Structure of the Birmingham LLM programme
Birmingham's LLM programmes have been designed to allow in-depth analysis of important legal topics. Modules are all 20 credits in length, comprising 10 two-hour seminars, to enable students to develop significant expertise which will enhance their career prospects.
Birmingham is able to offer small-group teaching on the LLM and students following popular modules with large numbers of students will receive (where possible) additional teaching time. For these additional hours large classes will be split in to two separate seminar groups in order to provide an equal opportunity for class interaction compared to those in smaller groups.
The LLM programmes last 12 months, running from September to September. All LLM programmes follow the same basic structure.
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In part I of the programmes, you take six 20 credit modules: the range of choice depends on the programme you decide to follow. Assessment in those modules, by essay or formal examination, is in May and June.
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In part II of the programmes, you research and write a 15,000-word dissertation on a selected topic of law under the supervision of a member of staff.
The LLM programmes enable you to develop expertise in a range of subjects. You will acquire a systematic understanding of these along with a critical appreciation of the problems that arise these fields. You will be encouraged to demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge together with a practical understanding of how established research techniques are used to create and interpret knowledge.
Law School induction
At the start of the course there is a two-day induction designed to help you settle in and gain an understanding of the LLM programme.
Students do not register for modules before arrival as we feel it is important that you are able to make an informed choice. As part of the induction process module leaders will give a detailed description of what their subject entails and you will have the option to attend any areas which you are interested in for the first two weeks of the course before having to submit a final decision.
Studying part-time
All the LLM programmes may be taken part-time and completed over a period of two years. This mode of study is particularly suitable for barristers and solicitors who wish to combine professional practice with university-level study, gaining CPD points in the process.
Classes for part-time students on the LLM will be scheduled between 9am-6pm and students will typically have between 2-4 hours of teaching each week. Fees are the same as for full-time study but are split over two years.
International students
International students are invited to participate in an orientation course run by the university’s International Office before the start of the academic session. For students from outside the UK, there are also lectures on the British constitution, sources of English law and the working methods of the common law system. The English for International Students Unit provides a range of support in reading and writing academic English.
LLM Scholarships
For 2012-2013 Birmingham Law School will be offering a range of scholarships to applicants for its taught LLM programmes.
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up to £5,000 for international students (Non EU)
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up to £2,000 for UK/EU students.
Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need. Applicants must already have applied for admission to the LLM degree.
Applying for a Scholarship
Applicants are required to send a letter of motivation to Mrs Sharon Jones (Law-LLM@bham.ac.uk) addressing the twin requirements of academic merit and financial need.
The closing date for the receipt of Scholarship applications is Friday, 22 June 2012.
Successful applicants will be notified in July 2012. Scholarships are not payable directly to successful applicants but are set off against the University fee invoice for 2012-2013 and will be transferred once successful applicants have paid the balance owed by them to the University.
Scholarships from The University of Birmingham
The University offers a number of country-specific scholarships to postgraduate students commencing a one-year taught Masters degree.
Further information for international students is available on the website of the University's International Office.