Overview
This Law and Society LLM can be taken as a standalone course before undertaking PhD study.
It also forms the initial training component of the 4.5 year funded PhD (LLM plus PhD) via the ESRC Northern Ireland/North East (NINE) Doctoral Training Partnership.
This Master of Laws is ideal if you want to gain advanced research skills that will allow you to progress to PhD level study in the field of law and society. You’ll study key legal topics relevant to law and society. You can choose from a range of optional modules suited to your specific interests.
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
You’ll study governance and policy in the national, European and international context through this LLM Law. You’ll develop knowledge and expertise in:
- legal problem-solving
- qualitative and quantitative research methods
- the key principles in a variety of legal subjects
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Law and Society (Legal Research) LLM modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Thinking about Research | 10 |
| Qualitative Methodology in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences | 20 |
| Quantitative Analysis | 20 |
| Dissertation | 60 |
| Applied Research Methods in Law | 20 |
How you’ll learn
Modules will be taught by our expert academic staff over the first and second semester. They’ll use a blend of interactive in-person and online teaching sessions including:
- seminars
- Q&A sessions
- quizzes
- assessment feed forward and feedback sessions
You’ll also have access to comprehensive lecture materials via CANVAS.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Portfolio
- Report
- Research paper
- Written examination
- Written exercise
We’re committed to pursuing academic excellence. We foster an intellectually challenging and supportive environment in which our students can excel.
We regularly host conferences and seminars with internationally renowned guest speakers. We encourage you to attend these events as they cover a wide range of important legal, political, economic and social issues.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Law – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in law or any other subject.
