Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Postgraduate Master of Laws
Master of Laws (top-up course)
If you have passed the Postgraduate Diploma in Law, the Legal Practice Course, or a Bar Training Course, studying this top-up course will enable you to achieve a master's degree.
Course Overview
-
L27 -
Distance Learning -
Part-Time -
1 Year -
16 Sep 2024
Designed to be as flexible as possible, this course and all assessments will be delivered entirely online with no live classes for you to attend.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Achieve a master's qualification by writing a dissertation on a specific area of law
- Have regular contact with your dissertation supervisor and access to research methods training
- Develop expertise relevant to your career aspiration, whether that’s a career teaching law or working in a specialised area of law or business
Dissertation supervision
We offer dissertation supervision in a broad range of legal subjects, including business law, international law, criminal justice, employment law, equalities and discrimination law, EU law, human rights, intellectual property, professional practice and professional ethics. If you’re interested in another area, we’ll be happy to discuss this with you further.
Additional entry requirements
To enrol on this course you must have passed the Postgraduate Diploma in Law, the Legal Practice Course, or a Bar Training Course. If you have a legal practising certificate in another jurisdiction you may also be eligible.
Law Trove
You’ll be able to access a wide range of law textbooks online for free through Law Trove, a subscription-only service offered by Oxford University Press.
Law in Practice guest lectures
We regularly welcome guest speakers in prominent legal positions to share their experience of the profession. Previous speakers include human rights campaigner Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, and Leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer. You’ll be able to access their lectures digitally if you are unable to attend on-campus.
Get support with planning your career
Our Careers Service is on hand to support you with all aspects of planning your career, including writing your CV, job applications and how to make the most of industry and graduate fairs.
Why study Law at Leeds Beckett University...
- Specialise – researching and writing your dissertation will enable you to develop expertise in your chosen area
- Law in Practice lectures - previous speakers including human rights campaigner Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, and Leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer
- Law Trove - an online service giving you free access to over 200 legal textbooks, meaning you spend less, if anything, on textbooks
- Learn from experts – this course is delivered by qualified lawyers with significant professional expertise and experience
Explore videos and blogs
Postgraduate opportunities at Leeds Law School Head of Subject (Postgraduate) at Leeds Law School, Louisa Ashley, talks about postgraduate opportunities.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
There are three routes for entry to this course, applicants are required to meet one of the following entry criteria:
- A postgraduate diploma in a legal subject (GDL, LPC, BVC or BPTC)
- Have achieved a qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales
- Have achieved a qualification as a qualified lawyer in a jurisdiction recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/qlts/recognised-jurisdictions.page)
You should complete the LLM Dissertation Proposal and include this when you submit your application.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Entry requirements
There are three routes for entry to this course, applicants are required to meet one of the following entry criteria:
- A postgraduate diploma in a legal subject (GDL, LPC, BVC or BPTC)
- Have achieved a qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales
- Have achieved a qualification as a qualified lawyer in a jurisdiction recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/qlts/recognised-jurisdictions.page)
You should complete the LLM Dissertation Proposal and include this when you submit your application.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses..
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
Distance learning
We understand that full-time study does not suit everyone. That’s why we offer courses which give you the opportunity to decide where, when and how you can get involved in learning. Studying a distance learning course offers the convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you’d like to fit your studies around childcare, develop your skills while working or, quite simply, want to learn from the comfort of your own home, we can help you gain a qualification at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle.
Like our students on campus, you’ll have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you’ll find these online instead of a lecture theatre. Not only are all the modules taught online, but you’ll also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
Technical requirements for distance learning study are detailed in the full guide. Visit our distance learning website for more information.
Leeds Law School works with a number of Distance Learning Promotion Partners who can offer advice and guidance about the Distance Learning Courses. The partners include:
The Chancery Lane Institute for Professionals (Dubai)
Q&A Consultants (Pakistan)
London College of Legal Studies (Bangladesh).
Overall workload
Each module on our distance learning courses is individually designed to maximise your learning so study requirements will vary. As a general guideline, you’ll need to allocate around 10 hours per week to complete each module, plus a further five hours for additional reading and assignments. However, this may vary depending on the module. Teaching and learning will be delivered using a range of interactive resources. This typically includes audio and video content, group discussions, reflective exercises, quizzes, online reading and much more. All these resources are delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment and can be accessed at a time and place that suits you.
What you'll learn
You will carry out an in-depth research project in a subject area that is appropriate to the course and of particular interest to you.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£4,200
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £4200. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£4,200
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £4200. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£4,200
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £4200. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- If you choose to study this course via distance learning, you’ll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£4,200
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £4200. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- If you choose to study this course via distance learning, you’ll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
An LLM Top- Up allows an upgrade to a master’s degree by giving students their own choice of legal topics and problems to research. Students enjoy the freedom to choose an area of interest that could arise out of the theory or practice of law such as case law, legislation or policy, or how law is experienced and practiced. Also, students appreciate that as the research project is self-directed, independent study, they can fit it around their own schedules while being guided by experts in the field.
Dr Nirmala Pillay
Course Director
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Law in Practice events
Our guest lecture events provide opportunities for you to network and hear from speakers from a range of backgrounds and contexts, providing insight into developments and key issues of relevance to the legal sector and professional practice. Our events are open to legal professionals, students and those with an interest in the subject area.
Dr Nirmala Pillay
Course Director / Leeds Law School
Dr Nirmala Pillay joined Leeds Beckett University in February 2019 as Reader and Post Graduate Course Director Academic. Her main work is in philosophy and International Human Rights Law. Nirmala studied philosophy and law in the UK, Netherlands (Leiden) and South Africa. She has taught philosophy and law in Universities in South Africa, New Zealand, the United States and United Kingdom.
Nirmala is part of a research group funded by GCRF and MRC/AHRC grants to study the health rights of HIV positive women and infants in prisons in Zimbabwe and Malawi. She is currently being funded (BA Leverhulme Small Grants Scheme) to investigate the emerging right to health in international law.
Career Prospects
This course will improve your employability prospects in a competitive legal world. You’ll develop the expertise to move into specialised areas of law such as employment law, criminal law or international law. Law firms and barristers’ chambers appreciate the LLM as specialist training and favour candidates with this added qualification. If you aspire to work in legal education, an LLM is usually the minimum qualification required. A law degree also opens doors to other professions where legal skills and training is valuable such as:
- The civil service
- Management
- Human resources
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Having spent most of my career teaching law students I felt quite confident starting the LLM programme at Leeds Beckett. The experience has been exhilarating and far better than my expectations. The ability to pace myself and schedule my assignments to minimise any impact on my law teaching profession has been the most rewarding aspect of my LLM. I am so glad I chose here to study!
Muttalib Mohammad Qureshi
LLM Master of Laws (Distance Learning)
what is distance learning?
A great option for flexible learning
Very simply, to study by distance learning means you don't have to be based in Leeds to take one of our courses. Wherever you are and whatever you want to study, it's a great option for flexible learning.
When you choose one of our distance learning courses, you can do just that – study at a distance, at a pace that suits you.
Like our students on campus, you will have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you'll find these online instead of in a lecture theatre. Not only are the modules taught online but you will also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
Our extensive list of distance learning courses means that whether you are from the UK or further afield, changing your career path or looking for that promotion, we have a course that suits your needs.
