University of Bradford:
Postgraduate Programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Management
Department of Law
Programme title: LLM International Legal Studies
Awarding and teaching
institution:
University of Bradford
Final award:
LLM;
Postgraduate Diploma;
Postgraduate Certificate.
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 7]
Programme title:
International Legal Studies
Programme approved /
accredited by:
Duration:
1 Year Full Time
UCAS code:
n/a
Date produced:
Last updated :
July 2013
Introduction
The LLM International Legal Studies is designed to provide a challenging and
stimulating programme of study which considers law in its international social,
economic and political contexts. The four core modules studied provide you with a
detailed understanding of key global issues in law and focus on developing your
skills to research; analyse and discuss important issues in international law, in
human rights and in legal theory. They also prepare you for the final part of the
Master’s programme which is your dissertation through which you have the
opportunity to study a particular topic of your choice in detail. The optional modules
offered allow you to follow a particular interest with a focus on global or EU related
legal issues.
The programme is taught by research active staff at Bradford University Law School
who have a particular interest and expertise in the issues you will study and you will
therefore have access to cutting edge research and thinking. The LLM International
Legal Studies is not aimed at preparing you for a particular professional path, instead
it seeks to develop your critical thinking, research, analytical and communication
skills which will help you succeed in your chosen field. The programme is therefore
of interest to anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of law in a global context
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and graduates are likely to go on to pursue a variety of paths including careers in;
business, legal practice, teaching and academia.
If you have not previously studied law, you will be required to complete and pass a
two week introduction to law programme before the start of the LLM modules to
ensure that you are familiar with the basic legal institutions and sources and are able
to participate in the LLM programme from the start. We therefore welcome
graduates from non-law backgrounds who want to gain an understanding of legal
issues in their global context as well as law graduates who want to deepen that
understanding and develop their knowledge further.
Programme Aims
The taught element of the programme (PG Certificate and PG Diploma Stage) is
intended to:
A1.
provide you with detailed knowledge about law in its international
context which enables you to evaluate research and advanced
scholarship in specific aspects of legal study in its international context.
This includes the capacity to evaluate existing theories and
methodologies and, where appropriate, propose new hypotheses
A2.
develop your ability to work with your knowledge of legal principles and
apply them to new situations in order to arrive at imaginative and
innovative solutions and interpretations
A3.
Develop excellent communication skills including writing
commensurate with LLM level study and advanced scholarship
skills
In addition the Master’s level stage is intended to:
A4.
develop your advanced legal research skills, help you to gain a
comprehensive understanding of research techniques available,
together with the ability to employ suitable research methods and to
appreciate factors relevant to research design in order to facilitate the
completion of a substantial research project in your chosen area of law
in an international context
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the taught elements of the programme (i.e. the
Postgraduate Certificate stage (60 Credits) or Postgraduate Diploma stage (120
credits)) you will be able to:
LO1
demonstrate a detailed understanding, at a practical and theoretical
level, of the international context in which law operates;
LO2
appreciate the conceptual relationship between legal provisions in any
given area and their underlying theoretical and/or policy frameworks
which are context specific;
LO3
analyse complex problems, both factual and theoretical, and show an
ability to synthesise and critically assess the relevance of the law to a
considered solution;
LLM International Legal Studies (Approved 12-13MGT555) 03-12-13.docx
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LO4
carry out research using primary and secondary legal and other
relevant material and data;
LO5
evaluate arguments, assumptions and abstract concepts in order to
formulate judgements and identify a range of solutions to a given
problem;
LO6
evaluate arguments and assumptions and abstract concepts in order to
use that analysis to support your own hypotheses and suggestions;
LO7
demonstrate the capacity to work independently and reflect on your
own learning in order to identify your strengths and weaknesses and
identify opportunities for lifelong learning;
LO8
write to professional standards for an academic audience and be able
to prepare a variety of different outputs suitable for a variety of
audiences.
In addition, when you have completed the full Master’s Programme (180
credits including a dissertation) you will also be able to:
LO9
demonstrate an understanding of how the boundaries of knowledge are
extended through academic research which requires an in depth critical
exposition in an agreed area, based on the examination of primary
and/or secondary data;
LO10 demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable
to your own research and advanced scholarship and use a range of
research methods and research design in order to complete a
substantial research project.
Curriculum
The LLM International Legal Studies is made up of two distinct parts. First you will
study 6 taught modules which cover Semesters 1 and 2, then you will undertake a
research project which culminates in the writing of your dissertation. However, there
are several exit points should you decide that studying for the full LLM is no longer
possible. Although there are possible exit points once you have studied 60 credits
(Postgraduate Certificate) or 120 credits (Postgraduate Diploma) most students
enroll on the programme with the intention of completing the entire LLM.
You will study 4 core modules and two optional modules. The 4 core modules are
Global Questions in Legal Theory, Human Rights Law in a Global Context and
Advanced International Law, all studied in Semester 1; and Advanced Legal
Research, studied in Semester 2. Global Questions in Legal Theory acts as a
context module providing the knowledge and skills you will need to be able to think
about legal problems, legal principles and legal theories in a global context and to
evaluate the impact of geography, history and culture on our understanding of law
and concepts such as justice. Human Rights Law in a Global Context considers
different Human Rights instruments and their application in different contexts as well
as the theoretical debates about them and grapples with the question of what Human
Rights are and whether there is a globally accepted definition of such rights.
Advanced International Law considers both Public and Private International Law
issues, the institutions and actors involved in making, administering and
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implementing international law and addresses questions about the place of
international law in domestic legal systems and whether international law itself is
biased towards powerful western nations to the detriment of others. The Research
Methods module Advanced Legal Research focuses on paper based research using
primary and secondary sources of law and related materials. It also introduces you to
a variety of empirical material and the methods used to gather empirical data. While
you are not expected to carry out empirical research to underpin your dissertation,
you are expected to be able to understand and evaluate empirical work undertaken
by others. As such a working knowledge of issues in social research and issues in
research methodology is important.
You should then pick 2 of the optional modules offered on this programme, to study
a total of 120 credits. Please note that not all optional modules will run every year but
will be dependent on staff availability and student take up. The modules available to
you will be notified to you during Semester 1. The modules studied provide you with
detailed subject knowledge and the skills you will need to successfully complete the
final part of the LLM programme which is your dissertation. You will complete the
dissertation in Semester 2b which begins in April and runs through the summer. The
Research Methods module in particular will help you prepare for the dissertation.
The tables below show your pathway through the LLM International Legal Studies.
Postgraduate Certificate
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
Global Questions in Legal
Theory
Core
20
7
Semester 1
Human Rights Law in a Global
Context
Core
20
7
Semester 1
Advanced International Law
Core
20
7
Semester 1
Credits
Level
Postgraduate Diploma
Module
Code
Module Title
Advanced Legal Research
Core
20
7
Study
period
Semester 2
International Trade Law
Option
20
7
Semester 2
International Competition Law
Option
20
7
Semester 2
International Intellectual
Property Law
Option
20
7
Semester 2
Global Health Law
Option
20
7
Semester 2
Option
20
7
Semester 2
European Union Social Law and
Type
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Policy
The Internal Market of the
European Union
Option
20
7
Semester 2
Global Finance Law
Option
20
7
Semester 2
Module from another School*
Option
20
7
Semester 2
Type
Credits
Level
60
7
Master’s
Module
Code
Module Title
Dissertation
*
Core
Study
period
Semester
2b
You may take 20 credits from another School within the University as long as
the content of the module(s) you wish to take is relevant to the programme
and you have been given permission to do so by the Director of Studies of this
programme.
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval,
monitoring and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The learning, teaching and assessment strategy for this programme has been
developed to help you build your knowledge incrementally over the year of study and
to develop your research, critical thinking and writing skills. All taught modules
therefore have a 2 hour teaching slot available every week throughout the Semester
in which they are taught. In the early part of the programme, most of these slots will
be used as class time with lecturer input, individual and group work activities.
However, as your confidence with the material and research skills increase, you will
be expected to work more independently and will not be required to meet weekly for
each of your modules. Instead you will be set research and writing tasks, be
expected to contribute to discussions online, engage with other activities supported
through the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) or meet with your tutors to discuss a
particular task or your progress generally. You are expected to take responsibility for
your own learning and engage with the materials and ideas provided. You must
therefore prepare for all teaching sessions and take all opportunities offered to
develop your skills and knowledge.
Assessment is based on the skills and knowledge developed throughout the
programme and the LLM International Legal Studies employs a variety of
assessment methods. The assessments are all structured in such a way as to help
you demonstrate that you meet the learning outcomes of each module and the
programme overall. There are no timed closed book examinations for this
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programme and instead we use a variety of programme work assignments to
develop and test your research, critical thinking, problem solving and writing skills.
You might therefore be asked to write a traditional academic essay, to create a
portfolio of activities, to write a book review or develop a research plan. The type of
assessment for each module will be specified in the module descriptor with more
detail being available in the module handbook. Please note that where you choose to
take a relevant module being offered by a different School or department, the
assessment regime may differ from that designed specifically for this programme.
The LLM International Legal Studies aims to support your learning in a number of
ways. Firstly there is the scheduled class time and we expect you to attend all
scheduled classes. Classes all contain a variety of activities from traditional lecture
style input by the tutor to explain often complex ideas and principles, to individual
and group tasks to allow you to practice the skills and knowledge you have been
developing. In addition all module leaders provide a detailed module handbook
which includes a list of relevant reading material. The programme team also uses
Blackboard, the VLE, in order to make additional material available to you, host
discussions and provide programme related information and links. We therefore
cater for a variety of learning styles and preferences and aim to create an inclusive
and inspiring learning environment where you can engage with the material studied
in the ways most suitable to you. However, we also want you to push yourself out of
your comfort zone, learn new things and develop intellectually and personally and we
therefore hope you will engage in as many of the activities as possible. There is a
Programme Twitter account which you can follow for information @BradfordLLM
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for
Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Ord_5_PG_Taught_Awards.html
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability
to succeed on this particular programme.
Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this
learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained
within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry
qualifications.
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled
students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are
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applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact
the programme leader before you apply.
For the LLM International Legal Studies you will usually have an undergraduate
degree in a social science discipline (which may or may not be in law) at Lower
Second Class or above. If your first language is not English, you will be subject to
the University’s language requirements for entry.
If you have not studied law before, you will be required to complete and pass a 2
week introductory programme on the institutions and sources of law before the start
of the programme.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School of
the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources
to support your studies. We offer quiet study spaces if you want to work on your
own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow
students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual
guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you
organise your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus.
Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to
access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available
on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University
email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7
IT helpline available.
The Law Library can be found at the School of Management and has dedicated
support from the Management and Law Librarian. As well as offering access to key
textbooks and other materials in hard copy, the law library also subscribes to three of
the key legal databases: Westlaw, Lexis Library and Hein Online. You will therefore
have electronic access, on and off campus, to the majority of material you require to
successfully complete your programme. In addition, where tutors require you to read
material which is not as readily available, it will be made available to you though
Blackboard. You are encouraged to also consult other collections as there is
interesting and useful material on all of the topics studied available from a variety of
disciplines and you will therefore be introduced to the library as a whole rather than
just specific collections as part of this programme.
Student Support and Guidance
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by
the University and the programme team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who
is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal
concerns. Personal tutors are drawn from the LLM programme team so will have
knowledge of the programme as well as being experienced personal tutors who can
guide you in relation to general matters. You are encouraged to meet with your
personal tutor soon after starting your programme as well as periodically throughout
your studies.
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All involved in the LLM have weekly office hours during which you can go and see
them without needing to make an appointment beforehand. In addition appointments
can usually be arranged by email. You can use the drop in; and the appointment
system for both your personal tutor and in order to see module tutors for academic
queries. If you have an issue you would rather not discuss with your personal tutor
or module leaders, you can arrange to see the Director of Studies for the
programme.
Colleagues responsible for the administration of the LLM, within the Law School and
Graduate Programmes Office, are available to help you with day-to-day queries
about the Programme and act as a conduit to academic colleagues, should you have
problems making contact with them. Your first port of call for any administrative
enquiries should therefore be the Law School office located on the ground floor in
the Coach House.
The LLM programme team is committed to continuous improvement of the
programme. As part of this process, and in line with practice on other programmes
throughout the University, we ask you to provide feedback on all elements of your
experience of the LLM. This feedback plays a critical part in the monitoring, review
and improvement of the programme.
There are four main elements to student evaluation and feedback:

Regular meetings between the programme team and student representatives
at Programme Committees and Student/Staff Liaison Committees;

Evaluation forms for each subject unit (module) and the programme as a
whole;

Feedback to Module Leaders and programme teams;

Feedback to Personal Tutors, the Programme Director of Studies and the
Head of Legal Studies.
LLM students will nominate and elect two student representatives to serve on the
Programme Committee and Student/Staff Liaison Committee.
Student
Representatives’ responsibilities include:

Acting as a conduit for peer group questions and concerns and keeping peers
informed of discussions and outcomes;

Liaising and meeting with the Programme Director of Studies and Head of
Legal Studies on all aspects of the programme;

Attending Committee meetings.
There are three Student/Staff Liaison Committee meetings and two Programme
Committee meetings each year. Minutes of these meetings are published on the
LLM Blackboard site along with other information and updates about your
programme.
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Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’
Union, through a system of programme representatives and formal staff student
liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect
of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part
of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as
council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can
access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s
Union.
Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability
and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available
throughout the programme from Career Development Services, including help to find
part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies.
Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the
extensive resources on the web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring
options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of the programmes there is direct
input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially
arranged workshops.
The specific provision on this programme is aimed at developing your critical thinking
and research skills which will be useful in a variety of careers. There is no specific
input into the programme by our career service but there are several events
including talks, guest lectures and workshops offered by the career service every
semester and we encourage you to take part in those
Learner Development Unit for Academic Skills Advice
For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to improve their
marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all
regardless of degree discipline. Students can access a programme of interactive
workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to
our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide
range of online and paper based materials for self-study.
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/learner-development/
The School of Management of which Bradford University Law School is a part, also
offers the Effective Learning Service which produces a range of booklets and offers
advice through workshops and one to one sessions.
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to
everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to
help you get the most out of your time at Bradford, and is a place where you can
discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether
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these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact
the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email:
disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities, campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do
not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a
leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning,
including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly
reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation
in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme
specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme
development, delivery, monitoring and review.
For more details visit
www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity/
One of the School of Management and therefore Law School’s main aims is to
address major challenges for business and society such as global responsibility and
sustainable development. Accordingly, the School seeks to prepare students who
are able to contribute in an effective manner to debates about sustainable
development and critically appraise the relationship(s) between the social, economic
and environmental dimensions. Our intention is to nurture students who can apply
the principles of sustainable development in their professional capacity. More
specifically, the relevant topics in the modules will encourage students to be:
 aware of the underpinning principles, ethics, current issues and relevant
policies affecting sustainable development in a legal context;
 able to recognise cultural differences influencing the application of the
principles of sustainability in different jurisdictions;
 able to exercise strong leadership in establishing a culture of sustainability.
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
School of Management
Richmond Road
The University of Bradford
Bradford, BD7 1DP
Emm Lane
UK
Bradford, BD9 4JL
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
+44 (0)1274 236783
http://www.brad.ac.uk/program
mes/
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/management/progra
mmes
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The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.
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Format for the Appendices to Programme Specifications
(for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes)
Three appendices are required:
1. Curriculum map
This table shows in which modules the main learning outcomes are developed
and/or assessed at each stage.
Programme Learning Outcomes PG Certificate Stage
Stage Module
LO1
LO2
LO3
LO4
LO5
LO6
LO7
LO8
1
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
Human Rights Law in A
Global Contexts
A
Advanced
International Law
A
A
A
A
A
S
A
A
A
A
A
A
S
A
Global Questions in
Legal Theory
LO9
LO10
Programme Learning Outcomes PG Diploma Stage
Stage Module
2
LO1
LO2
Advanced Legal
Research
LO3
LO4
A
A
LO5
LO6
LO7
LO8
LO9
LO10
S
S
S
International Trade
Law
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
International
Competition Law
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
International
Intellectual Property
Law
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
EU Social Law and
Policy
A
A
A
A
A
A
Global Health and
the Law
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
EU Internal Market
Law
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
S
LLM International Legal Studies (Approved 12-13MGT555) 03-12-13.docx
A
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Programme Learning Outcomes LLM
Stag
e
Module
LO
1
LO
2
LO
3
LO
4
LO
5
LO
6
LO
7
LO
8
LO
9
LO1
0
3
Dissertatio
n
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
LO1
demonstrate a detailed understanding, at a practical and theoretical
level, of the international context in which law operates;
LO2
appreciate the conceptual relationship between legal provisions in any
given area and their underlying theoretical and/or policy frameworks
which are context specific;
LO3
analyse complex problems, both factual and theoretical, and show an
ability to synthesise and critically assess the relevance of the law to a
considered solution;
LO4
carry out research using primary and secondary legal and other
relevant material and data;
LO5
evaluate arguments, assumptions and abstract concepts in order to
formulate judgements and identify a range of solutions to a given
problem;
LO6
evaluate arguments and assumptions and abstract concepts in order to
use that analysis to support your own hypotheses and suggestions;
LO7
demonstrate the capacity to work independently and reflect on your
own learning in order to identify your strengths and weaknesses and
identify opportunities for lifelong learning;
LO8
write to professional standards for an academic audience and be able
to prepare a variety of different outputs suitable for a variety of
audiences;
LO9
demonstrate an understanding of how the boundaries of knowledge are
extended through academic research which requires an in depth critical
exposition in an agreed area, based on the examination of primary
and/or secondary data;
LO10 demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable
to your own research and advanced scholarship and use a range of
research methods and research design in order to complete a
substantial research project.
Notes:
A = this outcome is formally assessed in the module
S = this outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not
formally assessed
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2. Assessment map
This table shows the methods of assessments used across different stages and
modules:
Methods of assessment
Stage
Module
PG Cert
Global Questions in Legal
Theory
PG Dip
1
2
3
4
X
Advanced International Law
X
Advanced Legal Research
X
X
X
International Competition Law
International Intellectual
Property Law
X
X
EU Social Law and Policy
LLM
6
X
Human Rights Law in Global
Contexts
International Trade Law
5
X
Global Health and the Law
X
EU Internal Market Law
X
Dissertation
X
Notes:
1=
Programmework (including a variety of formats)
2=
Portfolio
3=
Presentation
4=
Dissertation
5=
Research Design
6=
Case Study
3. Teaching map
All modules are taught in two hour slots per week, and the module leaders are free
to use that time as they see fit. A variety of teaching methods will be employed
depending on the topic under discussion and the learning outcomes of particular
sessions.
This table shows the main delivery methods which are used across modules and
stages:
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Methods of Teaching
Stage
Module
1
2
3
4
PG Cert
Global Questions in Legal
Theory
X
X
X
X
Human Rights Law in Global
Contexts
X
X
X
X
Advanced International Law
X
X
X
X
Advanced Legal Research
X
X
X
X
International Trade Law
X
X
X
X
International Competition
Law
X
X
X
X
International Intellectual
Property Law
X
X
X
X
EU Social Law and Policy
X
X
X
X
Global Health and the Law
X
X
X
X
EU Internal Market Law
X
X
X
X
PG Dip
LLM
Dissertation
5
6
X
X
Notes:
1=
Lecture Input
2=
Group Work
3=
individual task for preparation
4=
individual tasks for follow- up
5=
One on One supervision
6=
presentations
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