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  • Qualifying Law Degree (LLM)
  • 2013/2014 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment
    • A variety of methods are used, including essays, seen/unseen examinations, group projects, presentations and learning diaries.
  • Attendance
      • Two–three evenings a week part-time; three evenings a week full-time.
      • Our flexible evening teaching is ideal if you want to combine studying with working during the day. However, if you work more than 20 hours a week, we strongly recommend you study part-time.
      • October–June.
  • Duration
      • Three years part-time or two years full-time.
  • Entry requirements
      • A first degree in a subject other than law, minimum second class.
      • Degrees from overseas institutions must be of an equivalent standard to a UK second-class degree.
      • The selection process includes an exercise in reasoning and analysis (no previous knowledge of law required).
      • There is no transfer directly into Year 2 and no credit for earlier law studies permitted.
      • Excellent English language skills are essential.

      Find out about our international entry requirements

  • Fees and funding
    • Fees (2013/14)
      • Part-time (home/EU students): £3975 pa
      • Part-time (overseas students): £7425 pa
      • Full-time (home/EU students): £5975 pa
      • Full-time (overseas students): £14,775 pa
  • Location
      • Central London.
  • Teaching

    • The course is taught through lectures and seminars. We offer a personal tutorial system and additional training in paper-based and online legal research skills. There is an annual residential weekend for themed group discussion.

      Find out more about what you can expect from classes and the help and support we offer students.

Qualifying Law Degree (LLM) - 2013/2014 entry


  • Overview

    • This programme places the study of law in a historical, social and comparative context. You will develop advanced skills in legal writing, oral presentation and critical reasoning. The programme emphasises the importance of an academic and intellectually challenging approach to the study of law, and of its institutions and processes.

      Find out more about studying law at Birkbeck.

  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?
      • If you already have a degree in a subject other than law, and would like to become a lawyer, then this qualification will enable you to pursue that ambition.
      • Allows you to study the core courses you need to complete the academic stage of training for the profession, recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board. 
      • A law degree is widely respected and can you use it to further your existing career or simply study out of interest.
      • Studying law at Birkbeck focuses on understanding law's social and political context, it is more than just 'professional' training.
      • Our staff are recognised internationally as experts in their fields, and are particularly well-known for addressing legal issues from a multidisciplinary, critical and sociolegal perspective.
      • Come to one of our Taster Evenings to find out more about the programme and see what studying at Birkbeck is like.
      • Watch our video: studying law at Birkbeck
  • Professional bodies that recognise this course

    • The programme is accredited as a qualifying law degree by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and students completing the degree will be entitled to receive a Certificate of Completion of the Academic Stage of Legal Education for Solicitors. It is also recognised by the Bar Standards Board as a qualifying law degree for the purposes of completing the Academic Stage of Training for the Bar.

  • Course structure
  • Study resources

    • We have extended office hours to reflect the needs of students who work during the day, and dedicated weekend skills workshops for law students. We use technology such as electronic learning environments to enhance teaching and learning.  Students can access one to one tutorial support for their core modules via the School of Law's telephone tuitition line.

      Birkbeck Library has an extensive collection of books, journals and electronic resources in law and related disciplines such as economics, politics and sociology. Students can also take advantage of the rich research collections nearby, including those of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Senate House Library, the British Library of Political and Economic Science (LSE Library) and the British Library.

      We have a designated learning co-ordinator who runs a study skills programme. This includes advice on essay writing, time management, efficient reading and note-making, giving presentations and participating in seminars.

      A range of extra-curricular activities are organised throughout the year. You will be able to hear guest speakers of international renown and you can participate in our Student Law Society. An annual retreat takes place at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor Great Park, which allows students to explore a range of contemporary issues in law with specialist speakers. Students can also participate in our successful mooting programme, where advocacy training is given by experienced, practising barristers.

      Find out more about our teaching and learning resources.

  • Further study opportunities

    • We offer a range of specialist Master's degrees, or you can go on to research programmes in law.

  • Careers information

    • Many of our graduates go on to vocational training and obtain solicitors' training contracts and pupillages in barristers' chambers. Others use the degree to develop their existing career, to further their academic skills, or as preparation for a research degree. 

      Find out more about the career advice and information we offer.

  • Apply now