LLM Legal Practice (Top up)

Course code: MM1AE

Start date: September and January.

Course length: full time: one year, part time: two years

Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus

This course is available to international students

The LLM (Legal Practice) builds upon the Legal Practice course (LPC) you will already have completed.

It offers you the ultimate in flexibility - the chance to undertake a dissertation in a subject of your choosing.

You will start by studying either the Legal Scholarship double module or the Applied Research in Criminal Justice Systems and Comparative Jurisprudence modules. These will build upon the practical legal research skills you have learnt on the LPC. Life in legal practice involves using research skills on an almost daily basis, and the chance to develop these skills in both a practical and academic context is invaluable. These modules will also fully prepare you for your final masters-stage independent study.

You will be allocated a supervisor for your independent study who will offer support, guidance and reflection at mutually convenient times. Our focus is on developing your research skills so that you can, in due course, submit your independent study. Relevant guided reading will be recommended and you will be expected to review and reflect on the process, as well as the end result of the research activity, as part of your professional development.

You will need:

• a good honours degree or relevant experience
• if your first language is not English you will need to evidence a proficiency in English (IELTS 7)

UK/EU students

• £495 per module (you usually take 9 of these modules in total)

International students

• Full time: £10,200 (in total)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2012 and August 2013. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

How you'll learn

You will learn in our fantastic law facilities, which include two full-size courtrooms. Take the video tour.

You'll learn with your peers, giving you the chance to collaborate with other talented people with a passion for the same kinds of legal issues.

The course will support you to acquire the independent research and writing skills that will enable you to put together strong legal arguments in your work submissions.

Your lectures will provide a solid foundation in the areas for study. Emphasis is placed on aiding research and guiding you in a way that will stimulate your desire and interest to further explore the module area and specific topics.

The opportunity is provided, through tutorials and discussion, for you to explore topic areas and issues. Also, on an ongoing basis, you will be able to identify and pursue study areas which are of particular interest to you.

Your tutors will highlight the value of studying a particular module in isolation to develop your knowledge and understanding in this area. The provision of the module in the context of the LLM pathway as a whole will be acknowledged and account taken of the link and relationship with other modules you are studying.

As an alternative you can study this course at a distance by elearning while still enjoying real time interaction employing the latest Web 2.0 technology.

How you're assessed

Types of assessment are wide ranging and include assignments, portfolio preparation, reports, case studies and online preparation of material. In several modules you can relate your assessment to different jurisdictions, so that your national law can be the focus of your award.

Assessment is integrated into learning and teaching for modules. The loading and scheduling of work is consistent, balanced and inclusive, in line with your progressive development.

The final masters stage is assessed through the submission of your Independent Study or masters thesis on a specialist topic of your own choosing. You will be supported in preparing this by your tutors here at Derby.

On completion of this top-up LLM you will be ready to progress to secure a training contract to qualify as a solicitor. 

Alternatively, you will be ideally prepared to become a paralegal or legal executive.

You may wish to continue your studies, focusing on your area of interest through an MPhil or PhD in the School of Law and Criminology.

"Through my LLM experience I've gained a broad knowledge not only in law, but also in other fields, which has been very beneficial for my work. I've absolutely got what I wanted from the course and it has made me more motivated to pursue a higher level of education."

• Katerina Georgiadou
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