Educational aims
The qualification provides a broad education in law and postgraduate legal research. It is designed for those with a personal or professional interest in law and will be suitable for study by both law and non-law graduates. The qualification develops key postgraduate legal skills and knowledge alongside specialisation in an area of law.
On completion of the LLM you will be able to demonstrate
- an ability to apply legal knowledge and understanding, in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts
- problem solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts
- an ability to integrate knowledge, handle complexity and formulate judgements with incomplete or limited information
- an ability to communicate your conclusions and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously
- skills and knowledge which can usefully be applied in the legal profession, public services or industry.
You will also be able to:
- act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks
- deal with complex legal issues both systematically and creatively
- construct and develop a persuasive legal argument based on evidence
- demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving legal problems
- reflect on the social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of your knowledge
- undertake critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas
- learn independently, required for continuing professional development.
In relation to research you will be able to demonstrate:
- the skills required for postgraduate legal research
- a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and methods applicable to postgraduate legal research and legal methodology
- the ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial piece of research with scholarly integrity
- an ability to evaluate and critique research methodologies.
Learning outcomes
The qualification provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes as follows:
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the LLM you will be able to demonstrate:
- knowledge and understanding of your chosen specialism, informed by current practice, scholarship and research
- critical awareness of current issues and developments in the area of your chosen specialism
- the application of research to practical and theoretical situations
- the use of a range of techniques and research methods
- the ability to complete a research project in the your chosen specialism, which may include a critical review of existing literature or other scholarly outputs
- a systematic understanding of the role of law
- a critical awareness of current legal issues and developments
- an ability to critically evaluate current laws, legal thinking and research
- advanced intellectual engagement with difficult issues in law.
Cognitive skills
On completion of the LLM you will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- solve legal problems in creative and innovative ways
- undertake critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas
- make decisions in complex and challenging situations
- demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving advanced legal problems
- reflect on the social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of your knowledge
- act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of the LLM you will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- exercise initiative and personal responsibility
- continue to study in a self directed or autonomous manner
- learn independently and continue to develop professionally.
Key skills
On completion of the LLM you will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- communicate effectively, with colleagues and a wider audience, in a variety of media
- communicate your conclusions and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously
- construct and develop a persuasive legal argument based on evidence
- use initiative and take responsibility.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Assessment will be undertaken through a variety of methods including:
- essay assignments
- practical reports
- problem-solving exercises
- presentations
- group work
- a dissertation or other output from research/project work.
Teaching will be undertaken through specially designed study materials including study guides, interactive module websites, online discussion forums, access to an extensive on-line library and tutor support.
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