University of Strathclyde, Glasgow - The Law School

The University

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

Strathclyde Law School in the heart of Glasgow is one of the top Law Schools in the United Kingdom. For over 45 years the Law School has sought the best ways to provide legal research and education that is relevant in a modern and dynamic world. In doing so, it has established a reputation for the highest quality teaching and research in the UK, not only in the traditional core subjects essential for entry to the legal profession, but also in a wider range of postgraduate subjects, such as construction law, criminology, human rights law and information technology and telecommunications law. The international scope of the postgraduate opportunities on offer is evident in their latest postgraduate and research degrees: International Economic Law, and, International Law and Sustainable Development.

The latest pioneering LLMs take a global approach. The LLM Degrees in International Economic Law and International Law & Sustainable Development offer a cross-disciplinary and global approach to postgraduate study, offering the option of studying non-law subjects such as economics, international management, governance, enterprise and sustainability, alongside general law studies. At the heart of the new degree programmes is the ‘field’ dissertation - the opportunity to put knowledge and skills into practice, and to base the dissertation around real issues. The new LLMs recognise that students cannot learn in isolation, and give students a uniquely real world grounding.

An outward-looking focus pervades the research portfolio of the Law School which houses several research centres including the Centre for Law, Computers and Technology, the Centre for the Study of Human Rights Law, and the Centre for Sentencing Research - which means that there are a variety of Master’s and doctoral level research opportunities.

The School is committed to excellence in both teaching and research as our recent rankings testify. We hold the highest grade possible ('exemplary') after the official independent review conducted by the Quality Assurance Agency. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, our overall ranking placed us 13th in the UK out of 67 Law Schools, and with 60 per cent of the Law School's activities receiving the highest gradings - 4* 'world-class' or 3* 'internationally excellent' - this score ranks us seventh in the UK and top in Scotland. What this means is that students are being taught by among the very best legal experts in the UK.

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), International Economic Law, International Law and Sustainable Development, and Criminology and Criminal Justice. Programmes can be undertaken over one year on a full-time basis, or, two years on part-time basis.

International Economic Law (IEL)
Today the international market place is increasingly globalised and diffuse. A unique and sophisticated system of trading and related rights and norms has developed through the policy and rule making of global institutions. The course will provide an overview of the philosophical, political and economic context in which these developments have taken place, and a thorough grounding in the key institutions, structures, rules and principles of the world trading system. Furthermore the course offers the opportunity to examine the interplay between other political and civil rights systems.

International Law and Sustainable Development (ILSD)
This programme is specifically designed for graduates who intend to work in the international development sector in management, planning or policy related areas. Specifically, the course will benefit those who need some understanding of the international legal framework and the way in which that framework can operate to limit / facilitate / constrain or shape international development work, as well as confer rights and obligations on various ‘stakeholders’.

The purpose of this Masters degree is to give graduates a solid grounding in the structures, rules and principles of those aspects of public international law that impact on sustainable development (including the Millennium Goals) and the focus will be primarily on those aspects of international law known as ‘international economic law’.

Unique to the two programmes above (IEL and ILSD) is the opportunity for LLM students to undertake a field dissertation within a governmental or non-governmental organisation. Project organisations will have an international focus, either in the UK, or more likely, overseas either in northern or southern countries. Students will undertake projects or field work in partnership with professionals in the local organisation centred around a specific area of law - this area of law will form the subject of the dissertation, enabling students to embed their research and experience within a particular local context, based around the identification of real, local issues.

Information Technology and Telecommunications Law
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.

Construction Law
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.

Human Rights Law
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.

Research Degrees
A commitment to research lies at the heart of the Law School’s mission. As a School we embrace a wide range of approaches to legal research – doctrinal, socio-legal, philosophical and historical – and produce leading research which sits at the forefront of academic and policy debates. Due to the broad spectrum of academic interest, research degrees - LLM; MPhil; PhD – may be considered in a wide range of specialist areas of law, including:

• Administrative Justice
• Competition Law
• Computers and the Law
• Criminal Law
• Criminal Justice and Criminology
• Environmental and Planning Law
• European Law
• Family Law
• Financial Services Regulation
• Human Rights Law
• International Business Law
• Legal Education
• Medical Law
• Law of Obligations
• Regulation
• Social Welfare Law
• Socio-Legal Studies

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.law.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

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

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.