Entry requirements
You'll need a 2.1 degree in law or a related non-law subject such as Politics, Philosophy, History, Psychology, Economics, Business, Finance, Accounting, Business Management, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Maritime Studies, Shipping, Marine Engineering, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Environmental Science.
Months of entry
September
Course content
On our LLM programme you’ll study with academic staff who are active at the forefront of international and national legal reform and development.
You’ll begin your programme with an intensive, one-week induction on the common law designed to help you to familiarise yourself with the legal system of England and Wales at postgraduate level. You’ll go on to develop the practical legal skills required to advise, litigate and negotiate, within a module structure that allows you to shape your degree towards your particular interests. For example you could choose to study:
• international law of the sea
• marine insurance
• principles of commercial arbitration
• intellectual property law in a global world
• corporate governance
• human rights in context
• armed conflict in international law
• free speech and privacy on the internet
We will equip you with the tools to tackle contemporary legal problems as well as complex legal issues arising from practical scenarios, to critically evaluate the principles of the areas of law you have chosen to study and their effectiveness. You will also develop your practical transferable skills, including the ability to conduct independent research, to analyse complex texts, construct arguments and communicate these effectively.
Southampton Law School has strong research and teaching profiles in commercial and corporate law, maritime law and international and human rights law, and our LLM Master of Laws builds on this diversity of strengths.
Law at the University of Southampton is ranked in the top 10 in the UK (the Guardian University Guide 2026) and 6th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (The Complete University Guide 2026). Our expertise has been recognised as being of international excellence, and in the School of Law we are strongly committed to providing the very best learning experience for all our students in a friendly, stimulating and research-led environment. Southampton - as the quintessential port city and being home to many industry organisations – also offers the ideal background for your studies.
This challenging degree attracts talented students from around the world. Some already have legal training, while others come from industry backgrounds. All are looking to gain specialist expertise that will help them stand out from the competition.
You’ll join a close-knit and diverse learning community, we offer an exceptional academic experience, with small-group teaching that allows you to explore topics in depth and plenty of support to ensure you achieve your potential. In addition, our strong links with the legal profession and extensive career support will enable you to grow your networks and enhance your employability in preparation for a successful legal career.
Information for international students
If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate your English ability by meeting our Band G requirements: For IELTS, this is 7.0 overall, with minimum of 6.5 in each component. For more information on other accepted English Language tests, please see our website.
