The degree of LLM by Research aims to consolidate and build on legal research and writing skills acquired through undergraduate legal studies by enabling students to plan, undertake and complete a 30 000 word dissertation, working independently but under specialist academic supervision, within their chosen field of law.

It seeks to enhance and develop the student’s ability to manage and engage with both primary legal sources and academic literature on the chosen topic, to present critical and engaged legal arguments, and to maintain the coherence of those arguments over a piece of written work of this size and scale.

The programme is intended to stand independently as a postgraduate legal qualification; but it will also prepare students who wish to pursue doctoral research in law. The framework of the LLM by Research allows the applicant the time and intellectual space to work in their chosen field, and to refine and develop this initial phase of the project for future doctoral work. 

As the programme does not have formal coursework elements, the LLM by Research is a particularly attractive option for those wishing to undertake postgraduate research on a part-time basis while pursuing legal practice or other employment.

Click here to apply for the LLM by Research

Please note that due to recent changes in legislation by the UK Border Agency, overseas students are only eligible to apply for full-time study.