LLM (General)
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    LLM (General)

    For those looking to develop a career in the competitive world of government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international consultancies or think-tanks as well as in the legal profession – an LLM is an important asset. There are numerous pathways to choose from at Middlesex, such as this general LLM.

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    • Overview - Why Sign Up?

      You will deepen and broaden your knowledge of law as an academic subject, acquiring a systematic understanding of legal processes, methods and concepts of the social and political context in which legal processes take place and of appropriate theoretical conceptions of law.

      Ultimately, by maximising your academic potential and refining your problem-solving skills in a transnational context through the acquisition of a systematic and critical understanding of complex legal, economic, cultural, ethical and political issues informing international trade relations and transnational business, you will enhance your professional development and horizons.

      The research and writing skills you gain will be transferable to a variety of professional sectors, such as the legal profession, policy-making, the corporate sector, government bodies or academia.

      In the School of Law and Politics at Middlesex University, we have assembled a team of globally respected academics who provide not only insight and practical direction but also access to a considerable network of contacts and connections, notably for internship opportunities within international and domestic organisations.

    • Course Highlights

      • This LLM degree introduces students to actual business disputes, exposing them to the changing nature of both commercial disputes and their settlement or resolution to become conversant with case law, UK,  EU and international statutes pertinent to the conduct of business, together with trends and new issues arising as a result of both technological and regulatory change.
      • As an alternative to litigation, this course familiarises students with a range of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms deployed in business contexts.

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    What will you study on the LLM (General) Programme?

    There are two different possibilities available for this course:

    Full-time LLM (1 year, 180 credits)

    • You will study one core module plus five optional modules to be completed over Terms 1 (October–January) and 2 (January–May), with a dissertation period in Term 3.

    Part-time LLM (2 years, 180 credits)

    • You will study one core module plus five optional modules to be completed over four taught terms, plus a dissertation period.
    • You will study two modules in Term 1, two modules in Term 2, and two modules in the first term of the following academic year.

    Post Graduate (PG) Diploma (1 year, 120 credits)

    • You will study one core module plus five optional modules to be completed over four taught terms.
    • You will study two modules in Term 1, two modules in Term 2, and two modules in the first term of the following academic year.
    • Core Modules

      • Legal Research Skills (20 Credits) - Compulsory  

        This module equips all students with the essential research skills necessary to complete modules successfully, including the technical and conventional systems governing academic writing and the principles and practice followed in legal reasoning. This module is assessed through three elements: a citation assignment; a written case note/discussion; and a literature review.

      • Dissertation (60 Credits) - Compulsory

        The Dissertation module is taught in term two and assessed by a 15,000-18,000 dissertation. Students demonstrate expert-level knowledge and advanced-level legal research skills by writing a dissertation paper, supported by a supervisor, on a topic proposed by the student and approved by the module Coordinator.

    • Plus two optional modules from the list below:

      • Comparative Corporate Governance (20 Credits) - Optional

        This module equips students with critical understanding of the major theories concerning the nature of corporations, their role and function in society, the concerns surrounding corporate governance and corporate responsibility, and the laws and practices governing directorial conduct and company operation in selected countries.

      • English Commercial Law (20 Credits) - Optional

        Understand and analyse contemporary issues, legal problems and emergent changes to legislation governing the conduct of trade, business and financial services.

      • Foundations and Principles of International Law (20 Credits) - Optional

        Enable students to analyse, critically evaluate and provide authoritative commentary on how international law impacts international relations and contemporary concerns such as globalisation, the use of armed force, terrorism, poverty, governance and the regulation of ownership over territory.

      • International Maritime Law (20 Credits) - Optional 

        Equips students with detailed knowledge and understanding of English and international normative frameworks regulating the carriage of goods by sea and the laws governing maritime causalities and their aftermath, such as collision, oil pollution, salvage and general average.

      • International Organisations and the International Dispute Resolution (20 Credits) - Optional

        Get advanced conceptual insights into the legal, political and structural issues that underpin dispute resolution within international organisations through a thematic focus on issues such as labour, trade, title to territory and international peace and security. You will learn to think strategically about different means of settlement of disputes and their applicability to existing or potential conflicts.

      • Law and Policy of the World Trade Organisation (20 Credits) - Optional

        This module is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of global trade regimes through an overview of globalisation and contemporary international economic relations; the regulation of international trade by the WTO; and the relationship between international trade, harmonisation of the law and trade-related issues.

      • International Commercial Litigation and Arbitration (20 Credits) - Optional

        Gain the knowledge necessary to deal with contemporary and emerging challenges in the practise and management of transnational commercial disputes with a focus on the increasing use of arbitration for expediency and cost savings by medium and large-scale enterprises operating in multiple jurisdictions.

      • Law of the International Sale of Goods (20 Credits) - Optional

        This module presumes familiarity with the principles of contract law and extends these into the international arena in the field of international sale of goods. It deals with the English law governing trade in wet and dry commodities and international law, principally the United Nations Convention on the International Sale of Goods. It aims to enhance the student's ability to tackle the practical, policy and economic implications of legal regimes enabling trade and transactions between parties divided by or purposely straddling legal and geographic boundaries.

    What will you gain?

    You will gain knowledge and understanding through a stimulating combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, professional internships and self-directed studies and use a variety of resources, such as audio-visual media, library books and e-learning materials.

    Skills training, particularly through our Legal Research Skills module, will equip you with the intellectual tools necessary for postgraduate work, such as the identification and location of appropriate materials, critical and analytical reading, writing skills and conventions.

    Several sessions within each module and a substantial part of the dissertation are designed to provide guidance on identifying a suitable research question, carrying out research, writing a literature review and planning and writing a dissertation.

    Note on Optional Modules

    Optional modules are available at levels 5 and 6. You will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year but, if insufficient numbers of students show an interest in an optional module, or if there are staffing changes that affect the teaching allocation, your first choice might not be offered. If this is the case, we will advise you after the module selection period over the winter break or at the earliest time that the programme team is able to help you choose an alternative.

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    About the MDX Mauritius Campus

    Our new campus demonstrates what can be achieved when all stakeholders share a clear vision. The concept was developed by a London architect, Graham Wilson, who also is credited for developing many of Middlesex buildings in Hendon.

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    Fees and Funding

    Course fees are subject to annual inflation. An international Admin Fee is also applicable for international students. For more details, see link to respective fees and payment plans below.

    Payment Plans

    • Teaching and Learning

      Lectures, seminars and presentations are used to communicate core information, develop themes and ideas, and seek to encourage student participation through interactive exercises and opportunities for peer and self-assessment. You will also be required to engage in intensive programmes of structured reading and research, and to present your findings orally and in writing.

      Several sessions within each module and a substantial part of the Dissertation are designed to provide guidance on identifying a suitable research question, carrying out research, writing a literature review and planning and writing a dissertation.

      Learning and teaching on all modules is informed by a critical approach that encompasses relevant aspects of the ethical, social, professional, historical and cultural contexts within which the law operates. Ethics are specifically embedded in some modules and students are provided with the opportunity to understand the ethical dimensions of their own research and within which the law operates at each level

      Independent Learning

      When not attending your teaching, sessions mentioned above, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and examinations. Your independent learning is supported by the facilities available including the library, Study Rooms and online materials accessible via MyUniHub.

      Overall Workload

      Your overall workload will include the activities listed above, and with each credit being completed equating to 10 hours of study time (You will complete 180, which are broken down into modules of typically 20 credits). While your actual hours may depend on the optional module that you choose (if available), the following information will give you an indication of how much time is allocated to teaching and independent study on your course.

      Teaching Staff

      You will be taught by an experienced teaching team who possess the expertise, knowledge and experience closely aligned to the content of the modules on offer. The team includes academics, professional practitioners, and technical staff.

    • Assessment

      Students' practical skills are assessed by oral presentations, coursework, peer-marking, exams, literature reviews and, where appropriate, dissertation, diary and report writing.

      Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback, to suit content or based on feedback from an external examiner.

      Feedback

      You will receive feedback on formative assessment and written summative assessments. Feedback on examination performance can be requested from the module coordinator.  Feedback is intended to help you learn and progress, and you are encouraged to review and discuss your feedback with your module or personal tutor.

      We will aim to provide you with feedback within 15 working days  of submission.

      Details of progression and pass marks for assessment can be found in the university regulations.

      Academic Support

      You will have access to academic support services that you assist you in the following areas;

      • Study Skills, including academic writing, reading and numeracy skills.
      • Employability, with workshops and tutorials on CV writing, interview and presentation skills.
      • Library Support, including sessions on finding, and choosing the right resources and software and tutorials on referencing and plagiarism.
      • Progression and Support Advisors to assist you with if you experience difficulties with your studies.

      More information on how to access these services would be provided to you at your induction.

    How can the LLM (General) Programme support your career?

    The LLM is a highly marketable qualification, and previous graduates of the programme have gone on to work for legal departments of public and private sector organisations, multinational companies, international organisations, government departments and within the judiciary. Many have continued their higher education studies via a PhD.

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