Program Overview

---

LLM (including specialist pathways)

Overview

The LLM (Master of Laws) is a postgraduate degree that offers a broad-based or specialist pathway in various areas of law. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the interaction between law and policy at an international level, enabling them to contribute to organizations and commercial enterprises operating across the global policy arena.

Specialist Pathways

The LLM program offers four specialist pathways:

• LLM (Commercial Law): This pathway focuses on commercial law in a practical, international, and contemporary context. It is ideal for lawyers and professionals engaged in broader commercial practice.
• LLM (Corporate and Financial Law): This pathway provides a thorough understanding of how law assists in mediating corporate and financial risk. It covers the structures and constitution of corporate entities in light of external factors that govern their liquidity and capitalization.
• LLM (International Protection of Human Rights and Personal Freedom): This pathway builds awareness of the human rights regime at international, regional, and national levels. It takes a practical approach to the investigation of human rights violations, preparing students for careers with organizations working in the human rights field.
• LLM (Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law): This pathway prepares students for careers in intellectual property law and practice and information technology law. It covers theoretical and practical knowledge in copyright, trademarks, patents, law of confidence, and trade secrets, as well as IT contract and licensing, computer law and policy, and internet law and policy.

Core Modules

• Legal Scholarship: This module enhances research, communication, and independent study techniques, providing a stepping stone for presenting work at conferences or publishing research.
• Independent Studies: This module gives students the opportunity to develop deep and specialist knowledge through robust legal scholarship, supported by a member of the law team with expertise in the chosen area.

Optional Modules

Students can select from a range of optional modules, including:

• Commercial Theories
• Company Law
• Information and Communication Technology Law
• International Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
• Intellectual Property in the Digital Age
• International Banking and Finance Law
• National and International Sale of Goods
• Public International Law
• The Law and Investigation of Human Rights Violations
• International Criminal Law
• Transnational Organised Crime
• International Economic Law & Development
• International Human Rights Law Clinic

Assessment

Types of assessment include assignments, portfolio preparation, reports, presentations, and online preparation of material. In several modules, students can relate their assessment to different jurisdictions, focusing on their national law.

Entry Requirements

• An honors degree in any subject with at least a 2.2 classification
• Relevant work experience may be considered following an interview
• If English is not the first language, students must evidence a proficiency in English (IELTS 7.0 with 6.5 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026):
  • UK full-time: £11,430 for the full course
  • UK part-time: £1,270 per 20 credits
  • International full-time: £16,900 for the full course
• Additional costs and optional extras may apply

Careers

The LLM program is considered essential for pursuing an academic career. It provides a high level of flexibility, offering many diverse opportunities to specialize. The program is an ideal springboard to MPhil or PhD studies.

Research

High-quality research is at the heart of the LLM program. The university undertakes influential research activities that lead to a greater understanding of justice systems and inform legal and professional practice, both nationally and internationally.

Facilities

Law students are based on the Derby Campus at One Friar Gate Square, which includes a mock court room, replica custody suite, and social learning hubs.

Staff

The LLM program is taught by a team of experienced lecturers who actively engage in research and have published in their subject areas. The program also draws on the expertise of guest speakers who present on topics of general interest and specialist themes.

Alumni Discount

Derby graduates are eligible for an alumni discount on postgraduate course fees.