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Legal Practice Top-up (distance learning) LLM

  • Level(s) of Study: Professional
  • Start Date(s): April 2024/ September 2024/ January 2025/ April 2025
  • Duration: From 4 - 24 months
  • Study Mode(s): Distance learning
  • Campus: City Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

  • 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).
  • 100% of LLM Legal Practice (DL) students are in high-skilled jobs within 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2020/21).

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

The LLM Legal Practice DL 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).

The course will also count Acquired Prior Experiential Learning (APEL), which in this case must be no less than 2 years verified professional experience as a qualified legal professional which can account for two-thirds of the LLM.  Students will then 'top up' these credit points with a dissertation or article, studied and completed by distance learning, to gain the LLM degree. APEL accreditation is awarded solely at the discretion of the Course Leader.

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 is fully delivered online. 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 the LPC or BPTC 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.

Those who have successfully completed the LPC and BPTC (or their equivalent) at any time are eligible for admission, as are those with equivalent legal practice qualifications in foreign jurisdictions, and those who have been certified by the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS). Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) may also be accredited at the sole discretion of the Course Leader for those who can verifiably demonstrate at least two years of professional legal practice experience.

The course will be extremely attractive to practitioners as it also satisfies CPD requirements.

Online Induction

The induction materials are online presentations that cover the nature of the course, guidance on legal academic writing and methods, and the available on-line post-graduate resources.

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. You will prepare a research proposal of a maximum of 2,500 words and the dissertation which 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. A research proposal of up to 2500 words will be required in order for your supervisor to assess 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.

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.

How you’re taught

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.

The dissertation is 12,000 words in length. As an alternative to the dissertation, students can produce an article of high quality of around 7,000 words. This is of shorter length as it is focused on a particular point of practice or law.

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.

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.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.

Find out more about the University Language Programme.

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.

Careers and employability

This course will demonstrate your academic ability and showcase your knowledge of more specialised aspects of legal practice.

Campus and facilities

Entry requirements

What are we looking for?

  • Applicants should have successfully completed either the Legal Practice Course (LPC), or the Barristers Training Course (BTC), their precursors, or equivalent.
  • Applications from members of other legal professions will also be considered with proof of a professional qualification.
  • Applicants with Accredited Prior Experiential Learning of at least two years of verifiable legal professional experience (a form will be provided upon request).
  • Applications by legal professionals from other jurisdictions with non-UK legal professional qualifications equivalent to the LPC or BTC or verifiable APEL.
  • Applicants who have been certified by the Qualified Lawyer Transfer Scheme.

We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course.

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.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

What are we looking for?

  • Applicants should have successfully completed either the Legal Practice Course (LPC), or the Barristers Training Course (BTC), their precursors, or equivalent.
  • Applications from members of other legal professions will also be considered with proof of a professional qualification.
  • Applicants with Accredited Prior Experiential Learning of at least two years of verifiable legal professional experience (a form will be provided upon request).
  • Applications by legal professionals from other jurisdictions with non-UK legal professional qualifications equivalent to the LPC or BTC or verifiable APEL.
  • Applicants who have been certified by the Qualified Lawyer Transfer Scheme.

We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. We usually ask for an IELTS test and we accept some alternative English language tests. For this course you will need:

  • IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking).

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.

Fees and funding

Fees for April 2024 entry

Study routeFee
Distance learning (cost per year of study) £2,460

Fees for September 2024/ January 2025/ April 2025 entry

Study routeFee
Distance learning (cost per year of study) £2,500

**VAT may be payable on these fees.

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

Fees for April 2024 entry

Study routeFee
Distance learning (cost per year of study) £2,460

Fees for September 2024/ January 2025/ April 2025 entry

Study routeFee
Distance learning (cost per year of study) £2,500

**VAT may be payable on these fees.

Funding your studies

We offer prestigious scholarships to new international students holding offers to study at the University.

For more information on these and other opportunities for funding please visit our international scholarships page.

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. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

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 directly to the University online using the NTU online application 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. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Apply for your course as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.

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

For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page

Postgraduate research

If you’re applying for postgraduate research please visit our Research pages for information about our research areas and how to make your application.

Apply now (portal)

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.