Qualifying Law Degree
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.
Months of entry
October
Course content
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.
LLM Qualifying Law Degree graduate Adam says 'The LLM Qualifying Law Degree at Birkbeck is different from other Graduate Diploma in Law programmes. A Graduate Diploma in Law is very straightforward and case-based, whereas the LLM Qualifying Law Degree at Birkbeck puts the study of law within a wider socio-economic and political framework, allowing you to be more critical. The Qualifying Law Degree gives you a social-political grounding in the law, which is lacking in a lot of legal programmes.'
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 you can 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.
- 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. You can access one-to-one tutorial support for your core modules via the School of Law's telephone tuition line.
- Birkbeck Library has an extensive collection of books, journals and electronic resources in law and related disciplines such as economics, politics and sociology. You 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 you to explore a range of contemporary issues in law with specialist speakers. You can also participate in our successful mooting programme, where advocacy training is given by experienced, practising barristers.
Information for international students
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.
Fees and funding
The government's new postgraduate loan scheme allows students studying this programme full-time over 2 years to borrow up to £10,000 to cover the cost of your tuition fees, living costs or other study expenses – and you don't have to start repaying until 2019.
Candidates with an outstanding academic record who demonstrate high potential for strong performance on one of our Master's degrees can apply for School of Law Postgraduate Fee Awards.
Part-time students who are experiencing financial need may apply for assistance from the Birkbeck Alumni Fund Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary.
Find out more about funding and financial support at postgraduate level.
Qualification and course duration
LLM
Course contact details
- Name
- School of Law
- law@bbk.ac.uk
- Phone
- + 44 (0)20 7631 6511