Law and Society LLM

Program Overview

Keele University's LLM in Law and Society explores the intricate relationship between law and society, drawing insights from multiple disciplines. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while gaining specialized knowledge in areas like socio-legal advocacy and human rights. The program prepares graduates for careers in law-related fields, including academia, the Bar, and non-governmental organizations.

Program Outline

Keele University's LLM in Law and Society

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The LLM in Law and Society at Keele University offers a deep exploration of the relationship between law and various aspects of society, drawing insights from disciplines like cultural studies, history, jurisprudence, philosophy, sociology, and political science. The program employs an interdisciplinary approach, aiming to provide students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills alongside specialized knowledge. This LLM prepares graduates for further studies in socio-legal studies, a career at the Bar, non-governmental organizations, or public, private, or charity sectors.

Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex and evolving relationship between law and society.
• Analyze legal issues from diverse disciplinary perspectives.
• Cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Gain specialized knowledge in areas like socio-legal advocacy, safeguarding adults, medical ethics, human rights, and international economic law.
• Prepare graduates for further studies or careers in law-related fields.

Description:

The LLM in Law and Society delves into the fascinating world of law and its impact on various aspects of society. The program examines how the law is socially, culturally, and historically constructed, explores the influence of diverse perspectives on attitudes towards topics like race, gender, and sentencing, and analyzes how inequalities are reinforced or reversed. Additionally, the program investigates whether the law is impartial or shaped by self-interest and explores how the legal system, its institutions, processes, and protagonists affect individuals, communities, societies, nations, and the world at large.

Outline:

Pathway Structure:

The program implements a pathway structure, allowing students to tailor their studies to suit their personal interests and professional aspirations. It can be pursued as a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, with a September start date. Additionally, students can opt for a more flexible part-time approach on a modular basis, accumulating degree credits by taking individual modules over a maximum period of five years.

Modules:

The LLM consists of three compulsory modules, which introduce students to the research skills and critical analysis essential for successful completion of a master's program with a particular focus on interdisciplinary socio-legal research methods. These modules are:

• LAW-40053: Foundations in Law and Society Research: Theories and Concepts (15 credits, Semester 1)
• LAW-40052: Socio-legal Studies: Approaches and Themes (15 credits, Semester 1)
• SOC-40014: Philosophy of the Social Sciences (15 credits, Semester 1)
To obtain the master's qualification, students must successfully complete 180 credits, which includes researching and writing a dissertation (60 credits) on a topic of their choice. They can then choose the remaining credits by selecting either the General Pathway (Pathway 1) or the Research-Intensive Pathway (Pathway 2) and further pursue optional modules.

Pathway 1:

Students on Pathway 1 must choose either the Qualitative Research and Data module or the Quantitative Research and Data module. They can then select from a diverse range of optional modules offered within the School, subject to availability.

Pathway 2:

Students on Pathway 2 must study both the Qualitative Research and Data module and the Quantitative Research and Data module, as well as a module on Ethics in Research, before choosing any optional modules. This pathway is ideal for students who intend to pursue a Ph.D. and wish to apply for funding.

Module Examples:

General Pathway (Pathway 1) - Optional Modules:

• GRT-40021: Qualitative research and data (15 credits, Semester 2)
• GRT-40020: Quantitative research and data (15 credits, Semester 2)
• GRT-40019: Ethnographic Research (15 credits)
• LAW-40047: Equality, Discrimination and Minorities (15 credits)
• LAW-40048: Foundations of Human Rights (15 credits)
• LAW-40040: Foundations of International Law (15 credits)
• LAW-40046: Human Rights and Global Politics (15 credits)
• LAW-40038: International Law and Human Rights (15 credits)
• LAW-40058: International Refugee Law (15 credits)
• LAW-40042: Introduction to International Economic Law (15 credits)
• LAW-40043: International Environmental Law (15 credits)
• LAW-40029: Mental Capacity (30 credits)
• ETH-40044: Moral Theory and Medical Ethics (30 credits)
• ETH-40045: Principles of Medical Law (30 credits)
• Law-40004: Children and Medicine (30 credits)
• LAW-40003: Looked After Children (30 credits)
• Law-40002: Contemporary Issues in Childcare Law and Practice (30 credits)
• Law-40001: Foundations and Principles of Childcare Law and Practice (30 credits)
• LAW-40031: Safeguarding and Carers (30 credits)
• LAW-40033: The Emergence of Adult Safeguarding (30 credits)
• LAW-40032: Safeguarding Adults: Interventions (30 credits)

Research-Intensive Pathway (Pathway 2) - Compulsory Modules:

• GRT-40021: Qualitative research and data (15 credits, Semester 2)
• GRT-40020: Quantitative research and data (15 credits, Semester 2)
• ETH-40051: Ethics in Research (15 credits, Semester 2)

Research-Intensive Pathway (Pathway 2) - Optional Modules:

• GRT-40018: Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits)
• HLT-40002: Advanced Quantitative data analysis (15 credits)

Assessment:

The program employs various assessment methods, including:

• Formal examinations
• Research essays
• Case reports
• Reflective logs
• Simulations

Teaching:

The LLM is taught through a combination of seminars, lectures and seminars, and guided independent study. The program also offers workshops and public lectures to enhance student's study and research skills. Keele University has a vibrant student-run law society, which organizes a calendar of professional and social events. This helps develop diverse personal and professional skills, including presentation and communication. Additionally, the School organizes regular guest lectures from experts in various legal fields.

Careers:

The LLM in Law and Society prepares graduates for a wide range of roles across the public, private, and third sectors.

Potential Career Paths:

• Academic
• Barrister
• Consultant
• Lawyer
• Journalist
• Policy officer
• Scientist
• Social worker
• Solicitor
• Teacher

Potential Opportunities:

• National and international NGOs
• Law reform organizations
• Law Commission for England and Wales
• European Court of Human Rights
• European Commission on Human Rights
• International Court of Justice
• International Criminal Court

Other:

• The program is internationally recognized and meets the requirements of the ESRC postgraduate social science research training and development.
Additionally, the program constitutes the first master's year of '1+3' awards, enabling students to apply for postgraduate funding.
• The program duration is 1 year for full-time and 2 years for part-time students.
• The mode of study is either full-time or part-time.
• The program is delivered by an international faculty with expertise and qualifications in legal practice and research.
• The program is taught through a variety of methods including seminars, lectures, and guided independent study.
The program offers a rigorous academic experience, taught by an experienced faculty and utilizing diverse teaching methods. It also provides students with the opportunity to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as specialized knowledge in their chosen area of interest. The program opens doors to a wide range of career paths across various sectors, allowing graduates to make a significant impact in their chosen field.

UK - Full time £9,800 per year. Part time £5,400 per year. International - £19,500 per year.