LLM/PgDip/PgCert Master of Laws

Distance Learning
International students can apply

This distance learning postgraduate course addresses important legal and regulatory issues. It is one of the only general LLMs in the country to be offered in this mode of delivery and it is unique in the fact that it offers a core module of Regulation and Compliance in a Globalised World. You will be able to enhance the range of interdisciplinary skills and knowledge required across a variety of legal subjects and to evaluate the impact of law across a broad legal spectrum.

The course runs over two academic years in total. You study one core module in year 1 and two option modules. In year 2 you choose one option module before moving onto the dissertation module, which is undertaken during semesters 2 and 3 in year 2. The course is taught via completely online distance learning. It uses e-based learning processes as the sole delivery mechanism. There are online lectures and seminars, with the opportunity for participation.

Year 1

One core module:

Regulation and Compliance in a Globalised World (30 credits)

This module considers the regulatory frameworks at international, regional and national levels, with the focus on current problems of developing regulatory forms in response to contemporary governance challenges. The module covers the theories of regulation, the theories of compliance and styles of regulation; all of which will incorporate domestic, international and transnational frameworks.

Two option modules from:

Legal Empowerment and Social Justice: (30 credits)

This module analyses ways in which legal empowerment relates to social justice and covers the areas of justice in development and rights, challenges to legal empowerment and aligning local, national and global mechanisms.

Regulation of Health Care: (30 credits)

This module includes the regulation of health care institutions. It outlines the importance of the Human Rights Act 1998. The impact of Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights, on the rights of a patient to obtain his/her medical records or to prevent the disclosure of his/her medical history will be considered with other issues relating to medical records and the law of confidentiality.

Methods and Application of Human Rights and Rights-based Developments: (30 credits)

The module will be based upon case studies which will demonstrate applied methods and techniques of legal empowerment in human rights and social justice. The case studies will focus on a range of domestic, regional and international institutions and legal instruments and cover such topics as; right to health, complex emergencies, women’s rights, indigenous rights, the right to food and environment and sustainability.

Liabilities of Health Care Practitioners and Authorities:(30 credits)

The UK is now perceived to be a more litigious society and liability issues have become more crucial to health care practitioners, the authorities and their insurers. This module examines the basis of liability in clinical negligence with special attention given to the complex issues surrounding the standard of care, causation and consent.

Year 2 Semester 1

One option module from:

International Human Rights Law: (30 credits)

This module is research informed and research led. It will provide sound foundations and key debates surrounding international human rights law; such as the place of human rights in the UN system and within international relations, trade, development and human rights law; non-state actors (NGOs, businesses) and human rights law.

Contemporary Procurement in Construction:(30 credits)

The module covers topics such as procurement frameworks and the understanding of alternative contractual frameworks within which relations between organisations are formed; EU procurement; public/private procurement models and recommended contractual conditions and e-procurement and the process of doing e-business.

Construction Law and the Environment: (30 credits)

This module concentrates on topics such as planning law, contaminated land, water pollution, waste law, environmental liability, nature conservation – green buildings and energy efficiency, and integrated pollution prevention and control.

Treatment of Vulnerable Groups(30 credits)

This module focuses on areas of law that make provision for care of vulnerable groups, including detained patients as defined by the Mental Health Act 1983, elderly people and children. In this regard the module covers the duties and responsibilities of the local social services authorities and the rights of patients, the elderly and children.

Law, Society and Ethics (30credits)

This module covers several important health care issues, which can only be considered in the light of societal developments, ethical and moral perceptions and the law. Issues covered include human reproduction, organ donation and transplantation end of life issues, medical research.

Year 2 Semester 2 & 3

Dissertation (60 credits) (all students)

Up to 15,000 words on a topic within any of the subject areas.

LLM/PgDip/PgCert Master of Laws

Year 1

Year 2 Semester 1

Year 2 Semester 2 & 3

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