- Choose a broad-based LLM programme or specialise in Commercial Law; Corporate and Financial Law; Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law, and International Protection of Human Rights and Personal Freedom
- Study at a time and pace to suit you and your circumstances
- Benefit from our modern approach to teaching law in a global context: you can tailor your coursework and assignments to different jurisdictions, so you can gain a truly international flavour of law
- Learn from our team of expert practitioners
- Postgraduate loan available, plus if you’re a Derby graduate you’ll receive an alumni discount
The LLM course combines academic and theoretical knowledge. You will develop your understanding of the interaction between law and policy at an international level, enabling you to contribute to organisations and commercial enterprises operating across the global policy arena.
Specialist pathways
You can choose to study a broad-based general LLM or follow a specific pathway towards a specialist LLM award:
- LLM (Commercial Law) – a chance to study commercial law in a practical, international and contemporary context. Ideal for both lawyers and professionals engaged in broader commercial practice, this pathway features negotiation and practice-driven modules, equipping you for senior roles in global enterprises
- LLM (Corporate and Financial Law) – giving you a thorough understanding of how law assists in mediating corporate and financial risk. Covering one of the most challenging and critical areas of law, this pathway focuses on the structures and constitution of corporate entities in light of the external factors which govern their liquidity and capitalisation
- LLM (International Protection of Human Rights and Personal Freedom) – building your awareness of the human rights regime at international, regional and national levels. Taking a practical approach to the investigation of human rights violations, this pathway prepares you for a rewarding career with organisations working in the human rights field, from law firms to governments and non-governmental organisations
- LLM (Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law) - preparing you for a career in intellectual property law & practice and information technology law. You will a acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in copyright, trademarks, patents, law of confidence and trade secrets, IT contract and licensing, computer law & policy, and internet law & policy
Dedicated to your success
We are committed to providing a rich, rewarding learning experience. You'll be taught by our professional, experienced and knowledgeable teaching team, with real passion for their subjects.
We deliver dedicated academic and pastoral support to every student, and also offer a range of extra-curricular activities, networking opportunities and a vibrant Student Law Society.
An edge in your career
As a Derby LLM graduate, you will be highly sought after by employers because you can demonstrate a unique specialisation in the areas of law and criminal justice, evidenced by your final dissertation. It gives you a genuine advantage when applying for positions within and beyond the legal sector.
For non-lawyers, a postgraduate qualification in law can also sharpen your commercial awareness so that you can contribute more effectively to operational and strategic management.
The specialist LLM pathways we offer will open doors to exciting careers. You could progress to legal roles in the corporate and financial business sectors; enter legal practice or a research role with a focus on intellectual property or IT law; work in the field of human rights; or take up a post with a criminal justice agency, government body or NGO overseas.
If you are already in employment, the particular benefit of our LLM is that you can combine modules to create a programme of study which reflects your specific vocation and future employment and career aspirations. In a turbulent world where professional roles and career pathways are constantly evolving, the Derby LLM offers you the flexibility and skill set to adapt to meet employers’ requirements and your own professional development needs.
Research for the real world
High quality research is at the heart of the LLM. We undertake influential research activities which lead to greater understanding of justice systems and inform legal and professional practice, both nationally and internationally. We have an active Law in Society research group and our staff contribute to growing numbers of publications, conference presentations and journals.
First-rate facilities
Law students are based on the Derby Campus at One Friar Gate Square. It includes a mock court room, replica custody suite and social learning hubs where you can develop your skills and share knowledge with your peers.
Your core and option modules are based on whether you are studying the general LLM pathway or a specialist named pathway.
Core modules
Whichever route you choose, you will take the following core modules:
Legal Scholarship
You’ll enhance your research, communication and independent study techniques, which will help you throughout your Masters degree and will also assist with your personal and professional development. This module provides a stepping stone if you wish to present your work at conferences or have your work published. The skills you develop will also be of direct relevance if you are seeking to undertake a PhD and will help you progress through the early stages of a research career.
Independent Studies
This module gives you the opportunity to develop deep and specialist knowledge through robust legal scholarship. You will use the intellectual skills you’ve gained during your course to carry out an extensive investigation of a significant topic. You will be supported throughout by a member of our law team with expertise in the area you choose to research.
If you plan to complete the general LLM, you will also study five modules from our extensive list of options. If you are taking a specialist LLM pathway, you will study two prescribed modules which align with your pathway specialism, alongside three option modules which you can select to match your individual interests.
The core modules for each pathway are as follows:
LLM (Commercial Law)
- Commercial Theories – covering the historical development of commercialism; economic, political and social theories of commercialism; American realism; critical legal studies; socio-legal studies; law and economics; and globalisation
- National and International Sale of Goods – exploring themes such as distribution contracts, licences, franchises, negotiable instruments and credit financing.
LLM (Corporate and Financial Law)
- Company Law – an overview of how the law has developed to regulate and accommodate the needs of corporate identities, including the roles of individuals – and their liabilities for these roles – in the management and operation of a company
- International Banking and Finance Law – exploring the systems for regulating financial markets, viewed within the context of the recent ‘banking crisis’ and changing political and economic conditions on a global scale.
LLM (International Protection of Human Rights and Personal Freedom)
- The Law and Investigation of Human Rights Violations – focusing on practical approaches to the investigation of human rights violations and the issues and concerns which should inform your investigations in this field
- Public International Law – charting the application of legal rules which regulate relations between states, including the relevance of customary law, the establishment of treaties to promote state responsibility and the liability of state where these rules are breached.
LLM (Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law)
- International Protection of Intellectual Property Rights - focuses on the continuing impacts of international intellectual property law and policy, on substantive national intellectual property laws, as well as the continuing challenges of territoriality and trans-border protection for national intellectual property rights
- Information and Communication Technology Law - focuses on the principles and concepts of law associated with computer and the internet in the United Kingdom, the European Union, and selected international jurisdictions.
Optional modules
You'll select your options from the following list, unless you have studied them as core modules previously:
- Commercial Theories
- Company Law
- Information and Communication Technology Law
- International Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
- Intellectual Property in the Digital Age
- International Banking and Finance Law
- National and International Sale of Goods
- Public International Law
- The Law and Investigation of Human Rights Violations
- International Criminal Law
- Transnational Organised Crime
- International Economic Law & Development
- International Human Rights Law Clinic
Please note: modules are subject to availability, uptake from the cohort, and may change to suit the needs of industry.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
You'll learn with your peers, giving you the chance to collaborate with other talented people who share your passion for the same kinds of legal issues.
Your lectures will provide a solid foundation in the areas of study. Seminar discussion groups will guide you in your study as well as stimulating your interest to explore specific topics further.
The LLM course will enhance your independent research and writing skills, enabling you to develop strong legal arguments that you can draw on for your assessments and assignment submissions.
How you'll be assessed
Types of assessment include assignments, portfolio preparation, reports, presentations 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 the learning and teaching of modules. The 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. Our tutors will support you in preparing this.
Who you will meet
The LLM is taught by a team of experienced lecturers who actively engage in research and have published in their subject areas. The programme also draws on the expertise of guest speakers who are invited to present on topics of general interest as well as specialist themes.
The team includes:
Opportunities for further study
An LLM is considered to be essential for the pursuit of an academic career. With the focus on research skills at its heart – and a high level of flexibility providing many diverse opportunities to specialise – the Derby LLM programme is an ideal springboard to MPhil or PhD studies.
From the start, you are encouraged to develop your research, communication and independent learning techniques and we offer guidance if you wish to present your work at conferences or to have it published.
Ongoing careers support
Our Careers and Employment Service will provide you with help, guidance and support from day one of your course – and for up to three years after you’ve completed your studies.
How to apply
Please look at our before you apply.
Download programme specification
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
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