University of Strathclyde, Glasgow - The Law School

The University

Strathclyde Building

The University of Strathclyde is one of the UK's leading universities, meeting the needs of students, employers, industry and the wider community through its teaching, research and consultancy. Known as 'the place of useful learning' - an ethos which dates from its founder Professor John Anderson, who established Anderson’s Institution in 1796 as a place of education for all, regardless of gender, status or income.

Although an intrinsic part of Glasgow and the west coast, Scotland's third largest university welcomes students from 100 countries to study at Strathclyde. The University's emphasis on flexible learning programmes, new technology and innovative facilities reflects its commitment to the provision of a 21st century education that is accessible to all. There are over 200 undergraduate degree combinations and over 160 postgraduate taught courses across the five faculties.

The University's research strengths were highlighted by the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in which over 90% of staff across 44 departments achieved the top two ratings of 4 or 5. This means that they are conducting research of national or international excellence. Strathclyde is one of only six Fulbright Centres in the UK, encouraging student and staff interaction with universities in the US.

There are over 14,666 full- and part-time students. Around 11,200 of these are undergraduates and 3,500 postgraduate.

The Law School

The Law School is a modern facility dedicated to postgraduate study, and is located within Strathclyde University's city centre campus. It provides several postgraduate programmes including LLM and MSc courses in Human Rights Law, Construction Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Information Technology and Telecommunications Law (available by attendance and by online distance learning). Additionally, there are a variety of Master’s and doctoral level research opportunities.

Since its first university was established in 1451, the city of Glasgow has been hailed as an extremely powerful place of learning. Lord Kelvin, Adam Smith and James Watt are just some of history's great thinkers associated with the city's academic past. Upholding these impressive legacies, in August 2007, Strathclyde Law School was ranked 10th out of 85 in the UK in The Times Good University Guide, and 12th out of 85 in The Good University Guide.

Strathclyde University's Law School is one of the top law schools in Scotland and the wider UK. As well as achieving the top rating of 5A in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, the Law School was awarded the highest grade by the Quality Assurance Agency. Their official independent review judged the School’s teaching, learning and assessment strategy as “exemplary”. This means that all of the Law School's academic staff are recognised as being among the top experts in their fields both nationally and internationally. These very positive rankings are a tribute to the efforts of its staff and the quality and achievements of its students. They re-affirm Strathclyde University Law School's standing within the top flight of UK Law Schools.

As you decide where to embark on your LLM or MSc qualification in September (or January), there are a few other things you might like to know about Strathclyde. It’s officially a great place to study! In August 2005, The Times Higher Education Supplement surveyed 10,000 students and rated Strathclyde as the best university in the UK in terms of employment prospects, course content, teaching quality, and its welcoming and accessible location. What's more, with LLM subjects as diverse as construction, criminology, human rights, and information technology and telecommunications law - and various modes of attendance, from part-time evening attendance, to online distance learning, Strathclyde is clearly an excellent choice for academic or professional development.

The Program

Taught Master’s include LLM and MSc degrees in construction law, human rights law, information technology and telecommunications law (which is also available by online distance learning), and criminology and criminal justice. Programmes can be undertaken over one year on a full-time basis, or, two years on part-time basis.

By embarking upon the world’s most established master’s level course in Information Technology & Telecommunications Law, students from around the globe can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute significantly in the formulation and application of law in the communications age. In addition to attendance, the LLM/PgDip in IT & Telecommunications Law is also available for online distance learning study over two years. Programmes commence in September, with an additional intake in February.

The LLM/Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Law has been designed to enable lawyers and construction industry professionals to pursue their careers and simultaneously develop a specialised knowledge and understanding of the essential aspects of Construction Law.

The Masters (MSc) programme in Criminology and Criminal Justice recognises the huge challenge for politicians, policy makers and practitioners in the criminal justice, and criminal law fields, and offers an innovative and original approach to the study of crime and punishment and current research on policy and practice. The course team are developing links with universities overseas to explore crime and justice issues in other jurisdictions - making these connections with academics and students overseas is part of the wider vision of developing new ways of thinking about crime and doing justice.

With protection of Human Rights so high on domestic and global agendas, the LLM/PgDip in Human Rights Law is designed to provide invaluable training and insight into this important subject. It will be beneficial to law gradautes as well as activists, lawyers and personnel whose roles bring them into contact with the emerging human rights culture.

The Faculty

We invest heavily in our learning and teaching facilities so that you can make the most of your university experience. The Andersonian Library is one of the finest in Scotland, and offers a wide range of law reports, legislation, serials and monographs. It is particularly well provided with multiple-copy textbooks and has an excellent collection of current journals. It also has duplicate sets of key law report series, houses extensive collections in government publications and other related areas. Students also have access to a wide range of electronic information sources which can be accessed from home, including the major legal databases Westlaw, Lexis and Lawtel.

All our students have access to excellent IT facilities. Extensive resources are distributed throughout the computer laboratories and seminar rooms. We have no less than 30 computer laboratories containing more than 1,200 computers. We provide network connectivity in all student residences. There are also 140 radio hot-spots across the University allowing free wireless network access when and where you need it. And we run the largest undergraduate laptop initiative in the UK - a commitment to providing students with easy access to the most appropriate, high quality and affordable technology.

To find out more about Strathclyde’s excellent student support services – including financial, accommodation and careers advice - visit: www.strath.ac.uk/studentaffairs/

Entry Requirements

Candidates are expected to possess a first or second class honours degree from a
UK University or a qualification recognised as equivalent. Alternatively, other qualifications in a field relevant to the subject may be considered.

Students whose first language is not English will need an IELTS score of 6.5, or a TOEFL score of 600 (including the test of written English) or 250 (computer-based test).

Application Procedure

Prospective students should contact the School, or visit www.law.strath.ac.uk, to request an application Pack. Applications will normally be processed in two to three weeks, though this may be reduced in exceptional circumstances. Application deadline is normally Mid-August in each year, with courses commencing October, however, late applications may be considered if places remain on the course.

For LLM’s in IT & Telecommunications Law there is an additional intake in February.

Tuition and Fees

Up to date fee information is available from the department or by visiting www.ggsl.strath.ac.uk.

Financial Aid

The University’s student finance officer can provide advice and assistance to
students. Contact the student finance officer on +44 (0)141 548 4331 or email
s.finance@mis.strath.ac.uk.

Location

City of Glasgow

Located on the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city. The city had its beginnings in a monk’s cell when St Mungo founded a religious community in the sixth century.

Today it’s a vibrant, dynamic cultural capital, home of Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Royal Concert Hall. It is host to some of the most exciting arts and cultural activities in the world and is identified with innovative architecture, art and design, as shown by the award of the prestigious title ‘City of Architecture and Design 1999’.

Accommodation

Information about accommodation is available from the Accommodation Services Manager, Residence Services, University of Strathclyde, Graham Hills Building, 50 Richmond Street, Glasgow G1 1XP.

Postgraduate students who are new to Glasgow are given priority for one year in accommodation provided they meet all the conditions of entry (academic and financial) by 1st September in the year of admission.

telephone: +44 (0)141 548 3561
fax: +44 (0)141 548 4030
Email: Student.Accommodation@mis.strath.ac.uk
Web: www.strath.ac.uk/Departments/RESCAT/

Student Life

Clyde Auditorium, River Clyde

Studying at Strathclyde's Law School provides unparalleled opportunities to enjoy Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Located on the banks of the river Clyde, the city had its beginnings in a monk’s cell when St Mungo founded a religious community in the sixth century. Today it’s a vibrant, dynamic cultural capital, home of Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Royal Concert Hall.

Glasgow is widely recognised as the best UK shopping centre outside London with excellent business, cultural, sport and tourist facilities. It is 20 minutes from the international airport and within easy reach of Scotland’s most impressive attractions. Thanks to the warmth, vibrancy and energy of its inhabitants, experience first-hand why Glasgow is known as the Friendly City.

It is host to some of the most exciting arts and cultural activities in the world and is identified with innovative architecture, art and design, as shown by the award of the prestigious title ‘City of Architecture and Design 1999’.

In every aspect of life, Scotland is characterised by diversity. It has magnificent scenery – for which it is famous – ancient sites and stimulating cities. One of Glasgow’s great attractions is its proximity to spectacular countryside and a huge variety of outdoor activities – including water sports, walking, climbing, snowboarding and skiing.