University of Reading - School of Law

The University

The University of Reading is ranked as one of the UK’s 10 most research-intensive universities and as one of the top 200 universities in the world. We enjoy a world-class reputation for teaching, research and enterprise. Campus life at the University of Reading has much to offer our 17,500 students. Contemporary study facilities, halls of residence, support services, cafés and bars are centrally located on one of the most attractive university campuses in the UK. All this is just a short walk or ride from the centre of Reading with its lively mix of culture, nightlife, shops and eating-places. For those preferring country pursuits, the Chiltern Hills and the River Thames are close by. Excellent transport links put Oxford, London and Heathrow within easy reach.

The Law School

The School of Law at Reading is one of the leading law schools in the United Kingdom. In the government’s 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) the School was ranked equal 11th in the UK across the assessment of all its research, and equal 7th based on the high percentage of its research rated as 4* (‘world leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’). It was rated in the top 10 law schools in terms of student satisfaction in the 2005 National Student Survey. With over 30 members of academic staff, an annual intake of 175 students, and a community of around of 30-40 postgraduates undertaking LLM and PhD programmes, the School of Law has a wealth of expertise and facilities to offer our postgraduates. The Law School is located on the main Whiteknights campus in the beautiful Foxhill House, a nineteenth century heritage-listed building that has been adapted to twenty-first century use.

The Program

The Law School offers three taught LLM programmes:

• LLM International Law and World Order
• LLM European Union Law
• LLM Advanced Legal Studies

The International Law and European Union Law programmes are associated with major research clusters in the School. The Advanced Legal Studies degree allows students to draw on the breadth of research strengths in the School to tailor a programme that meets their needs and interests.

In each programme students undertake taught modules totalling 120 credits during the Autumn and Spring terms (October – May/June), and then write a dissertation (60 credits) from May/June until September. Teaching in the LLM is mostly conducted in weekly, discussion-based classes with an emphasis on small group teaching with around 5-15 students in a group. LLM students may select from a range of around 30-40 modules each year that are offered by the Law School and other departments, encompassing subject areas within International, EU and UK law that usually include:

• Theory and Practice of International Law
• Human Rights
• Terrorism, War and Law
• Environmental Law
• Intellectual Property
• Commerce and Trade
• Labour Law
• International Dispute Settlement
• Regulation of Financial Markets

The Law School’s web pages for postgraduates contain detailed information about programmes and modules.

For candidates wishing to pursue a research-oriented career, the School offers three research preparation Masters degrees:

• M Research (Law and Society)
• MA Research (Legal History)
• M Research (Law)

In addition, the School’s PhD programme offers supervision in a wide range of fields.

The Law School provides a study environment that is welcoming and inclusive. We aim to make postgraduate study a collegial experience. All Law students will be enrolled in the Research Methods module which ensures that the cohort meets weekly in class, but the opportunity to meet less formally is also important. In term time the School hosts regular Informal Thursday Lunches for postgraduates. This is an opportunity to chat with your peers, and with academic and administrative staff, with later year PhD students, graduate teaching assistants, and often visitors from other parts of the university such as the International Office, the Student Union, or Student Services. These lunches have been a great way for students to meet, and for staff and students to get together in an informal environment.

Entry Requirements

Applicants are usually expected to have a degree at upper second class level (or equivalent) in Law or a related discipline. Where applicants do not hold a Law or related qualification then they would normally be expected to show the capacity to undertake advanced study in Law either by virtue of a strong academic record and/or relevant work experience.

International Applicants

LLM candidates at Reading come from a wide range of countries. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to meet the English language requirements. The University provides academic language support free of charge for non-EU students, including:

• Academic Writing Skills classes
• Speaking Skills classes
• Listening Skills classes
• Sessions in Language Laboratories
• Writing Advisory Service
• Tutorials

International students can find a wide range of information about language and other matters on the University’s web pages for International Students.

In a recent i-graduate International Student Barometer survey (www.i-graduate.org) international students at the University of Reading placed the learning experience at the University ahead of Oxford, Cambridge and Yale in a benchmark of 84 institutions. Individual learning elements rated in 1st place included: academic course content; lecturers who are good teachers; and advice on long term careers and job opportunities from academic staff.

Financial Aid

Among the opportunities for funding for LLM candidates is the Felix Scholarship. This competition is open to candidates who are either Indian nationals, or are from sub-Saharan Africa, and who are under 30 years of age, have at least a First class in their first degree, and (for Indian nationals) have never studied outside of India. It covers fees at the international rate and an annual stipend of £12,000. The deadline for applications is in February each year. For full details see the Law School’s web site.

Students undertaking a PhD or a research preparation Master’s may be eligible for a wider range of funding. There are currently two fees-only scholarships available for UK or EU candidates entering any of the following programmes: M Res (Law & Society), MA (Res) Legal History, or M Res (Law). Full details are on the School's website at: www.reading.ac.uk/law/pg-news/News_Events_and_Oppo….

The School often has opportunities for postgraduates to work as paid research assistants for members of faculty.

Contact us

Enquiries about LLM programmes and admissions should be directed to:

Postgraduate Admissions Secretary
School of Law, University of Reading
Foxhill House
Whiteknights Rd, Earley
Reading RG6 7BA
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)118 378 8018
Fax: +44 (0)118 378 4543
Email: law-pg-admissions@lists.reading.ac.uk
Web: www.reading.ac.uk/law