the modern student. Guided independent research and reading will be expected as part of a student’s preparation.
  • Engage: this represents the interactive element of the Unit. This could be a face to face workshop, a synchronous online workshop or an asynchronous online activity.
  • Consolidate: this represents the final part of the Unit and can be used by students to check their understanding of the Unit immediately after their Engage activity or as part of their revision for the module or both.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

The LLM International and Comparative Law Online is a postgraduate degree offered by The University of Law, designed for both law and non-law graduates seeking to enhance their academic legal knowledge. This internationally recognized Master's course equips students with the skills necessary to progress within international and comparative law, opening pathways to careers such as policy advisors, NGOs, government agencies, in-house legal roles, and more.

---

Outline:

---

Program Content:

The LLM International and Comparative Law Online provides an in-depth understanding of international and comparative law in practice. Students will explore the main legal families worldwide, examining the roles of legal personnel and courts within each family type. The program also delves into the issues of legal transplantation and convergence, analyzing comparative legal principles through case studies from various fields of private law.

---

Program Structure:

The program is structured into two terms (full-time) or four terms (part-time).

---

Term 1 & 2 (full-time) or 1-4 (part-time):

• General Induction: Introduces the program.
• Key Principles of the English Legal System: A two-week compulsory induction for non-law students, also open to those seeking a refresher in English and Welsh law.
• Compulsory Modules:
• International and Comparative Law
• Research Methods Training (prepares students for the dissertation)
• Elective Modules (choose three):
• Domestic Human Rights and Judicial Review
• International Human Rights
• Public International Law
• Other elective modules (subject to availability)

---

Term 3 (full-time) or 5 & 6 (part-time):

• Dissertation in International and Comparative Law: A 15,000-word thesis allowing for in-depth investigation and reflection on a specialized area of International and Comparative Law.

---

Course Schedule:

• Start Dates: September 2024, February 2025

---

Individual Modules:

• International and Comparative Law: This module explores the key theories, concepts, and principles of international and comparative law, examining the context within which they operate and their interplay with other areas like economics and politics.
• Research Methods Training: This module equips students with the necessary skills to conduct independent research and prepare for their dissertation.
• Domestic Human Rights and Judicial Review: This module examines the legal framework for human rights protection in the UK, focusing on the role of judicial review in safeguarding individual rights.
• Public International Law: This module delves into the principles and rules governing relations between states, covering topics such as international law-making, dispute settlement, and the use of force.

---

Assessment:

• Taught Modules: Assessed through a three-hour unseen written examination or a 4,500-word coursework assignment.
All assessments are conducted online.
• Dissertation: Assessed by submission of a 15,000-word thesis.

---

Teaching:

• Faculty: Taught by a combination of former and current practitioners, as well as research and teaching academics focused on legal practice, not just theory.
• Teaching Approach: Predominantly learner-centered, using the Prepare, Engage, Consolidate approach for each taught module.
• Prepare: Students complete work before attending workshops, including guided independent research and reading.
• Engage: Interactive element, including face-to-face workshops, synchronous online workshops, or asynchronous online activities.
• Consolidate: Students check their understanding of the module content.

---

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Policy advisors, NGOs, government agencies, in-house legal roles, and more.
• Career Finder Tool: A tool available to help students find careers that suit their interests.

---

Other:

• Strategic Partnerships: The program benefits from partnerships with firms, regulators, and accreditation bodies, informing program development.
• Earning Potential: Postgraduates on average earn £6,500 more than their graduate counterparts (2022 Graduate Labour Market Statistics).
• Flexible Study: The online format allows students to work at their own pace and around other commitments, within given deadlines, and at their preferred time of day.
• Quality Assurance: The online program maintains the same quality and demands as on-campus courses.