Law

You will be given a thorough grounding in legal theory and practice to make you ready for the rigorous demands of the modern legal workplace. This study of legal theory is balanced with the investigation of an array of fascinating case studies to illuminate your study and put you in touch with an authentic experience of legal cases.

Why study LLM Law at Aberystwyth University?

• 96.5% of the Department of Law & Criminology publications were judged to be of an internationally recognised standard or higher in the most recent research assessment – REF 2014
• Academic staff in the Department of Law and Criminology are active in research and publication and participate in national and international debate and policy-making in legal and related fields
• Aberystwyth is a multinational community. The Department of Law & Criminology participates actively in international and European academic networks and frequently hosts visits by academics and experts from other countries
• Expansive research is carried out within the Department across a range of research areas and within a range of research centres (including the Centre for Age, Gender and Social Justice see: https://choice.aber.ac.uk/about/)
• Postgraduates integrate into our research culture through Departmental research seminars and student conferences
• Opportunity to meet regularly with your Personal Tutor who will guide and assist you with both your studies and future career planning
• Benefit from a mature and well-stocked library for Law, supported by a subject specialist librarian to assist you with your studies and from generous information technology provision
• We are adjacent to the National Library of Wales, one of five UK copyright libraries in the UK
• Aberystwyth University is a top 50 university for research power and intensity – REF 2014.

Duration:

One year full-time or two year part-time. The academic year (September to September) is divided into three semesters: September to January; January to June; June to September.

Assessment:

Assessment takes the form of research proposals including a related bibliographic element, case studies, oral assessments and essays. You will also complete a Masters dissertation of 13,000-15,000 words which deals with an area of chosen study in the third semester. 

Course Fees:

Please see the tuition fee pages for current tuition fees. Please note that all fees are subject to an annual increase.

Funding:

Funding opportunities may be available, please check our funding calculator for details.

This course will be attractive to those who want to improve their career prospects and who will be seeking employment in the public sector, including transnational, regional and international governmental organisations and NGOs, as well in the private sectors, particularly commercial or technology companies.

Transferable skills

On this course you will gain a wealth of skills vital for success in legal and more general employment. You will:

• study the cutting-edge developments of many areas of law
• develop a critical appreciation of legal responses to urgent contemporary issues
• master a range of legal methodologies
• learn to quickly assemble, assimilate and interpret a wealth of legal information from a fascinating array of fields
• learn how to deploy your knowledge to assert your expertise and build a winning argument based on your own rigorous research and analysis
• develop your abilities in structuring and communicating complex ideas efficiently
• develop your planning, analysis, presentation, project management and professional independence
• enhance your problem solving and creative thinking skills
• devise and sustain a self-initiated programme of study
• develop study and research skills
• work effectively with others.

How will I learn?

This course is a one year full-time programme, but can be taken part-time over two years. The academic year is divided into three semesters. In the first two semesters, you will take the module of Legal Studies and five other modules of your choice.

The taught part of the course is delivered through seminars and lectures, with a strong emphasis placed on independent study. In the final semester (June-September), you will complete an extended dissertation on a topic of your choice, subject to the approval of the course coordinator.

What will I learn?

On this course you have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of optional modules, allowing you to tailor your study to your needs and interests. Whichever modules you take, you will be given a thorough grounding in legal theory and practice to make you ready for the rigorous demands of the modern legal workplace. This study of legal theory is then always balanced with the investigation of an array of fascinating case studies to illuminate your study and put you in touch with an authentic experience of legal cases.

An important part of the course is the writing of a detailed dissertation within a specialism of your choice. Previous LLM students at Aberystwyth have found this opportunity to be invaluable in establishing a successful career.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment for this course occurs via written assignments and oral presentations.

Successful submission of the dissertation in the final semester leads to the award of an LLM.