In the Law School, we encourage bold, independent thinking and offer the highest quality academic experience to stretch and challenge you. We are proud of our diverse and talented students and know that you will find a place for yourself here.

Master's Level Study at the Law School

Transitioning to postgraduate study from an undergraduate degree, especially if you have returned to study after a period away or if you have come from a different country, can feel both exciting and daunting. Styles of teaching will be different from what you may be used to and there will be a greater onus on you to manage your time to complete the set work for classes, and to become increasingly independent as a learner and researcher. As a School, we’ll be there to support and guide you through these changes.

A Master's degree indicates the acquisition of not just general but also advanced and specialised knowledge of a specific area. A Master's journey is described by John Biggam as a journey ‘from directed learning to independent learning’ (Biggam, 2015:17).

On our LLM programme, you will be expected to take taught or directed learning modules in terms one and two (totalling 120 CATS) and undertake a supervised dissertation of 10,000 words (60 CATS) in term three. The dissertation will be a research project conceptualised, researched and written by you to demonstrate the culmination of this transition from a directed learner to an independent scholar.

At Master's level, we expect you to develop a more critical and in-depth approach to your study and demonstrate greater independence in your approach to learning, research and writing than at undergraduate level. We expect you to develop new ways of thinking about the law, how the law intersects with or constitutes other areas of life, including economics, politics, social relations and culture, as well as to develop a specialist mastery in your chosen field of research. We will ask you for greater critical reflection, analysis and synthesis of existing knowledge and not just repetition of facts and ideas conceived by others. We expect you to build creatively and innovatively on scholarship and practice in your field of study.

Teaching & Learning

Our LLM programmes will be mostly based on a blended curriculum which will include a mix of instruction, directed learning and self-study and be delivered in person on campus, together with online elements (which you are required to complete). Our LLM teaching will be based on three hours of in person classes, with some modules being taught through two hours in person classes and one hour of online instruction.

We have a team dedicated to ensuring all our students are well-equipped to learn in a blended learning environment. Our Library team will also be on hand to support, and you can be reassured that all essential and most recommended reading will be available electronically.

Module Selection for 2024/2025

Find out more information on our teaching, delivery and assessment formats for the modules running this year and make your module choices.

Every module in the Law School has its own virtual learning environment (VLE) called Moodle and, once you enrol, you will be able to find all the information you need for that module online. Lecturers might contact you via announcements on the Moodle page or by direct email if they have information or messages to share about the module. You should also feel free to contact your lecturer or programme director if you have any queries or concerns once teaching commences.

Dissertations

All LLM students must successfully complete a 10,000 word dissertation under the supervision of one of our academic staff. You will receive guidance on the process of dissertation research and writing in the Legal Research and Writing Skills module. In general, it is expected that the dissertation will be on a topic related to your particular degree and approved by the director of your programme. You are encouraged to begin thinking about dissertation topics as soon as possible. You will be required to submit a provisional title and dissertation proposal towards the end of Term Two. Dissertation topics should be related to a module you have studied and it must relate to the theme of your particular LLM programme. You will be assigned a supervisor. You will be expected to attend a LLM Dissertation Workshop on Thursday 22 May 2025 and research and write your dissertation throughout term three under the guidance of your supervisor.

Learning Key Legal & Academic Skills

Visit the Legal Research & Writing Skills page to learn more about developing key skills to be successful whilst studying law.

Finding your Teaching Rooms

The Law School is situated in the Social Sciences Building and based next to the Library on the main campus and about a two minute walk from the Piazza.

Your first point of call for most initial enquiries is the Warwick Law School Reception, which is located in room S0.07C and at the entrance of the Law School.

How to Decipher Room Numbers

Most University room numbers are in three parts each of which conveys information.

For example, to find S0.07C: S= Social Sciences Building, 0= the ground floor (0 = ground floor, 1 = first floor etc.), 07C = the room number

The Law School offices are shared between the ground, first and second floors of the Social Sciences Building. Rooms in the Law School often begin with the letter ‘S’. Each room has on its door the name of its occupant or function.

Classes can take place in a variety of areas across campus so make sure you keep a campus map handy for the first few weeks whilst you’re getting orientated. Alternatively, the University of Warwick’s interactive campus map is a great way to find your location and help plan your route, and you can even view floor plans of various buildings. Please note that it is your responsibility to find the locations of your classes and to ensure you arrive at them on time.