Programme structure and approach to learning
The Law Society of Ireland’s Diploma Centre offers this innovative LLM Advanced Legal Practice in partnership with the Leeds Law School at Leeds Beckett University , which provides you with the opportunity to use your solicitor qualification as a building block to achieve a recognised academic qualification.
The programme provides the ideal opportunity for professional development in a specialised area of law. Candidates undertake in-depth study of an agreed legal topic under individual tutor supervision. The programme starts with an induction day, followed by self-paced, independent research under supervision. Supervisors are drawn from a panel of subject-matter experts, comprising both internal Law Society staff and senior external practitioners/academics. The programme lasts for one year – a timescale designed to allow students the flexibility to complete the LLM in keeping with their work commitments.
The programme focuses on legal research and coherent presentation of legal research in a written form. You will begin by attending a course induction day during which the dissertation module of the programme will be introduced. This module is not assessed, but is designed to update your writing and research skills. For the remainder of the programme, you will complete a dissertation of 15,000 words.
The dissertation is the sole assessed element of the programme. The topic of study is of your choosing, but generally must relate to an area of Irish law, and there must be an appropriate tutor available to support you.
The dissertation module includes the following units of study:
- Exploring the research idea,
- Developing the research idea,
- Methods and methodology,
- Literature review.
Fee
If the programme is not completed within the timeframe an extension fee will apply. Discounts do not apply to Masters and doctoral level programmes offered in partnership with Leeds Beckett University and fees are due in full upon registration.
