Skip to content

International Legal Studies (distance learning) LLM

Start year

Apply now Book an open day Get email updates
  • Level of study:
    Masters
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
  • Start date:
    September 2026 / January 2027
  • Duration:
    4 - 24 months
  • Attendance:
    Part-time
  • Course delivery:
    Online
Women studying on laptop
Information for 2026/27

About this course

Nottingham Law School provides an LLM (Masters in Law) award through distance learning to “top-up” professional legal qualifications or experience.

The LLM International Legal Studies is available to individuals who have either undertaken and passed the UK Legal Practice Course (LPC), the Barristers Training Course (BTC), their precursors, equivalent professional certifications in non-UK jurisdictions, or the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme certification (QLTS).

Why Choose the Masters in International Legal Studies?

  • Personalised course of study facilitates specialisation in a field of your own choosing
  • Curriculum is tailored to meet your individual needs
  • Advanced coursework and degree add value to the legal profession, both locally and worldwide
  • Comparative analysis of global practices enhances standards in legal practice within your jurisdiction
  • One-on-one supervision creates a rigorous learning environment
  • Peer feedback and guided self-critiques provide a supportive methodology for intellectual growth and development
  • Unique combination of study abroad and at-home instruction allows you to complete the program in your own way and at your own pace
  • Dissertation-based individual study promotes creative problem-solving and helps you cultivate a competitive edge
  • The option to publish the dissertation allows you to establish an enduring legacy in a field of your own choosing

Why choose Nottingham Law School (NLS)?

  • NLS is one of the largest university law schools in the UK, with an established global reputation for excellence in modern legal education.
  • NTU is ranked 25th in the 2026 Guardian League Table (out of 123 institutions).
  • We have a global network of professional contacts, ensuring that our programmes reflect the latest legal theory and practice.
  • Our lecturers have extensive experience in industry, research, and the professions, which is both nationally and internationally recognised.

  • Benefit from our excellent reputation

    Celebrating our 60th anniversary, we're one of the UK's largest and most established law schools.

  • Flexible online learning with structured support

    Study entirely online with a structured curriculum that includes a compulsory residential study period. This blend of distance learning and in-person engagement ensures a comprehensive educational experience tailored to your schedule.

  • Integration of international perspectives

    Engage with a curriculum that incorporates international and comparative law, providing a global perspective on legal issues. This approach prepares you for careers in international organisations, NGOs, and global legal practice.

  • Comprehensive resources and support

    Benefit from NTU's extensive online resources, including legal databases and digital libraries, which are accessible to distance learners. These resources support your research and academic development throughout the course.

This course is equivalent to 600 hours of study and includes a manageable assessment task of either a traditional dissertation or the production of a focused article of high quality. Please note that this is course includes a compulsory three day residential study period. The expectation is for students to be autonomous and motivated in the way that they work and to access supervision when they need it.

This course is designed to allow completion of the top-up element over a recommended one-year period, with an option to continue for a further year. This would allow students to undertake study immediately following the completion of their professional practice qualification (e.g. LPC or BTC) and complete the course quickly, but also offers more flexible time frames for completing the self-study module while already in professional practice working full-time.

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

The dissertation or legal article is an extended piece of academic work, independently researched and written. You will be supported in your work by one-to-one supervision from a tutor who is expert in the chosen field. Subject to academic suitability and the availability of an appropriately expert tutor, you may select your own area of study for your research. To ensure the right support is available, you will be required to select the topic of your research prior to commencing the course.

Your research proposal

You will prepare a research proposal of a maximum of 2,500 words to be discussed with your supervisor to identify whether a dissertation or article is your best option.

You will orally present your research proposal at the residential  induction and have the opportunity to receive feedback from your peers and Nottingham Law School academics.

The compulsory residential study period will take place in either October or March (for January starters). It will consist of up to three full days studying at our City Campus.

Your residential study will include:

  • an induction to the course
  • an introduction to legal research methods and good academic writing and practice
  • how to use NTU's online resources as a distance learner
  • a question and answer session
  • social activities and group discussions.

You will also present your research proposal along with your peers.

Residential dates

Residential dates are still to be confirmed.

Please note: all travel, accommodation and expenses will be the responsibility of the student. Accommodation on campus is not available during the residential period.

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Video Gallery

 

How you're taught

Our online courses offer the same challenging curriculum and commitment to student success as our campus-based courses. Like our students on campus, you will benefit from the expertise of our award-winning lecture and research staff.  You will have access to our virtual learning environment (NOW), which will provide you with all your study materials, course updates and emails and you can connect with other students.

Prior to undertaking the module, you will be given directed learning via directed reading and online activities. You will be taught by online lectures and webinars and receive individual feedback on your work. In addition, you will learn through self-directed research supported by tutor supervision and tutor feedback.

The Masters is predominantly distance learning, allowing you to study in your own jurisdiction, but with an enriched residential element at the beginning for a period of up to three days. This unique feature of the course is focused upon an innovative and engaging learning and teaching methodology involving a variety of forms of active learning delivered through a sophisticated virtual learning environment. It is a requirement of the course that students participate in this way by providing material for critique.

Course length

It is expected that you will submit your dissertation / article approximately 12 months from commencement on the course. However, you may submit from 4 to 24 months after commencement depending on your circumstances.

Expert teaching staff

The academic team has many years of experience in teaching law to distance-learners and tutors are available to discuss any academic problems by email, telephone or fax.

Personalised guidance on research methods and legal writing is provided as part of the supervision process. Support is also available on the course learning room in online lectures, presentations, and through ample guidance in the course handbook on the online learning room.

Please note that choosing a niche legal area or law solely from a non-UK/EU jurisdiction may mean that you are asked to amend your project idea so that it meets our staff expertise or that you are assigned a supervisor with broad rather than specific knowledge of your chosen topic area. All our supervisors are capable of advising on legal academic research and writing and can help you to structure your project, regardless of the topic you have chosen.

Campbell Law School

NTU has a unique partnership with Campbell Law School, in North Carolina, USA. Our distance learning opportunities are a great way for Campbell students to internationalise their knowledge and CV without missing any of their home studies. Our most successful Campbell Law School students complete the following course at Campbell:

  • Foundations of Critical Legal Thought, Research & Scholarship

Research expertise

We have a number of internationally recognised experts in a wide range of legal areas. To find out more visit our research page.

Further information

This course includes a compulsory residential study period.

Research-informed teaching

By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 100% of NTU's Law submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

How you're assessed

You will be assessed on your dissertation / article.

Support will be given by a suitable member of the academic staff acting as supervisor to monitor and guide your research. You will receive feedback on drafts, synopses and other work you submit to ensure you are on the right track before submission.

Entry requirements

UK students

Academic entry requirements

Successful completion of:

  • Legal Practice Course, or
  • Bar Training Course, or
  • The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (1 & 2), or
  • Equivalent Professional Practice legal qualification in your home jurisdiction, or
  • The relevant accredited prior experiential learning.

International students

Academic entry requirements

Successful completion of:

  • Legal Practice Course, or
  • Bar Training Course, or
  • The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (1 & 2), or
  • Equivalent Professional Practice legal qualification in your home jurisdiction, or
  • The relevant accredited prior experiential learning.

We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international qualifications on our international entry requirements page.

English language requirements

See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.
  • £4,250

Students will only be required to pay this fee in year 1.  No fees are payable in year 2.

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

All travel, accommodation and expenses will be the responsibility of the student. Accommodation on campus is not available during the residential period.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies. See which courses are eligible for scholarships.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Postgraduate loans

There is a government postgraduate loan scheme for Masters degrees. The loan contributes towards costs of study, and students can put it towards tuition fees, maintenance costs or other costs at their discretion. Find out more about postgraduate loans.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
  • £4,250

Students will only be required to pay this fee in year 1.  No fees are payable in year 2.

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

All travel, accommodation and expenses will be the responsibility of the student. Accommodation on campus is not available during the residential period.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies. See which courses are eligible for scholarships.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money, the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Student looking at clothes in a shop
Cost of living in Nottingham
Two students purchasing drinks
Our student benefits and free services
Two students having a discussion
Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

Your future career

We have a strong reputation for our Masters and professional courses and the study and successful completion of this course will provide an opportunity to enhance both your academic and professional profile.

It will build on your abilities by developing skills in research, legal writing and critical analysis, thereby developing a high level of knowledge and critical insight into your area of specialism. The learning environment provided is supportive and structured. This Masters is therefore highly relevant to the development of a career in professional legal practice or related profession.

The course can also assist you in seeking employment in the legal sector in the UK, or as an excellent grounding for an academic career around the world.

Re:search Re:imagined

To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From social media addiction to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.

Qualification

Please note that this course is not vocational in nature, and that successful completion does not, of itself, lead to qualification as a solicitor or a barrister in England and Wales.

  • Employability Promise

    Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

  • Assessed work-like experience

    We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.

  • NTU Enterprise

    If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Where your course could take you

Discover how our students and alumni used their Law qualification to further their careers. Take a look at our other profiles and explore the possibilities awaiting you.

  • Students in a court room

    Partnership gives Law students opportunity to develop skills

    Hear how a long-running partnership gave international law students the chance to complete their degree, build research skills, and lasting professional connections.

    View profile

Campus and facilities

Applying

UK students

If you're interested in joining us in September, applications for this course will open via the application portal from the previous September.

For a step-by-step guide on making an application to the University please visit our how to apply page.

Apply now

International students

If you're interested in joining us in September, applications for this course will open via the application portal from the previous September.

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Apply now

Personal statement guidance

When you apply to NTU, we’ll ask you to submit a personal statement – here are our tips on what to include and how to structure your personal statement.

Application support

If you have any questions about applying, get in touch through our online form or call us on 44 (0)115 848 4200.

Related courses

Protestors

Human Rights

LLM
Global flags on flagpoles

International Commercial Law

LLM
Wind farm

International Energy Law

LLM

More from this subject

View more courses on the Law subject page

Further study

View information about PhDs

Keeping in touch

Ask us a question
Sign up for updates
Call +44 (0)115 848 2999
Email the international team

Explore life at NTU