LLM Transnational Criminal Law

Course code: MM1AE

Start date: If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in: September 2012 January 2013 If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in: September 2012 January 2013

Course length: Full time: one year Part time: three years

Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus

As crime knows no jurisdictional or geographical boundaries, we need to expand our horizons and think internationally.

The LLM (Transnational Criminal Law) offers you a unique and distinct opportunity to study criminal law in an international and transnational context.

You can combine the study of criminal law theory and doctrine with the intellectual rigour and challenges demanded by masters- level study. You will also develop an understanding of the evidential and procedural aspects of transnational criminal lawand its application. The innovative focus and unique areas of study, allow you to develop your ability to critically appraise the current approaches and contemporary issues relating to transnational criminal law and organised crime, and the challenges these pose.

Uniquely, some modules allow you to consider the criminal law from a comparative perspective, examining how the criminal law in different jurisdictions is influenced by transnational context and international agenda.

You can also choose to take the unique Clinic module which is based on a suitable short placement relevant to the LLM (Transnational Criminal Law). This is tailored to your individual requirements so that you can gain practical experience of criminal law in practice in the UK, whilst maintaining the international and comparative dimension that dealing with asylum and immigration law inevitably requires. This module builds on the success we have achieved at undergraduate level for our Clinic module, for which we were Highly Commended by the Attorney General.

Our friendly and student-centred approach is evidenced by our consistent excellent rating in the National Student Survey. Throughout your LLM you will benefit from support through pathway-specific inductions, personal tutoring and focused individual personal development, which takes into account your personal interests and career aspirations.

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: £10,455 (in total)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

How you'll learn

You'll learn in our fantastic law facilities which include two full-sized courtrooms. Take the video tour.

You will 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.

How you're assessed

Types of assessment are wide ranging and include assignments, portfolio preparation, reports, case studies and the 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 the learning and teaching of 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.

The innovative LLM (Transnational Criminal Law) will provide you with a unique and desirable knowledge and skill set to enable you to stand out from the crowd and be valued by your employers.

The opportunity to study both theoretical and procedural elements in a comparative and international context, will make this LLM attractive to you if you are seeking employment or career progression either nationally or internationally. It is ideal if you are looking for a career in a government agency, non-governmental organisation, criminal justice agency or if you are looking for a career with an international focus.

If you are already a practitioner you can take individual modules of interest to you to enhance your knowledge and expertise.

Alternatively, 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.

"Not only did I see the law in practice, but I was also engaged enough to play a part in it."

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