LLM Advanced Legal Studies – February or September entry

Compulsory modules

Dissertation

Formulate a research question for your dissertation and identify an appropriate methodological approach for your research. You’ll gain relevant knowledge and develop skills vital to plan and execute your dissertation.  

Optional modules

Contemporary Issues in International Law

Consider the impact of topics such as security, climate change, cyberspace, global health and sustainable development on international law. You’ll explore key case studies related to global challenges as you develop a substantive and theoretical understanding of international law and its implementation.   

Human Rights Law, Policy and Practice

Explore contemporary challenges and developments associated with human rights concepts and institutions. You’ll consider the distinction between civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights as you explore a range of treaties, agencies and bodies and systemic challenges.  

Introduction to International Law

Explore the key features of the international legal system such as the nature of international law, treaties and other sources, the subjects of international law, dispute settlement, and the establishment of state responsibility.  

International Refugee Law

Study principles of state sovereignty and migration control in the context of refugees escaping their home state due to fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, or political opinion. You’ll study the international regime of refugee protection including its virtues and shortcomings. 

Law of Armed Conflict (International Humanitarian Law)

Study the legal protections for injured or captured combatants and civilians, the rules as to how warfare is conducted, and the law of occupation. You’ll learn through major case studies of armed conflict, including occupation, from the contemporary era developing a substantive understanding of the jus in bello and its development.  

Research Methods for LLM Students

Formulate a research question for your dissertation and identify an appropriate methodological approach for your research. You’ll gain relevant knowledge and develop skills vital to plan and execute your dissertation.  

Research Methods (Advanced)

Engage with the process of designing, refining and executing your research projects. You’ll identify appropriate research methods, theoretical frameworks, and genres of academic legal writing that are applicable to your master’s dissertation.  

The Use of Military Force

Embark on an in-depth study of military actions of states and the prohibition on the use of force. You’ll receive a unique insight into the most controversial and fundamental aspects of the modern international legal order, using real-word case studies to understand what circumstances justify military force.  

Emerging Issues in Data Protection and Copyright Law

Analyse the legal protection afforded to privacy and personal data and consider the processing of personal information in the UK and EU regulatory framework. You’ll gain advanced knowledge of the legal, regulatory and policy issues related to data protection and copyright law, with a particular focus on creative works and authors. 

Contemporary Issues in IP Law

Explore intellectual property law through the lens of contemporary debates. You’ll critically engage with the role and impact of intellectual property law while studying key areas such as copyright, performers rights, trademark and patents as you assess statutory provisions and case law.  

International Investment Law and Arbitration

Study the law of foreign investment and investment treaty arbitration through a close analysis of bilateral investment treaties. You’ll acquire an in- depth understanding of the law, politics and economics related to the investment treaty regime while considering the perspective of host states, multinational corporations and other interest groups.   

International Organisations and Global Governance

Examine key international organisations from universal organisations such as the UN, regional organisations such as the EU, and intergovernmental ones such as NATO. You’ll consider their role in global governance as you explore relevant legal principles and obligations through case studies.  

Advanced International Commercial Law Issues

Develop a critical understanding on the different types of contractual relationships that may take place within the firm, the market, or other hybrid forms of governance. As you study, you’ll explore the concept of mergers, property rights, and the role of institutions in providing governance of societal interaction.  

International Banking and Finance Law

Examine the regulatory and private law aspects of banks and banking including both commercial and investment banks. You’ll analyse the law governing the structure, operation and function of banks and banking markets from a national and international perspective.  

Internet Law

Examine the issues related to the law and regulation of the ‘borderless’ internet as you consider cyberspace theories; data protection, cybercrimes and cyber security,  e-commerce, intellectual property and artificial intelligence.   

International Corporate Governance and the Law

Explore a contextual analysis of corporate governance systems with particular reference to the ‘Comply or Explain’ model introduced by the UK. You’ll examine the structure and components of the system while, learning about its rich history and underlying political and theoretical debates.  

International Commercial Arbitration (CIArb Accredited)

Discover the importance of arbitration as a form of dispute resolution in both domestic and international contexts. You’ll gain a critical understanding of the important aspects of international commercial arbitration, as well as the economic and legal concepts determining the choice of dispute resolution methods by commercial parties.

Financial Markets and Institutions

Financial Regulation

Corporate Responsibility and Ethics

Corporate Governance and Ethics

Digital Marketing

Management in Creative and Cultural Organisations

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods. 

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. 

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.