LLM (including specialist pathways)

Course description

• Choose a broad-based LLM programme or specialise in Commercial Law; Corporate and Financial Law; Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law, and International Protection of Human Rights and Personal Freedom
• Study at a time and pace to suit you and your circumstances
• Benefit from our modern approach to teaching law in a global context: you can tailor your coursework and assignments to different jurisdictions, so you can gain a truly international flavour of law
• Learn from our team of expert practitioners.

The LLM course combines academic and theoretical knowledge. You will develop your understanding of the interaction between law and policy at an international level, enabling you to contribute to organisations and commercial enterprises operating across the global policy arena.

Specialist pathways

You can choose to study a broad-based general LLM or follow a specific pathway towards a specialist LLM award:

• LLM (Commercial Law) – a chance to study commercial law in a practical, international and contemporary context. Ideal for both lawyers and professionals engaged in broader commercial practice, this pathway features negotiation and practice-driven modules, equipping you for senior roles in global enterprises
• LLM (Corporate and Financial Law) – giving you a thorough understanding of how law assists in mediating corporate and financial risk. Covering one of the most challenging and critical areas of law, this pathway focuses on the structures and constitution of corporate entities in light of the external factors which govern their liquidity and capitalisation
• LLM (International Protection of Human Rights and Personal Freedom) – building your awareness of the human rights regime at international, regional and national levels. Taking a practical approach to the investigation of human rights violations, this pathway prepares you for a rewarding career with organisations working in the human rights field, from law firms to governments and non-governmental organisations
• LLM (Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law) - preparing you for a career in intellectual property law & practice and information technology law. You will a acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in copyright, trademarks, patents, law of confidence and trade secrets, IT contract and licensing, computer law & policy, and internet law & policy.

An LLM is considered to be essential for the pursuit of an academic career. With the focus on research skills at its heart – and a high level of flexibility providing many diverse opportunities to specialise – the Derby LLM programme is an ideal springboard to MPhil or PhD studies. From the start, you are encouraged to develop your research, communication and independent learning techniques and we offer guidance if you wish to present your work at conferences or to have it published.