LLM Coronial Law

Program Overview

The part-time online LLM in Coronial Law empowers legal professionals and those with relevant backgrounds to delve into the intricacies of coronial law. The program equips students with an in-depth grasp of its legal frameworks, ethics, and medico-legal aspects, preparing them for dynamic careers in coroner services, law enforcement, and other related fields. Through a blended learning experience of live tutor-led sessions, interactive online activities, and robust assessments, the program cultivates critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to contribute to societal justice.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The LLM in Coronial Law is a part-time online postgraduate course designed for legal professionals or individuals with relevant professional backgrounds seeking to deepen their knowledge and expertise in coronial law. The program provides an in-depth understanding of the legal principles, procedures, and practices related to coronial law, as well as fundamental medico-legal knowledge.

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of coroners in investigating deaths, determining causes of death, and drawing up reports to aid future prevention.
• Explore the legal and ethical issues encountered in coronial investigations, including the powers of coroners, the rights of the deceased and their families, and the responsibilities of other relevant parties.
• Acquire medico-legal knowledge, including the relevant foundations of medicine and the work of medical examiners.
• Develop skills in preparing and presenting expert evidence in court and preparing and presenting reports.
• Understand the ethical considerations involved in balancing the rights of the deceased and their families with conducting thorough investigations and respecting privacy.

Assessment:

• The assessment strategy aims to help students organize and develop their learning and evaluate their achievements.
• Assessments fall into two general categories: formative and summative.
• Formative assessments do not contribute to the overall module grade but are integral to a module's learning strategy.
• Summative assessments contribute to the overall module grade.
• Feedback is provided on both formative and summative assessments.
• Assessment methods include written coursework, project work, oral assessments, and portfolios.

Teaching:

• The course is taught through live tutor-led online sessions and access to online resources.
• Students are expected to participate in formally timetabled classes, including lectures, seminars, one-to-one and group tutorials, discussion groups, guest lectures, and master classes.
• A significant amount of independent study is required, such as background reading, online activities, assessment work, and preparation for sessions.
• The program uses a blended learning and teaching style, including online delivery and engagement where appropriate, combined with guided individual study activities.

Careers:

• Successful completion of the course will enable students to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.
• Students will be confident in planning and implementing their projects.
• A greater understanding of coronial law will prepare students for a career in coroner services or related fields and develop their strategic planning and critical thinking skills.
• Graduates of the LLM in Coronial Law program will emerge with a unique qualification that opens doors to a diverse range of exciting career prospects.
• Graduates are poised to make a meaningful impact in various professional domains, including coroner services, legal practice, law enforcement, public service, forensic science, policy and advocacy, academia, and research or consulting.
• The qualification can help propel individuals to higher positions and greater responsibilities in related professions such as law enforcement, healthcare, or public service.
• The LLM in Coronial Law provides adaptability and versatility to navigate a rapidly evolving legal landscape.
• The qualification can be a passport to a dynamic and fulfilling career where graduates can contribute to justice, safety, and the well-being of society.
• Although the LLM is not a qualifying law degree (QLD) for the purpose of qualifying as a practicing lawyer, this qualification can help students gain entry to the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) if they wish to become a solicitor or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) if they wish to become a barrister.
• An LLM can also be a stepping stone to a PhD.
• Graduates can use this qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers, with relevant experience and/or postgraduate study.
Some possibilities include:
• Police services
• Medical examiner
• Health and safety
• Political research
• Journalism/media
• Probation/social work
• Teaching and education

Other:

• The program features a series of guest lectures by leading specialists in the field, providing valuable insights into contemporary practices in coronial law.
• Employability skills are at the heart of the curriculum, with a focus on the specific needs of postgraduate students in the field of coronial law, as identified by the University of Bolton in consultation with leaders from professions that interface with investigations of unnatural deaths.
• The program provides mechanisms for online social learning, peer support, and mentoring.
• The expert team will support eligible students in gaining an advanced understanding commensurate with postgraduate-level study in the field of coronial law.

Home students starting this course in 2023/24 will be required to pay a total fee of £10,400. As this is a 24-month course, the fees charged per year will be £5,200. Overseas students starting this course in 2023/24 will be required to pay a total fee of £13,550. As this is a 24-month course, the fees charged per year will be £6,775 per year.