International Legal Studies (distance learning) LLM
About this course
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100% of NTU's research submitted to the Law Unit of Assessment was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of research impact (REF 2021).
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 gives you the opportunity 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.
- We were named the Legal Education Provider of the Year by the Solicitors' Journal in 2016 and are part of an award-winning University, who are:
- Modern University of the Year in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
- Guardian University of Year 2019
- Modern University of the Year in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018
- Times Higher Education University of the Year 2017
- 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.
What you’ll study
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.
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.
Dissertation
In line with our existing LLM courses, students have a wide discretion in the selection of their dissertation topic, subject to the capacity of the Law School to provide expert academic supervision. The Law School has academic staff with wide-ranging expertise across diverse areas of law. However, students are encouraged to consider areas of law that are particularly pertinent to their anticipated or actual area of practice when selecting their chosen topic. Your dissertation is 12,000 words in length.
Article
As an alternative to the dissertation, students can, with guidance from an experienced academic, produce an article of publishable quality. Your supervisor will assess your research proposal to advise whether the topic is adequately focused to achieve the requisite quality. It is recommended that students select a target journal at the beginning of the research process and to comply with that journal’s style requirements. The word limit is by default set at 7,000 words, but journal requirements will take precedence.
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.
Further information on what you'll study
Please be aware that all optional/elective modules are subject to availability, and NTU reserves the right to amend, change or withdraw modules at its discretion.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
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.
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.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- Successful completion of:
- Legal Practice Course, or
- Bar Training Course, or
- Equivalent Professional Practice legal qualification in your home jurisdiction, or
- The relevant accredited prior experiential learning.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Your research topic
To ensure the right support is available, you will be required to select the topic of your research prior to commencing the course.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
What are we looking for?
- Successful completion of:
- Legal Practice Course, or
- Bar Training Course, or
- Equivalent Professional Practice legal qualification in your home jurisdiction, or
- The relevant accredited prior experiential learning.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Your research topic
To ensure the right support is available, you will be required to select the topic of your research prior to commencing the course.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our UG and PG degrees. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Foundation courses
If you need to do a foundation course to meet our course requirements please visit Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC). If you’re already studying in the UK at a school or college and would like to know if we can accept your qualification please visit our courses page.
Visas
Arranging the correct visa for attendance at the compulsory study period is the responsibility of the student. Nationals of some countries may require a short term study visa. You can check the requirements for your nationality on the UK Governments visa check website.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Home fees for September 2025 / January 2026 entry
| Study route | Home fees |
|---|---|
| Two years (Distance learning) | £4,160 |
Students will only be required to pay this fee in year 1. No fees are payable in year 2.
All travel, accommodation and expenses will be the responsibility of the student. Accommodation on campus is not available during the residential period.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
International / EU fees for September 2025 / January 2026 entry
| Study route | International / EU fees |
|---|---|
| Two years (Distance learning) | £4,160 |
Students will only be required to pay this fee in year 1. No fees are payable in year 2.
All travel, accommodation and expenses will be the responsibility of the student. Accommodation on campus is not available during the residential period.
Funding your studies
For information on how to pay your fees to the University please visit our international fee payment page.
How to apply
Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact our Admissions Team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Good luck with your application!
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page
Apply now (portal)
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact our Admissions Team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Good luck with your application!
