LLM by Research

The LLM by research involves writing a 30,000 word thesis on an area of law or legal thought of your choice under the supervision of an expert in your chosen subject area.  There are no mandatory taught courses, making this a particularly attractive route to a masters level qualification for those in full time employment or who have other commitments that would make regular attendance at classes difficult.

The LLM by research is available on a full-time (one year) or part-time (two year) basis.  It is available in any subject area in which we can provide supervision.  Details of the areas of expertise of our staff can be found here

The LLM by research is suitable for those who are about to complete or who have recently completed an LLB (and who perhaps wish to embark upon a career in legal research or improve their prospects of obtaining a traineeship) or for those who are already in employment.   It is also ideal for those considering PhD study as it is a masters qualification based purely on writing a thesis.

“I studied the LL.M by Research part-time from 2009 to 2011.  I found the course co-ordinator and support staff friendly and helpful, the flexibility of the course structure invaluable and the experience of producing a thesis of 30-40,000 words was a challenging but rewarding one.  It is very good preparation for a Ph.D but even as a stand-alone degree is worthwhile considering, as the lack of regular classes and exams makes it one where you can work at your own pace and around existing arrangements – I did mine while completing a full-time traineeship!”  

Christopher Boyd AffWS, Solicitor and Notary Public

Your supervisor will be a member of staff within the School of Law who has expertise in your subject area.  It would be normal to meet your supervisor every few weeks to discuss your research and its progress and your supervisor will also read and comment on drafts of your work and advise you when it is ready for submission.

The option to participate in courses on our taught LLM programmes is available to those who wish to do so.  Students are particularly encouraged to audit (participate on a non-assessed basis) the core course on our MRes programme, Advanced Legal Methods and may also attend the School of Law Research Methods course.

Entry is in September and January.  

Candidates for the LLM by research are examined on the basis of their completed thesis by an external examiner expert in the subject and an internal examiner. There is not normally an oral examination.
 

Professor Fiona Leverick
Programme Convenor
Fiona.Leverick@glasgow.ac.uk