LLM Masters in Law by Research
Attendance
Full-time, Part-time
Full-time – one year
Part-time – two years
Starts in October or January
At a glance
About this course
This course is beneficial if you
• work in the legal profession
A masters qualification can contribute to your professional development. On this course you choose to research a specific area of law which means you can specialise in a particular field. This can enhance your career prospects.
• work with, or have an interest in, law
It is likely to boost your employability in an increasingly competitive market. It is a benefit if you are looking to join the legal profession as a solicitor or barrister and want to stand out from the crowd of undergraduates.
You choose the area of research for your thesis, although we are available to provide guidance. It is ideal if you want to become a specialist in a particular area of law or to develop your interest in a specific legal topic. You develop your research skills as well as the ability to produce in-depth and persuasive academic writing.
During the course you work largely independently but you are guided by an experienced supervisor in a supportive environment. You can access legal materials in our dedicated law library in the learning centre, which is open 24-hours a day during term time. Our IT systems are set up so that most of your learning and research can be done anywhere off campus where you have access to a suitable internet connection.
Associated careers
Following this degree you may choose to pursue a law-related career in places such as • the Crown Prosecution Service • Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs • the police service • the Trading Standards Institute • youth offending teams • advice centres.
A masters qualification in law is widely respected across many professions and therefore your career options can be varied. Opportunities can be found in • academia • politics • journalism • social work • the civil service.
You may find your skills also translate well in business and commerce within national or multi-national companies.
Course content
The content of this course depends on the particular area of law you choose to study. It is agreed by your supervisor at the start of the course based on the pre-entry submissions you have made.
Areas that we are able to supervise include • business law • company law • consumer law • constitutional law • contract law • criminology • criminal justice • criminal law • employment law • evidence • family law • human rights • public international law • jurisprudence.
Assessment
Assessment is via the submission of a 30,000 word thesis, and a short viva examination, on an agreed legal topic.
Entry requirements
Normally you need to have a first or upper second class honours degree which involved the study of law or legal philosophy.
You are required to submit a proposal which specifies • the research question(s) to be addressed • your initial ideas • the legal or policy issues to be examined • an indication of the relevant literature • an outline of the methodology to be used.
We interview all applicants and you will be asked to provide a sample of your work.
If English is not your first language, you are required to have an average IELTS score of 7.0. This must include a written English score of 7.0 and a score in all other categories of at least 6.0. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 7.0 or equivalent we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
Full-time – typically £4,590
Part-time – typically £2,295 a year
How to apply
Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form