LLM Legal and Political Theory

Program Overview

This LLM program, taught in collaboration with Philosophy and Politics departments, explores the fundamental questions of legal and political theory. Students delve into the works of past and present theorists, developing research skills for a 12,000-word dissertation. The program offers a unique collaborative environment, with option modules spanning a wide range of topics, preparing graduates for careers in law, government, and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• To question the fundamental aspects of political life and gain a firm grounding in key legal issues.
• To critically evaluate the core issues and theories of legal and political theory.
• To explore the relationship between legal and political theory.
• To develop research skills in preparation for a 12,000-word dissertation.

Program Description:

• This LLM program is taught in conjunction with the Department of Philosophy and the Department of Politics and International Relations.
• Students will delve into the fundamental questions of legal and political philosophy by studying the works of theorists both past and present.
• This program is unique in its collaborative nature, allowing students to benefit from the broad range of expertise across the three departments.

Other:

• The program is open to students with a 2:1 or equivalent in Law or a related social science.
• Applicants with equivalent legal or other professional experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Funding opportunities are available, including C and JB Morrell Trust Bursaries.

Outline:

Content:

• Core modules:
• Legal Systems and Research Methods
• Foundational Issues in Legal and Political Theory
• Advanced Topics in Political Philosophy
• Advanced Issues in Legal and Political Theory
• Option modules (examples):
• Constitutional Law and Theory
• Financial Crime
• Issues in the Philosophy of Criminal Law
• Law and Society
• Mental Health and Mental Capacity Law
• Critical Theories of International Political Economy
• Critical Theory
• Theories and Policies of Development Governance
• Politics of Peace Building
• Social Justice and Political Economy
• Property, Privacy and Consent
• Advanced Topics in Ethics
• Global Crime and Justice
• Women, Citizenship and Conflict
• Feminism and Sexuality
• Dissertation: Students will write a 12,000-word dissertation on a topic of their choice, incorporating a legal dimension, under the supervision of a faculty member.

Structure:

• 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
• Start date: September 2024

Assessment:

• Core and option modules are assessed by an essay written over the vacation following the term's teaching.
• Students will receive written feedback on their work during each module and informal feedback in seminars.

Teaching:

• Students will be taught in small groups through seminars and problem-based learning groups.
• Some modules will involve lectures and plenary sessions.
• Nearly all teaching will take place within the Law building or nearby on Campus East.

Careers:

• Potential career paths include:
• Manager at a human rights charity
• Government policy advisor
• Law conversion course
• Civil Servant
• Financial executive
• Local government officer
• Students will receive active support in careers and development planning from the York Law School employability tutor.
• The Careers and Development Programme provides opportunities to engage with employers and learn about the legal profession and recruitment processes.

Other:

• The program is taught by world-leading academics who will challenge students to think independently and excel.
• The York Law School is located on Campus East and offers a student-friendly setting within easy reach of the city center.
• The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, opportunities, and support they need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.
• The program encourages students to get involved with the York Law School's Careers and Development Programme, which includes several employers and provides insights into the legal profession and recruitment processes.
• The program is open to students with a 2:1 or equivalent in Law or a related social science.
• Applicants with equivalent legal professional, management, or commercial experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• The program offers the opportunity to study a wide range of topics both within and beyond the traditional boundaries of law.
• The program is research-led and provides students with the opportunity to develop their research skills.
• The program is taught by world-leading academics who are experts in their fields.
• The program is located in York, a beautiful and historic city with a thriving student community.
• The program is affordable and offers a range of scholarships and bursaries.
• The program is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Annual tuition fees for 2024/25

Study mode

Full-time (1 year) £10,590 £23,900

Part-time (2 years) £5,295 £11,950

• This is the year 1 fee.
Fees for future years are subject to confirmation.