General Law LLM

Why choose this course?

Kingston's LLM offers you an exciting opportunity to gain a solid postgraduate education in law at the same time as boosting your professional career, through development of your research, analytical and practical skills

This course is a flexible, rigorous masters programme: you can take modules at a high academic level in any area of law that interests you. We combine excellent, rigorous academic teaching with opportunities to engage with the professional world and to develop your professional network.

The Department of Law has a team of highly skilled academics, some of whom combine teaching with legal practice. This helps to ensure that the courses are constantly refreshed with the latest industry thinking and practice, and provides you with the opportunity to mix with people who can provide hands-on experience and insight into their area of legal work.

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Mode Duration Attendance Start date
Full time 1 year Mixture of daytime and evening classes depending on choice of modules September 2022
Part time 2 years Mixture of daytime and evening classes depending on choice of modules September 2022
Location Penrhyn Road
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2021/22 entry

If you are planning to join this course in the academic year 2021/22 (i.e. between August 2021 and July 2022), please view the information about changes to courses for 2021/22 due to Covid-19.

Changes to courses for 2021/22 due to Covid-19

 

Continuing students

Students who are continuing their studies with Kingston University in 2021/22 should refer to their Course Handbook for information about specific changes that have been, or may be, made to their course or modules being delivered in 2021/22. Course Handbooks are located within the Canvas Course page.

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • The academic team includes National Teaching Award winners, fellows from the Higher Education Academy, and staff who combine teaching with legal practice, research and scholarship.
  • You may present your work at research workshops, enter competitions in client interviewing, mediation and mooting, and volunteer with our Legal Advice Centre.
  • Studies are enhanced by legal events and guest lectures, covering legal aspects of areas such as technology, employment, climate change and human trafficking.

What you will study

The General Law LLM allows you to tailor your programme to your interests and career goals, with no named specialisation. Students will:

  • undertake a core dissertation in an area of their choice, subject to the availability of an appropriate supervisor
  • choose four modules from a range of any of the optional modules. This ensures your degree is transferable to any career path upon completion.

You can choose to take the full-time programme (one year) or the part-time one (two years).

Core module

Elective modules

Core module

Legal Research and Dissertation

60 credits

This module is a core requirement for all LLM programmes. It aims to develop students' skills in advanced legal research and their appreciation of the theoretical underpinnings of legal research. The module also enables students to choose their own area of legal interest to research in depth and to produce an extended piece of academic writing demonstrating their skills in research and analysis.

Elective modules (choose 4)

Alternative Dispute Resolution

30 credits

Alternative Dispute Resolution is becoming increasingly important within the civil justice system and this module will provide students with an opportunity to evaluate the various methods available for resolving conflicts, including conciliation, mediation, negotiation and adjudication. Students will gain a theoretical and practical knowledge of dispute resolution procedures, particularly with reference to negotiation and mediation.

Arbitration

30 credits

Arbitration has been one of the most important processes for resolving disputes for several centuries and, although other methods of dispute resolution have evolved in recent years, (for example, mediation and conciliation), arbitration continues to retain its importance in both domestic and international contexts. This module seeks to provide a critical understanding of important aspects of international and domestic arbitrations. It explores the characteristics of arbitration and discusses its operation in various international forums. The main focus of this module is on arbitration on the international context, but reference is also made to domestic arbitration. It is assessed through coursework.

Company Law

30 credits

This module provides an understanding of the potential problems posed as a result of the extensive power wielded by those in control of large companies and it explores ways in which society can control this. It aims to provide students with the opportunities to analyse the ways in which English law imposes liability on companies and with the understanding of how a business might be run, including the identification of any potential problems.

Employment Law

30 credits

This module examines the law relating to the individual relationship between an employer and a worker from its inception to its termination. Employment law is a dynamic amalgam of common law principles with significant statutory overlay.  International law, EU law and the European Convention on Human Rights are other important sources of employment law standards. This module explores the respective rights and duties of the parties to the employment relationship from a number of critical perspectives. There will be an emphasis on the most topical issues of the moment.

Evidence and Arbitral Awards

30 credits

This module seeks to provide one with detailed and systematic knowledge and understanding of the nature and forms of civil evidence. It explores the various techniques required in the assessment of evidence and in the analysis and drafting needed to prepare and write arbitral awards.

Law of International Trade

30 credits

International trade is an elective which would be of interest to students wishing to be employed in the commercial field in both the UK and overseas. This module covers the international legal and institutional framework for regulating international trade. The module helps students to understand different aspects of international law and be able to apply them to business and management problems arising in a global economy. It examines the legal, economic, political and institutional underpinnings of the world trade regime, the core principles and legal rules governing international trade in goods, and services. One of the focus will be the World Trade Organization (WTO), which began to work in 1995 as a general umbrella organization coordinating laws affecting trade, but is also having a much wider impact on the regulation of international business activities. It also examines the various contracts that are essential components of international trade transactions, such as international sales contracts, the contract of carriage and the insurance contract. In addition, legal issues arising from international trade and dispute settlement will be explored in the class.

Energy and Climate Change Law

30 credits

This module provides students with an overview of the legal issues concerning energy and climate change. It examines the legal frameworks that govern both international and domestic energy and climate change regimes. It does this within the context of the scientific, economic, social and political factors which influence the development of law and policy in this area. This module provides students with an understanding of the challenges that are faced in developing effective legal and policy solutions by evaluating existing methods and considering developments which are taking place on national and international levels.

Labour Law in the Global Economy

30 credits

This module examines the regulation of collective labour relations between management and trade unions in the context of English law and international labour standards. This involves analysis of the development of collective institutions and procedures for the governance of labour relations at national and international levels. The study of labour law in a global context will be informed by policy debate on the effectiveness of enforcement of essential labour rights in a competitive economy.

The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.

After you graduate

Your LLM in General Law is a demonstration of your skills, determination and expertise.

For practising legal professionals, an LLM will help you improve and focus your career towards the areas that interest you most. You will expand the scope of your knowledge and use your dissertation as an opportunity to carry out independent research any area that interests you.

Many of the graduates from this course go on to complete their solicitor or barrister training or join graduate schemes in a range of areas including procurement and contracts; in-house legal advice or compliance.

Our LLM graduates have gone on to work for law firms, private business, government, NGO's and charitable organisations. They work in a breadth of roles with job titles including assistant solicitor, barrister, paralegal, partner, lawyer, legal advisor, judge, consultant, policy compliance manager, general counsel, company secretary and senior associate.

Regional and global companies that our graduates work for include Norton Rose Fulbright, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Blaser Mills Solicitors, Campbell Johnston Clark, Fluor, Nabarro, Guile Nicholas Solicitors, Adams and Remers, Crown Court Worcester, Carter Bells, Adler Fitzpatrick Solicitors LLP, Surrey Law Society; Government Legal Services, Russell Cooke Solicitors, FPG Solicitors, Rose & Rose and IBM.

What our graduates say

Kingston has been an amazing, transformative opportunity for me to develop my international career. I grew my legal skills, gained confidence and a better understanding on how to achieve my future goals.

Studying and living in Kingston was an amazing experience, where you find the most tranquil environment to prepare for your exams or write a dissertation, and at the same time you always have an activity to do if you need a break. The facilities at Kingston University are improving every year. Riverside pubs, cafes, sports and art clubs are all within easy reach. My masters degree was one of the most positive and exciting years in my life.

To anyone looking to join Kingston, I would recommend absorbing all the knowledge the lecturers have, try to use all the support services available, but do enjoy yourself and Kingston life.

I chose Kingston as it was recommended to me by my agent in Russia and because I liked the pictures I have seen. I wanted to be around a quieter area rather than a busy city centre; I thought it would help me concentrate on my studies more.

I am sure that I made the right choice as I have stayed in Kingston ever since.

Anna Borodkina – Business Development at Quastel Midgen LLP Solicitors

I've had such a good experience doing my postgraduate degree at Kingston that I just wish I had done it earlier! Coming to England (from Trinidad) for the first time since I was a tiny child was a daunting prospect, but I've found everyone so helpful and encouraging that I really didn't need to worry.

I chose the General LLM in order to take advantage of the wide choice of options. In particular I've discovered a real interest in family mediation. My previous employers in Trinidad have shown much interest in taking me back after the LLM course, and at the moment I'm planning to take the Bar Vocational Course in London and then returning to Trinidad to complete my professional qualification. I'm now determined to make a career using the experience and knowledge I've gained from the course, which has equipped me to offer either a large or small practice some very valuable skills.

In addition to the academic side of life, I've found the chance to meet a cosmopolitan range of fellow students on the course so enjoyable. The University was able to find me terrific accommodation, and I've been very happy with a landlady to look after me and help me to settle in. I'm sure that the whole adventure, together with the excellent courses offered, will make the experience one I'll always remember.

Marsha Single

Entry requirements

Typical offer

To apply for this course, you need:

  • a honours degree in law (usually a 2:2 degree or above); or
  • a joint honours degree (2:2 or above), where the major component is in law (for example, Accounting and Law or Combined Studies); or
  • a Graduate Diploma in Law (CPE), Legal Practice Course or Bar Professional Training Course; or
  • a qualification as a solicitor or barrister.

We welcome applications from international students. If you hold a non-UK degree or legal professional qualification, see our guidance on equivalent qualifications.

International

Please note: most students from countries outside the European Union/European Economic Area and classified as overseas fee paying, are not eligible to apply for part-time courses due to UK student visa regulations. For information on exceptions please visit the UKCISA website or email our CAS and Visa Compliance team.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirement, which is Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with no element below 5.5. Make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we consider.

Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements could be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.

Applicants from recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Teaching and assessment

Guided independent study

When not attending timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services. 

Your workload

Type of teaching and learning

  • 6% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity

Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.

General Law LLM

General Law LLM
  • Scheduled teaching and learning: 102 hours
  • Guided independent study: 1698 hours

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises exams (eg test or exam) and coursework (eg essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:

General Law LLM

General Law LLM
  • Coursework: 88%
  • Exams: 12%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetables

Each student receives a personalised timetable. This is usually available after you have completed your online enrolment, which is typically accessible one month before the start of your course.

Class sizes

You will be part of an intimate cohort of students which supports dedicated academic guidance and advice and the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes therefore you will be taught alongside students who are on these courses within the School.

Fees for this course

2022/23 fees for this course

Home 2022/23

  • Full time – £10,260
  • Part time – £5,643

International 2022/23

  • Full time – £15,400
  • Part time – £8,470

Funding and bursaries

Kingston University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships, including:

If you are an international student, find out more about scholarships and bursaries.

We also offer the following discounts for Kingston University alumni:

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks – this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston-upon-Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Field trips

There may be optional local field trips which would incur a travel cost of approximately £25 per year.

Changes to courses for 2021/22 due to Covid-19

Course information (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Composition of the course

The experience of delivering courses in 2020/21 under the various Covid-19 restrictions has enabled us to better prepare and plan the delivery of our courses in 2021/22. We are confident the course can be delivered as planned and, therefore, we do not anticipate having to make any further changes to the course, i.e. number of modules or credits in a year, in response to issues arising from the pandemic. However, if this becomes necessary, the changes will be highlighted to students via email before enrolment.

Unless government advice instructs otherwise, Study Abroad programmes will take place in 2021/22. The safety of all our students is paramount, therefore, as per normal practice, all Study Abroad activities must also be approved by the University's insurers to ensure that students are adequately protected during their period abroad. We will provide updates as the pandemic situation stabilises and/or further government advice is released.

Changes can be made to courses as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and in response to feedback from students and other key stakeholders. Any such changes made to the composition of the course will be highlighted to students by email before enrolment.

Modules

The experience of delivering courses in 2020/21 under the various Covid-19 restrictions has enabled us to better prepare and plan the delivery of our courses in 2021/22. We are confident the course can be delivered as planned and, therefore, we do not anticipate having to make any further changes to module titles and summaries or to the availability of modules in response to issues arising from the pandemic.

Changes can be made to modules as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and to provide a high quality student experience. Any such changes made to module titles, module summaries and/or availability of modules will be highlighted to students by email before enrolment.

Length of course

We expect to deliver the course within the planned timescales to enable successful students to progress through and graduate from the course without delay.

In exceptional circumstances the sequence of learning and teaching activities may be changed in 2021/22, e.g. moving those modules which can be delivered more effectively to the first teaching block and moving back those – such as practical modules and placements – which may be more difficult to deliver due to some ongoing restrictions.

In some cases, it may be necessary to delay placement modules which may then impact the length of the course. In these circumstances the University will guide students through the appropriate options available to ensure students are able to make informed choices.

Entry requirements (changes for 2021/22 entry)

We have not changed entry requirements as a direct result of the pandemic.

Entry requirements for international students

We have not changed entry requirements for international students as a direct result of the pandemic.

Teaching (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Changes to the way the course will be delivered

As we transition from the pandemic restrictions, we expect to steadily increase the proportion of on-campus teaching. We will continue to provide a proportion of online learning, as experience has shown that this enriches and supports the student learning experience.

If the pandemic affects teaching and learning activities in 2021/22 more than we currently anticipate, the proportion of online learning will increase. However, unless a lockdown is enforced, we will ensure that all courses provide a reasonable percentage of their teaching and learning activities on campus.

Should your circumstances prevent your attendance at on-campus sessions, you should still be able to engage with your course remotely in a way that allows you to progress. Where this is not possible, for example on courses with high practical content, your course team will be able to advise you on the options available to you.

Changes to teaching in the event of a further lockdown or adjustments in government advice

The University will continue to closely monitor government announcements and advice in relation to the pandemic and, where required, will take any necessary action in order to comply with such advice.

In the event that a further lockdown is enforced in 2021/22 the University will aim to deliver the course fully online once more. The majority of our courses are prepared to be delivered fully online if the situation requires it. Where the quality of the student experience may be compromised, or the course is unable to be delivered fully online, the University may need to suspend the delivery of that course until a time that it can be delivered. Students will be supported in these situations to ensure they are able to make the right choices for their particular circumstances.

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours for Year 1

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled learning and teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours were not and will not be made as a direct result of the pandemic.

‘Scheduled learning and teaching' includes teaching delivered online, either live or recorded/on demand.

Timetable

Your individualised timetable for teaching block 1 (i.e. up to December 2021) should be available by the end of August. Timetables for teaching block 2 (i.e. from January 2022) will not be available until the autumn. We make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible.

In 2020/21 it was agreed that scheduled learning and teaching could take place on any day of the week between 9am and 9pm, to maximise the time available for teaching in order to accommodate smaller group sizes and social distancing. This meant we sometimes had to use Wednesday afternoons and enrichment week for additional teaching slots. If we need to accommodate smaller group sizes and social distancing in 2021/22 we expect to adopt a similar approach. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Assessment (changes for 2021/22 entry)

The experience of delivering courses in 2020/21 under the various Covid-19 restrictions has enabled us to better prepare and plan the delivery of our courses in 2021/22. We are confident the course can be delivered as planned and, therefore, do not anticipate having to make any further changes to the course, i.e. to the overall methods of assessments, in response to issues arising from the pandemic. However, if this becomes necessary, the changes will be highlighted to students via email before enrolment.

Changes are made to modules, including how they are assessed, as part of normal enhancement processes to keep our modules up to date with current developments in that subject area and in response to feedback received from students and other key stakeholders. Any changes to the overall methods of assessment for Year 1 of the course will be highlighted to students by email before enrolment.

If social distancing or lockdown restrictions are in place in 2021/22, online alternative options to formal on-campus examinations, including practical examinations, will be made available to students where possible.

Staff (changes for 2021/22 entry)

No changes are expected to the general level of experience or status of staff involved in delivering the course.

Staff are engaged in Continuous Professional Development activities to develop their teaching expertise, as part of the normal enhancement processes, to ensure that course teams have the required breadth of expertise.

Fees, funding and additional costs (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Tuition fees

There will be no changes to published tuition fees for 2021/22.

Additional costs (e.g. field trips, materials, equipment, etc.)

As we transition from the pandemic restrictions, we expect to be able to increase student access to on-campus facilities. Students will therefore have access to University computers and library facilities.

If, due to an increase in social distancing requirements or the enforcing of a lockdown, it becomes necessary to significantly increase the proportion of teaching delivered online, students will need a personal laptop or computer and access to the internet to participate in online teaching and learning activities. Students who are able to travel will have access to computers on campus, however, it should be noted that access to on-campus facilities might be restricted if social distancing requirements are enforced.

The University is committed to supporting students who are unable to access suitable technology to ensure equity of access in a blended delivery mode.

Funding

There will be no changes to any existing University funding arrangements for 2021/22. Currently there are no indications from the UK government that there will be any changes to government funding arrangements.

Fees and funding for international students

There will be no changes to published tuition fees or funding arrangements specifically relating to international students for 2021/22.

Work placements and field trips (changes for 2021/22 entry)

We are anticipating that placements (including work and clinical placements) and field trips included as part of the course will go ahead in 2021/22. However, to ensure students gain maximum value from placement activities, it may be necessary to reschedule them to later in the year, when any impacts from the pandemic restrictions are minimised.

Any proposed changes to placements or field trips would go through the University's agreed processes where the impact of the change will be carefully considered.

In the interests of the health and wellbeing of our students, all placement arrangements must be approved by the University's insurers and the appropriate risk assessments made before students are sent on a placement.

Courses which require placements or field trips to be completed in order to pass relevant modules will have contingency plans in place in the event that a placement or field trip cannot be completed due to another lockdown or more stringent social distancing measures.

Award, qualification and accreditation (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Qualification

No changes will be made to the qualification awarded, e.g. BSc (Hons), MSc, etc., as a direct result of the pandemic.

Changes can be made to courses, including the qualification awarded (although very rare), as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area. Any changes made to the qualification awarded for the course will be highlighted to students by email before enrolment.

Accreditation

The experience of delivering courses in 2020/21 under the various Covid-19 restrictions has enabled us to better prepare and plan the delivery of our courses in 2021/22. We are confident the course can be delivered as planned and in accordance with any professional body requirements. We do not anticipate making any further changes to courses in response to any issues arising from the pandemic and which would put at risk any professional body accreditation status.

Additional (changes for 2021/22 entry)

International students should maintain awareness of the UK government's and their home country's government's advice on possible travel restrictions. The University will closely monitor advice and guidance published by the UK government and assess its impact on our international students. Appropriate advice and guidance will be provided as and when required.