Law General

LLM
Final award
PG Dip, PG Cert
Intermediate awards available
N/A
UCAS code
Details of professional body accreditation None
N/A
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements
July 2014
Date specification last up-dated

Profile
The summary - programme advertising leaflet
Programme content
The aim of the LLM (Modular) programme is to provide a range of local, national,
international and global themes for study in a critical legal perspective. It aims to provide
considerable freedom to individual students to devise their own programme by choosing from
the varied options available. Students, thus, have the opportunity to link previous or current
experience to academic inquiry. It aims to engender excellent research and writing skills
based on stronger foundations and better understanding of the role of law in a contemporary
context. The objective of the programme is to promote better understanding of law related
frameworks in areas such as human rights, international law, development, refugees, minority
rights and Islam.
The Aims and Objectives of the LLM (Modular) Programme are to:

Develop a deepened understanding of law in a variety of contexts.

Critically engage with the major theoretical debates on the role of law in a given field.
Display the ability to deal with different types of legal systems and laws.
Apply critical and contextual approaches across a wide variety of subject matter.
Develop the ability to analyse, articulate and write on the subject, by linking previous
or current experience with an academic inquiry, particularly via the dissertation.

The LLM ( Modular ) offers flexibility by offering the student one core module, Current
Issues and Research in International Law and an unrestricted choice of three options from a
range of existing modules. Students take four modules and write a dissertation.
LLM General at UEL
The LLM ( Modular ) at UEL is a distinctive programme for the following reasons

The School has experts in the field whose research was rated as international
recognized in the Research Assessment Exercise 2008;

LLM programs judged by the highest grade "commendable" by the Quality assurance
Agency in 2002;
The LLM (Modular) offers a range of innovative programmes of which the students
have an unrestricted choice in three options;
The LLM (Modular) is attractive due to the programme structure making it entirely
research based while offering students the flexibility of choosing research areas
within the modules and for their dissertation;
The LLM (Modular) will be taught, as with the existing programme, through
interactive lectures and seminars and day schools;
The LLM (Modular) is supported by a strong library collection and the critical studies
academic culture at the School of Law and UEL.

Admission requirements
Qualifications for admission are a good degree in law, the social sciences or the humanities
or another appropriate degree. Professional qualifications will also be taken in account.
Applicants whose first language is not English or who have not studied for the first degree in
English medium require IELTS at 6.5 or its equivalent.
Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal
Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning
(ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants
must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as
listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.
Programme structure
Students study the core module Current Issues and Research in International Law and have an
unrestricted choice for the three option modules from existing modules such as International
Refugee Law, Globalisation, International Environmental Law, Islamic Legal Theories,
International Human Rights, Law of the World Trade Organisation, International Criminal
Law, Regulation of Transnational Corporations, Minority Rights under International Law
and Islam and Human Rights. Candidates take one core and chose three option modules and
write a dissertation approved by the Dissertation committee.
Learning environment
Module Lectures/Seminars, workshops and human rights seminars, day school, visits by
external experts and the possibility of an overseas study trip.
Assessment
All modules are research based involving coursework. Students take four modules of 30
credits each for which they submit their coursework of approximately 7,000 words at the end
of the semester. The LLM dissertation accounting for 60 credits involves a 15,000 word
essay. The full time students normally complete the 180 credits requirements in one academic
year while part time students complete the same in two years.
Relevance to work/profession

Students are welcome to negotiate projects/assignments as work-based initiatives but the

supervision offered is the same as for other coursework.
Thesis/Dissertation/project work
Day School and dissertation seminars provide the opportunity for students to develop their
own ideas, research specific topics. However, the nature of postgraduate dissertation does not
provide scope for formal collaborative research projects.
Added value
Your future career
Students graduating with a specialisation in LLM (Modular) can look to the expanding
market and professional choices available in a number of fields. Possible career paths include
advocacy, research, policy making and services within the public sector and government,
community relations, human rights work in development agencies/organisations, grassroots
advocacy and academia.
How we support you
Every student is allocated a personal tutor who provides support and advice, research
methods training is available and special sessions on access to relevant learning materials are
organised. Lecturers teaching on the LLM (Modular) are available for module specific
discussions as well as general issues related to the field.
Bonus factors
The LLM (Modular) will include day schools, special seminar series led by experts in the
field and the possibility of an international study trip. .

Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:

Develop a deepened understanding of law in a variety of contexts.

Critically engage with the major theoretical debates on the role of law in a given field.
Display the ability to deal with different types of legal systems and laws.
Apply critical and contextual approaches across a wide variety of subject matter.
Develop the ability to analyse, articulate and write on the subject, by linking previous
or current experience with an academic inquiry, particularly via the dissertation.

What will you learn?

General skills

Develop a critical thinking about the role of law in varied contexts.

Apply critical and comparative approaches across a wide variety of issues relating to
the theorisation and application of law.
To engage with and evaluate solutions to the challenges of a globalised legal
environment.

Knowledge

Ability to command key areas of legal discourse

Ability to command key areas of legal doctrine
Ability to understand the working of key national and/or international socio-political
structures and institutions.
Develop expertise by linking previous or current experience with academic enquiry,
particularly via the dissertation.

Thinking skills

Ability to engage with principal theoretical currents in specific areas of law.

Ability to engage in post-structural, post-modern and post colonial theories
Awareness of the contribution of non-legal legal disciplines to legal study.

Subject-Based Practical skills

Ability to use a law library

Ability to undertake a research project
Ability to use on-line data bases

Skills for life and work (general skills)

Ability to communicate complex ideas

Ability to research and to work independently
Ability to read texts deconstructively
Acquire skills relating to advocacy and essay/report writing in these areas.

Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
At the University of East London all programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand
the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g.
lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:

0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year
one of an undergraduate degree programme
1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree
programme
2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree
programme
3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree
programme
M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree

Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 180 for LLM (Modular)
Typical duration
The typical duration of this programme is one year full-time or two years part-time. It is
possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any
external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students
make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year is divided into two semesters of roughly equal length. A typical full-time
student will study two 30 credit modules per semester and a typical part-time student will
study one module per semester. Dissertation of 60 credits is undertaken on completion of the
four modules- during the summer for the full time student and in the second year for the part
time student.
What you will study when
LLM Modular is awarded to students who have accumulated 180 credits (with four modules
and a dissertation). Full time students do so in one academic year while part time studies
spread it over two years.
Full Time Students
YEAR
ONE

SEMESTER A
CORE Current Issues and Research in
International Law
30 Credits
OPTION TWO
30 Credits

SEMESTER B
OPTION ONE

SUMMER
DISSERTATION 60
credits

30 Credits
OPTION
THREE
30 Credits

Part Time Students

-

SEMESTER A

SEMESTER B

SUMMER

YEAR
ONE

CORE Current Issues and Research in

International Law
30 Credits

OPTION ONE PT students begin

30 Credits
Dissertation work

YEAR
TWO

OPTION TWO
30 Credits

OPTION
THREE
30 Credits

DISSERTATION
60 credits

Note: PG diploma in Legal Studies is awarded to students who have completed 120 credits,
having completed the modules but not the dissertation.
Year

Module title credit status

1
Core
30
Option
1
Option One 30
Option
1 (FT)2 (PT) Option Two 30
Option
1(FT) 2(PT) Option Three 30
Option
1(FT) 2(PT) Dissertation 60
Core
Option modules available include:

International Criminal Law LA7010

Islam and Human Rights LA7006
Democracy and the Rule of Law LAM433
International Refugee Law LA7004
Business and Human Rights LA7015
War and Human Rights LA7013
Law and Development LA7007
Critical Perspectives of Counter-terrorism CR7002
Critical Perspectives on Terrorism CR7001
Contemporary Islamic Legal Issues LAM406
Islamic Legal Theories LAM407
Globalization LA7005
Economic Integration of Developing Countries LA7011
Law of International Finance LA7017
International Environmental Law LA7009
Regulation of Transnational Corporations LAM411
Regulation of Financial Markets LA7016
Law and Policy in the Middle East LA7003
International Human Rights LA7002
Law of the World Trade Organization LA7008
Transnational Organized Crime CR7003
International Law and the Use of Force LAM425

One optional module can be taken from any LLM Porgramme or MSc Terrorism Studies
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain a Postgraduate Certificate, you will need to obtain 60 credits at Level M.

In order to gain a Postgraduate Diploma, you will need to obtain 120 credits at Level M
In order to obtain a Masters, you will need to obtain 180 credits at Level M. These credits
will include a 60 credit level M core module of advanced independent research.
Masters Award Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Masters award then the award classification is determined
by calculating the arithmetic mean of all marks and applying the mark obtained as a
percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following
classification
70% - 100% Distinction
60% - 69% Merit
50% - 59% Pass
0% - 49% Not Passed
Additional information ...
The structure of LLM (Modular) is similar to the LLM (International Law), LLM (Human
Rights), and the LLM (Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies) except that it offers candidates an
unrestricted choice of modules.

Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
The individual modules are delivered through lectures and seminar series involving both staff
and student presentations.

Students prepare for classroom participation through reading and analysis of

distributed material, readings from the indicative reading and their own research. This
process develops the knowledge base of students, their thinking and analytical skills,
the practical application of theories and doctrine and significantly contributes to the
development of general skills in preparation for life and work.

Apart from class contributions, Students are expected to develop their ideas through research
and preparation leading to a research based essay whose title is negotiated.

Negotiated essay titles and supervision involves one to one interaction with the tutor
where the student's choice of research subject and proposed essay structure are
discussed. This process develops the knowledge base of students as there is discussion
of content, their critical thinking and analytical skills as students are expected to
contribute original ideas, the practical application of theories and doctrines and in
acquiring research methods and essay writing.

The LLM programme, in general, offers several avenues for development of knowledge,
critical thinking, practical application and general skills for life and work. These include Day
schools, guest seminar series and voluntary placement schemes.
In addition to the four modules, Students also undertake a long essay, the LLM thesis, which
further develops the skills listed above and elaborated in the assessment criteria, below.
Assessment
As the LLM programme is designed as a researched based degree, the formal assessment
method for most of the modules is the evaluation of an essay, approximately 7,000 words,
submitted at the end of the semester. However, the titles and structure are negotiated by the
student with the tutor which contributes to the research exercise.

The research essays develop knowledge in the chosen area while at the same time
demonstrating the links with other doctrines and related subjects and the overall
context.
As the essays are expected to be based on original research by students, the
assessment criteria emphasises analysis and critical appreciation (as opposed to mere
narratives).
The content of the modules and the choice of the essay titles are geared to the
development of practical skills based either on practical application or appreciation of
theories/doctrines or evaluation of contemporary trends and developments.
The essay writing process is a vital skill that is central to general ability to think,
articulate and build ideas and projects- essential for life and work.

Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before the programme started, the following was checked:

there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;

adequate resources would be in place;
the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as
admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support
mechanisms.

This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic
experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:

external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);

statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
student feedback.

Drawing on this and other information programme teams undertake the annual Review and
Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student
participation. The process is monitored by the University's Quality Standing Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that
includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at
student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its
conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where
action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student
representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the
programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality
of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement
Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical
role in the University's quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External
examiners have two primary responsibilities:

To ensure the standard of the programme

To ensure that justice is done to individual students

External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:

Approving exam papers/assignments

Attending assessment boards
Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks
Ensuring that regulations are followed
Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements
for the future

Listening to the views of students

The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:

Module evaluations
Student representation on programme committees (meeting 2 times year)
Student membership on the Law School Board

Students are notified of the action taken through:

circulating the minutes of the programme committee

a newsletter (introduced next semester) published twice a year
providing details on the programme noticeboard

Listening to the views of others

The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:

UEL teaching Staff on the LLM, associated with other universities teaching human
rights or organisations working on human rights issues, have held informal
discussions with experts. Human Rights seminars and day schools have been used as
feedback.

Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
Which
elements?

Location
-

Taught by UEL
staff
-

Taught by local
staff
-

Method of
Delivery
-

Where you can find further information

Further information about this programme is available from:

The UEL web site

The student handbook
UEL Manual of Regulations and Policies http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
Departmental web pages http://www.uel.ac.uk/law

Alternative locations for studying this programme

All modules are taught at the Stratford campus of University of East London .