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Common Law Theory and Practice LLM

Part of: Law

Queen Mary is delighted to launch a new LLM in Common Law Theory and Practice. Unique in the landscape of legal postgraduate education, this programme combines theoretical and applied study of the common law. Whether you are you are unfamiliar with the common law or have studied in a common law jurisdiction and wish to deepen your knowledge, this programme offers a contextual and critical insight into the common law and its workings.

  • It is an excellent study opportunity designed for both prospective researchers and aspiring legal practitioners.
  • You can expect to study a range of fundamental issues for common law theory and practice including the constitutional politics of common law, the relationship between common law and colonialism and imperialism, and the way private justice is approached in common law.
  • You will have the opportunity to delve deeply into central issues in common law reasoning, such as reasoning with cases, including precedent, the role of character and narrative in legal judgement, and the practice of dialogue between advocates and judges.

Study options

Starting in
September 2025
Location
Mile End
Fees
Home: £19,800
Overseas: £31,500
EU/EEA/Swiss students

What you'll study

The programme is supported by two core compulsory 30-credit modules which act as the foundation of the programme, one in Semester A and one in Semester B. These modules are:

  • Common Law Reasoning (Sem A)

This module covers 'Reporting Cases', 'Facts and Character', and 'Reasoning with Precedent'.

  • Common Law from Theory to Practice (Sem B)

This module covers ‘Common Law and Constitutional Politics’; ‘Colonialism, Imperialism, and Common Law’; and ‘Private Justice in Common Law’ across ten seminars.

In addition to these two compulsory taught modules, the programme includes a 60-credit compulsory 15,000 word Dissertation.

The LLM is research intensive, allowing students to develop their research skills, while also becoming familiar with the common law tradition.

We only allow one application from our range of LLM programmes so please ensure you apply for your main programme of interest. Please note you can request to change programme at offer stage via your MYSIS admissions portal and also request this after enrolment via the School of Law Taught Programme office.

Structure

LLM students will study either one year full-time or two years part time at Queen Mary starting in September.

You will need to complete 180 credits in total:

Full-year programme:

  • Two core compulsory 30-credit modules
  • A compulsory 60 credit 15,000 word Dissertation 

The 60 remaining taught modules can be from the list of approved modules or from the Laws LLM programme. Some restrictions may apply and  more information on this will be available at your two week comprehensive induction.

Part-time programme

90 credits per year over two years. 

Students are required to do the two compulsory taught modules in year one and normally complete the dissertation in year two.

You can also choose to complete your SQE Preparation alongside this LLM which is available for both full-time and part-time study. Find out more

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Modules

Assessment

  • You will be assessed by a range of methods combining examinations and coursework which will be fully explained in your student pack available during induction.
  • For your dissertation, you will undertake more self-directed research and writing work with the support of an allocated supervisor.

FAQs

Read our FAQs for more information about applying to us.

Dissertation

Students are required to carry out extensive research to complete their dissertation.

Teaching

During the programme, students benefit from small group teaching of a maximum of 30 students per module to ensure there is direct interaction with lecturers. A variety of teaching, learning and assessment strategies, including traditional and interactive lectures, seminar sessions, tutorials and e-learning will be used to enhance the study experience.

Students will be expected to invest a significant amount of time in independent learning, including reading materials in advance of lectures and seminars, preparing class presentations, completing assignments and preparing for examinations.

Queen Mary is proud to have strong connections with industry so that we can include visits to common law courts in London, as well as guest seminars, whether by visiting academics or practicing common law advocates and judges as part of the programme.

Where you'll learn

Facilities

  • Free access to online databases and collections including: LexisNexis, Westlaw, Justis, Eur-lex, Hein-Online and many more
  • The Postgraduate School of Law Centre in Lincoln's Inn Fields and the Graduate Centre at Mile End
  • Queen Mary’s excellent Law Library and European Documentation Centre
  • Access to the University of London’s Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS) and the Library at Senate House

Campus

Teaching is based at Lincoln's Inn Field and at the Mile End campus.

Our postgraduate law building at Lincoln's Inn Field is a stand alone home for our postgraduate law students. Perfectly situated round the corner from Holborn station and neighbouring law firms, it's a great location just a short tube journey from the Mile End campus.

Being one of the largest self-contained residential campuses in London, the Mile End campus houses the University's library and is located on the doorstep of London’s legal district. Our academics and students interact with leading legal professionals, many of whom regularly teach and take part in our seminars and conferences.

About the School

The School of Law

The School of Law is part of Queen Mary University of London, a member of both the University of London and the Russell Group. The School was ranked 7th in the UK and 32nd in the world by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, and 10th in the UK and 50th in world in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 by subject.

The School of Law has consistently been ranked in the top 10 law schools in the UK for the quality of our research and teaching, and many of our internationally recognised staff act as advisers to governments, industry and NGOs, both nationally and internationally.

The School's central focus is on the role of law and its institutions in contemporary international society. The School of Law is divided into two organisational units: the Department of Law and the Centre for Commercial Law Studies (CCLS). The School of Law hosts the largest and most diverse LLM programme in the UK.

 

Contact us

School of Law

Career paths

There is a very high rate of employment of our students within six months of graduation. We have specialist career advisers who organise events and assist with finding internship opportunities at UK and international law firms and other employers.

After graduating from Queen Mary, you join our network of alumni from over 100 countries, and get access to exclusive benefits and networking opportunities.

  • 96% of our graduates are in full time employment/further study 15 months after graduation - Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21

Fees and funding

Full-time study

September 2025 | 1 year

Conditional deposit

Home: Not applicable

Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits

Part-time study

September 2025 | 2 years

The course fee is charged per annum for 2 years. Note that fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis - see details on our tuition fees page.

Conditional deposit

Home: Not applicable

Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits

Full-time study

September 2025 | 1 year

Conditional deposit

Home: Not applicable

Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits

Part-time study

September 2025 | 2 years

The course fee is charged per annum for 2 years. Note that fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis - see details on our tuition fees page.

Conditional deposit

Home: Not applicable

Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits

Queen Mary alumni can get a £1000, 10% or 20% discount on their fees depending on the programme of study. Find out more about the Alumni Loyalty Award

Funding

There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.

School of Law scholarships

The School of Law offers a range of scholarships for Law Masters programmes each year. Full details are made available on the law funding page from October – November each year.

Other sources of funding

Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:

Entry requirements

UK

Degree requirements

A 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in Law or a degree with substantial law content.

Law graduates with a 2:2 honours degree who also have other legal qualifications and/or substantial professional legal experience may also qualify.

Other routes

Non-law graduates with a minimum second class honours degree, that have also obtained a Merit (or 60 per cent) in the Common Professional Examination (CPE) or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) recognised by the UK professional bodies, may also qualify. Non-law graduates may also be considered on the basis of exceptional professional experience (of at least five years) in a legal area or an area directly related to their programme of study.

Find out more about how to apply for our postgraduate taught courses.

International

English language requirements

All postgraduate programmes in this school have non-standard English language requirements.

For the English language requirements for this course, see programmes with non-standard English language requirements .

Visas and immigration

Find out how to apply for a student visa.

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