Where am I? Home > Prospective Students > Our LL.M in International Legal Practice > FAQs

LL.M in International Legal Practice Frequently asked questions

Why choose our LL.M programmes?

Study options

Course content and assessment

International students and lawyers

Why choose our LL.M programmes?

What is an LL.M?

An LL.M is a Masters level law degree. As you would expect it is a highly-regarded and prized qualification that demonstrates your in-depth knowledge and mastering of the law. It is a visible way to enhance your legal CV and your career prospects – both within your national jurisdiction and internationally.

What are the key benefits of our LL.M programmes?

Our LL.M programmes are practice-led hence their titles. They offer flexible, yet focused programmes to graduates and qualified UK-based and overseas lawyers. Here are just some of the key benefits:

They are flexible as to your attendance and your pace of progression.
They can be tailored to your career path and/or practice area due to the wide number of study modules available
Your study will be practice-led ie based on transactions and cases modelled on those undertaken by lawyers in practice
Your final assignment can be in a field of your choice, building specialist legal knowledge to enhance both you and your firm’s expertise
All of our tutors are qualified lawyers with real practice experience
Internationally-recognised qualification

Why an LL.M in ‘Legal Practice’? Why not just an LL.M in law?

The College of Law’s expertise is in developing lawyers in the professional and practical aspects of legal practice. We’ve been doing it for years and frankly we believe such professional skills are absolutely essential in today’s competitive world.

In 2006, when we became the first independent UK institution to be granted our own degree awarding powers, we knew there was a gap in the market for us to apply this professional legal expertise at Masters Level. Hence our LL.M programmes.

We’ve worked with the International Bar Association (IBA) to develop our LL.M in International Legal Practice. This is an internationally-recognised LL.M, designed to build corporate and cross-border legal knowledge.

How will our LL.M programmes be regarded both professionally and academically?

The College of Law is exceptionally highly regarded in all areas of the English legal sector. We work closely with practically all of the leading global law firms and barristers chambers on their training needs. For example, we work exclusively at LPC level with three of the Magic Circle law firms – Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance and Linklaters. So you can be assured that our LL.M will be highly respected across the profession.

Our academic standards are impeccable too. We wouldn’t have been given the powers to award our own Masters level degrees unless we had proved our academic rigour and abilities to the Privy Council.

The IBA (our partner for the LL.M in International Legal Practice) is the world’s leading organisation of international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies, with a membership of 30,000 individual lawyers and 200 bar associations and law societies worldwide. It influences the development of international law reform and shapes the future of the legal profession throughout the world. So you can be assured that the IBA is a well-recognised and highly respected organisation to be associated with.

Can you send me a printed brochure?

Our LL.M programmes are covered in our 2010 prospectus. Download a copy or request a printed version.

Study options

How are our LL.M programmes structured?

To qualify for a Masters level award, you need to earn 180 credits at Masters level. This is achieved by studying six modules (each worth 20 credits) and completing an assignment (worth 60 credits):

LL.M Routes Diagram

Do College of Law LPC and BPTC graduates qualify for credits towards our LL.M programmes?

All College of Law LPC and BPTC graduates will be granted 60 Masters level credits towards our LL.M in International Legal Practice or Professional Legal Practice. This recognises their prior study on these courses and means they only need to complete a further three modules and the final assignment to achieve the full LL.M (see diagrams below). If College LPC students select (or their employer requires them to select) more than three LPC electives, which they successfully pass, they could earn additional Masters level credits during their LPC studies.

Route for College of Law LPC graduates:

LPC Routes Diagram

Route for College of Law BPTC graduates:

BVC Routes Diagram

Can I study the LL.M at the same time as my LPC or BPTC?

It is possible to combine studying the College LPC/BPTC and LL.M at the same time, but students are advised to take on no more than one LL.M module in addition to their main LPC/BPTC studies. Please be aware that these are both demanding courses of study and will require a high level of personal commitment.

If I completed my LPC/BPTC with another law school can I get credits towards the College’s LL.M programmes?

No. We currently only grant Masters level prior credits to College of Law LPC and BPTC graduates. If you graduated from another law school, you will need to complete the full LL.M programme of six modules and the final assignment.

How long will I have to complete my full LL.M?

You will have up to five years to complete your full LL.M, starting from the date on which you commence your first LL.M module.

Is there a time limit for completing individual LL.M modules?

You will be expected to complete supervised online LL.M modules within six months of the module start date.

What happens if I am unable to complete a module within the set time period?

If you experience difficulties part-way through a module, or have a change of circumstances, you can discuss intermitting options with your supervisor who will be able to advise you of the best way forward.

Where and when can I study?

Ten supervised online modules are available for a July 2010 start. These modules can be studied without any face-to-face tuition or need to attend one of the College’s UK centres. Once the study materials become available you can start your study whenever and wherever it suits you.

Each module is made up of nine units. With the support of their tutor, students are required to submit written work via e-mail at the end of each unit (approximately once every two-and-a-half weeks). Submission of these tasks is mandatory and your supervising tutor will provide feedback for each one. You will be provided with a list of unit submission dates once you have enrolled for the course.

The final unit of each supervised online module will form the assessment for that module. This will take the form of a 3,000-5,000 word assessment.

How and what will I study?

Supervised online modules provide students with the opportunity to combine online study with one-to-one online supervision from a College tutor. They have an international focus and will be delivered in conjunction with the IBA.

The College of Law is already a pioneer in interactive multi-media learning methods and online test and feedback techniques. With increased use of online technology, our aim is to give supervised online students full access to the expertise of our tutors. You will also be given full access (providing you are enrolled) to the facilities at our UK centres. This includes our library and IT resources.

If I’m studying a supervised online module, will I be able to access materials at the library of my nearest College centre?

Yes. As an enrolled student of The College of Law you are welcome to use the library resources at any of our study centres Birmingham, Bristol (from September 2010) Chester, Guildford, London Bloomsbury, London Moorgate, Manchester and York.

Course content and assessment

What study modules are available?

Study is carried out via supervised online modules that combine online study with one-to-one online supervision from a College of Law tutor.

See the full list of modules that qualify for the specialist LL.M in International Legal Practice

Are there any restrictions when selecting modules?

Yes, please refer to the list of LL.M modules and routes which outlines any prohibited modules.

What is the final assignment?

You choose a subject for your final assignment in agreement with your supervising tutor. Your final assignment must be 15,000 words in length and you will receive supervision from your tutor. As the choice of subject for your final assignment is yours, you could, for example, choose an active legal matter or case being handled by your firm or set of chambers and thus really add value to the vocational nature of your LL.M. Equally you could choose a subject outside of your current area of expertise – perhaps in an area of practice in which you have aspirations. This must be approved by your tutor.

When can I start the final assignment?

You can start once you have completed your other modules. There are two start dates, January and July, and supervision covers a six-month period.

Can I combine modules from the LL.M in International Legal Practice with modules from the LL.M in Professional Legal Practice?

Yes. It is possible to study a mix of supervised online modules from the LL.M in International Legal Practice and blended learning modules from the LL.M in Professional Legal Practice (which include face-to-face tuition at UK centres). However, to qualify for the LL.M in International Legal Practice, your modules must be chosen from the above list of approved supervised online modules. Students who study a mix of supervised online and blended learning modules will be awarded the LL.M in Professional Legal Practice. Note that any prior credits granted via completion of the LPC or BPTC with the College of Law will be treated as 'neutral' credits and will count towards either LL.M route.

What is the required pass mark?

You will need to achieve a minimum pass mark of 50% on all study modules and the final assignment. If you pass all modules and receive a mark of 70% or more on your final assignment, your LL.M will be awarded with ‘Distinction’.

What hardware, drivers and players will I need to run College of Law software?

PC specification and players

To run College of Law software, you will need access to a PC with the following hardware, drivers and players:

Hardware and drivers

Processor: Intel Pentium 4 1800 MHz or greater
RAM memory: 512 Mb or above (1Gb recommended)
Audio Card: 16 bit soundcard and speakers or headphones
Graphic Card: 128 Mb Video RAM or above (recommended)

Players

Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP SP2 (recommended)
Internet: Cable/DSL broadband connection to the internet
Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or above
Media Player: Microsoft Windows Media Player Version 9 or above
Flash Player: Macromedia Flash Player 9f.ocx or above
Document Reader: Adobe Acrobat Reader 5 or above (7 recommended)
Microsoft Word 2003

Please note that our software is not currently compatible with Apple Macintosh computers. If you need advice on the suitability of your existing equipment, please e-mail it.servicedesk@lawcol.co.uk

Study patterns

How many modules should I study at a time?

To ensure you get the most out of your studies we recommend that you study no more than the following number of modules at once:

Four modules (if studying full-time)
Two modules (if combining study with part-time work)
One module (if combining study with full-time work)

How many hours of study will I be expected to do per unit?

A minimum of 10-15 hours of study per unit would be expected per module.

See study patterns for our LL.M in International Legal Practice

Will studying an LL.M count towards my annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours?

Yes. We are accredited to award 12 CPD hours per year to students studying our LL.M programmes. This is a fixed total for all LL.M students and will be the same whether you study one or more modules. You are responsible for logging these CPD hours yourself, but the College will verify this total if asked by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for starting the LL.M?

To be eligible for admission to our LL.M programmes you must hold one of either a UK undergraduate degree or international equivalent, or a GDL, LPC or BVC/BPTC. We recommend that non-law graduates have a grounding in common law. Qualifications will be checked before the LL.M is awarded.

Course fees

How much do our LL.M programmes cost?

Our LL.M programmes are structured into three levels to give you maximum flexibility when choosing how to complete the required number of credits. This rewards you with a Postgraduate Certificate after successful completion of three modules (excludes prior-credit College of Law LPC/BPTC graduates) and a Postgraduate Diploma after successful completion of six modules, if you do not go on to complete your full LL.M.

You can choose to pay for your full LL.M (six modules plus assignment) or you may wish initially just to sign up for a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma. Alternatively you can pay for individual LL.M modules.

See course fees for our LL.M in International Legal Practice

Please note that you will only be awarded with a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma if you choose not to go on and complete your full LL.M.

Conversion units for existing IBA International Practice Diploma awards cost £750 each.

Can I pay in instalments?

No. All course fees must be paid in full and cleared in our bank before we can book you onto any modules. Please also be aware that LL.M fees are non-refundable.

Can I pay for three modules to take advantage of the discount, but choose some of them at a later date?

Yes. It is possible to pay for three modules and specify your second and/or third modules at a later date. In order to do this you should select and pay for a three module option on the booking form, but only specify the module(s) you already know you wish to study. You will need to contact us separately when you have made a decision on the remaining module(s).

If I withdraw from the course will I be entitled to a refund?

No. All of our course fees are non-refundable.

Are all study materials included within the course fees (eg books)?

Yes. All of your study materials are included in the course fees.

Is delivery included within the course fee?

For supervised online modules, delivery of course materials by courier or post is included. For blended learning modules, you will be able to collect course materials from College centres.

If I defer starting my module and the course content changes, will I need to pay for new course materials?

No. If you defer with our approval you will have automatic access to the current version of the course materials and textbook for no extra charge when you re-join the course. Access will be via ELITE, our interactive learning support system. You will not need to be provided with any additional hardcopy materials.

What if I need advice on funding my LL.M studies?

Financial support may be available from external bodies. Please contact us for more information - call 0800 328 0153 or e-mail admissions@lawcol.co.uk.

How to book

When can I start my LL.M?

The next available start date is July 2010 if you choose to study supervised online modules.

How do I book my LL.M modules?

Booking is open for modules starting from July 2010. You can book online or download and print off a booking form - depending on payment method. For more information please click ‘How to book’ in our left hand navigation.

What are the booking deadlines?

See booking deadlines for our LL.M in International Legal Practice

In order to guarantee entry onto your chosen modules, we must receive your fully completed booking form and cleared funds by the relevant booking deadline.

International students and lawyers

If I successfully complete my LL.M will I be able to practise law in the UK?

No. Our LL.M programmes do not entitle you to practise law in the UK. For more information on how to qualify as a lawyer in England and Wales, please visit the following webpages:

International lawyers:

Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test (QLTT) - enables international lawyers to practise as solicitors in England and Wales

International graduates:

Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) – enables graduates to convert to study the law of England and Wales

Legal Practice Course (LPC) – vocational training to become a solicitor in England and Wales

Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) – vocational training to become a barrister in England and Wales

Can international students and lawyers study for the LL.M in Professional Legal Practice?

Yes. Please visit our 'LL.M in Professional Legal Practice' pages to find out more about this qualification.

Can I convert my IBA International Practice Diploma awards?

Yes. You can convert existing IBA International Practice Diploma awards into full LL.M modules. A full LL.M module will need to be undertaken, but to recognise your prior study these conversion units are available for just £750 per module.

Are discounts available for international students?

No. Our LL.M fees are the same for all modes of study and for all students.

Will I be able to obtain a visa to study on the LL.M?

You are not required to attend a College centre for the completion of the supervised online modules or the final assignment as they are designed to enable students to study from anywhere in the world. They are therefore NOT eligible modules for the College to sponsor students into the UK.

We regret therefore that we cannot provide visa letters in support of an application for entry to or a continued stay in the UK to study these modules.