UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON LAW SCHOOL Faculty of Social Sciences THE UNIVERSIT Y OF OPPORTUNIT Y
UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON LAW SCHOOL Faculty of Social Sciences We offer postgraduate and professional taught qualifications including MA, MSc and MBA degrees, postgraduate diplomas and certificates in accounting and finance, business and management, human resources, marketing, leisure industries management, law, and history. Postgraduate research students can apply for PhDs in areas such as human resource management, law, the First World War, international business, and discrimination law.
UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON LAW SCHOOL We have over 30 years’ experience of supporting students throughout the UK and other countries. Our expertise is respected and highly valued by important players in the legal sector. Our large lecture theatre and all of our teaching rooms are equipped with high-tech audiovisual equipment. Law students can practise the art of litigation in our purpose-built mock court room; complete with judges’ bench, witness box and accommodation for the clerk of the court and counsel, you’ll experience first-hand what it’s like in a real court. Entry requirements can be found at the back of this booklet. Full course information can be found at: wlv.ac.uk/law
COURSES • International Business Law (LLM) • International Corporate and Financial Law (LLM) • LLM (Common Professional Examination) • Law (LLM) • Law (MPhil / PhD) • Law and Human Resources Management (LLM) • Legal Practice Course (LLM) • Legal Practice Course (LPC) • Professional Practice (Top-up) (LLM) • CILEx (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) Fast Track Diploma
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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW LLM The programme provides you with knowledge and critical understanding of contemporary legal issues in international business and its environment. The programme provides an excellent basis for understanding law and global business.
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON?
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
The programme is delivered by academics who are research-active in this area and published widely in legal issues affecting business in a globalised context. The high-quality content and delivery of the course is further supported by its international pedigree.
You will critically analyse and understand the complexities arising in this specialist field, challenging and informing global and comparative perspectives. The programme examines issues such as the regulation of foreign direct investment, international dispute resolution, international transfer of intellectual property, and the World Trade Organisation, and you will engage with existing and emerging research and advanced scholarship.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY? This programme is for those wishing to pursue a career in international business law. The programme opens up avenues for careers with international organisations such as the WTO, the UN, the IMF, WIPO and the World Bank. Holders of this award may also find positions in the field of education and research including continuing their study for a PhD.
FULL-TIME: 1 year
PART-TIME: 2 years
The programme’s full-time and flexible part-time options mean that it is relevant for those already in work, as well as those aiming for a career with a legal focus within large and/or international companies.
Typical modules include: • International Business Law • International Trade Law • International Banking Law • Dissertation
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: • Law (LLM)
LOCATION: City Campus
START: Semester 1
UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON LAW SCHOOL 3
INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE AND FINANCIAL LAW LLM
FULL-TIME: 1 year
PART-TIME: 2 years
LOCATION: City Campus
START:
This programme provides you with knowledge and critical analysis of key themes of commercial and corporate law set against an international backdrop of the legal aspects of corporate and financial activity.
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON? Our course is dynamic in that it is delivered by academics that are research-active in this area as well as academics who possess practical experience of international corporate and financial law. The high-quality content and delivery of the course is further supported by its international pedigree.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY? This programme is aimed at people in the international commercial and finance sectors. The qualification also develops skills appropriate to a range of careers within allied or related areas. Whether or not you pursue a career in corporate and financial law, this degree will provide you with a set of intellectual and practical skills that will aid your career development. Holders of this award may also find positions in the field of education and research, including continuing their study for a PhD.
WHAT WILL I STUDY? Study of the prescribed modules gives students the opportunity to critically analyse and understand the complexities 4 UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON LAW SCHOOL
Semester 1 or Semester 2
arising in this specialist field; challenging and informing global and comparative perspectives. Degree content is underpinned by the significance of engagement with existing and emerging research and advanced scholarship. It will challenge your thinking and stimulate your academic aspirations in the field of corporate and financial law. Typical modules include: • Financial Services and Financial Crime • Law Relating to Capital Markets and International Banking Law • Dissertation The programme’s full-time and flexible part-time options mean that it is relevant for those already in work, as well as those aiming for a career with a legal focus within large and/or international companies.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Assessments include case study analysis, research-focused assignments, preparation of reports, simulated presentation to a corporate board, and formal examinations.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: • Law (LLM)
LLM Common Professional Examination The LLM Common Professional Examination (CPE), also known as the Graduate Diploma in Law, is the route for non-law graduates wanting a fast-track pathway to a professional law qualification.
FULL-TIME: 1 year 1 year distance learning
PART-TIME: 2 years 2 years distance learning
LOCATION: City Campus or distance learning UK-based
START: Semester 1 or Semester 2
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON?
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
Mooting and other legal skills competitions enable you to experience what it is like to be a lawyer. Our purposebuilt courtroom gives you a taste of life in a real court with purpose-built legal equipment and special acoustics. There are regular visits to the Inns of Court, and the Houses of Parliament, as well as career talks from local firms, police and other relevant organisations.
The LLM CPE consists of seven compulsory foundation modules: Constitutional and Administrative Law; Criminal Law; Equity and Trusts; European Union Law; Land Law; Law of Contract; and Law of Tort. The twoweek induction provides a background of the English Legal System.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY? This course is approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and satisfies the academic stage of legal training required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and Bar Standards Board. Our dual-purpose qualification enables you to progress onto the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), and achieve an LLM (Master in Laws). This combination is rarely offered elsewhere and may be completed in one year. The course provides you with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed in the legal profession and successful completion guarantees a place on our Legal Practice Course.
Class sessions are flexible and can be attended by a mix of day and evening classes; the part-time course usually involves two evenings per week, but day-time attendance may be possible. Teaching includes framework lectures, group-led discussions and debates, workshops, oral presentations, and independent research.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Assessment is through coursework and formal examinations.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: • Legal Practice Course (LPC) • Law (LLM)
UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON LAW SCHOOL 5
LAW LLM
FULL-TIME: 1 year
PART-TIME: 2 years
LOCATION: City Campus
START: Semester 1 or Semester 2
The programme allows you to design a bespoke qualification, equipping you with specialist knowledge and encouraging critical analysis of key themes across a varied range of specialist legal areas.
The University of Wolverhampton is very highly rated. Many lawyers commend the judgements I deliver and I think my LLM has helped me. I used the childcare provided from the University and it was good, and the tutors are very helpful. PHOEBE EVA ALVAN OKORONKWO, LAW (LLM)
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON?
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
This stimulating programme content is underpinned in many areas by internationally recognised research. It gives you the opportunity to critically analyse and understand complexities that can arise, as well as challenging and informing global and comparative perspectives.
The course will encourage you to challenge current intellectual thinking, and each module is designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills directly relevant to your chosen field.
The programme gives students the flexibility to choose a range of law modules and develop subject expertise in areas that they wish to specialise in.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY? This course is designed for those seeking career development by gaining a deeper understanding of specialised areas of the law.
Typical modules include: • International Commercial Awareness • Law Relating to Capital Markets and International Banking Law • Dissertation Undertaking the LLM (Law) expands the potential range of subjects for the dissertation element of the degree to include a broad choice of legal topics.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Primarily through coursework, presentations, examinations and a dissertation.
Upon completion of the course, you could consider further study at MPhil / PhD level.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:
The LLM modules may also be suitable for practitioners looking to obtain Continuing Professional Development points.
• Legal Practice Course (LLM)
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• International Corporate and Financial Law (LLM) • Professional Practice (LLM) by Distance Learning
LAW MPhil / PhD My time at the University of Wolverhampton has been extremely rewarding and productive. All members of staff are always willing to help and guide where necessary. Even though I am a part-time doctoral researcher, I still feel like I am part of ‘the family’, and I am so glad that I chose to conduct my research at this great institution. MATT BARNES, CURRENT PHD STUDENT
MPhil and PhD research opportunities are available in the University of Wolverhampton Law School in a number of different subject areas.
A research degree in law offers great opportunities for a career in legal research as well as pursuing an academic post.
The Law School has an internationally recognised research profile in areas such as Commercial Law, International Financial Law, Financial Law, Corporate Crime as well as International Commercial Law. In addition, the Law School has expertise in aspects of social policy and law.
You will receive guidance on research methods and skills as well as a structured supervision for your research area.
FULL-TIME: MPhil: Up to 2 years PhD: Up to 4 years
PART-TIME: MPhil: Up to 4 years PhD: Up to 8 years
LOCATION: City Campus
START: Any time throughout the year
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LAW AND HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT LLM
FULL-TIME: 1 year
PART-TIME: 2 years
LOCATION: City Campus
START:
Designed to enhance your employability within the legal and business sectors, this qualification is relevant to both national and international environments. The course is intellectually stimulating and, upon completion, you will be able to apply your skills, knowledge and understanding to situations in human resource management, business, commercial or legal sectors.
Semester 1 or Semester 2
The course adopts an interdisciplinary approach that will help you to develop your own understanding of complex and challenging business environments. The course programme is designed to provide you with legal and management knowledge and skills, including coverage on how organisations respond to changing environments, both nationally and internationally, and skills employed by leaders and managers to manage change. Skills development includes interpretation and analysis of quantitative data and numerical information for analytical and management purposes. You will be expected to undertake a dissertation in an area of legal studies or legal aspects of human resources.
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON?
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
The University has ‘recognised course status’ from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) through the module Alternative Dispute Resolution for Commercial Legal Disputes (7LW064). In addition, the modules on Human Resource Management align to the professional standards of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) so that successful completion of the course gives you the opportunity to apply for Associate Membership of the CIPD.
Modules will include:
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY? On successful completion, you may choose to apply for membership of internationally recognised professional bodies, namely, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and/or the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD). 8 UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON LAW SCHOOL
• International Commercial Awareness • International Corporate Governance • Alternative Dispute Resolution for Commercial Legal Disputes • Key Issues in Employee Relations and Employment Law • Contemporary Issues in International Human Resource Management • Human Resource Management in Context • Dissertation
OTHER COURSES WHICH MAY BE OF INTEREST • LLM (Common Professional Examination) • Law (LLM) • Legal Practice Course (LLM) • Legal Practice Course (LPC) • Professional Practice (Top-up) (LLM)
LEGAL PRACTICE COURSE LLM The course is a key part of the vocational stage of training to become a solicitor, or Member and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives for graduates who have completed the academic stage of legal training. It must be successfully completed prior to the commencement of a training contract. It also enables you to demonstrate academic legal research skills and enhanced knowledge through independent study and production of a Master’s-level dissertation.
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON? We have strong links with both local and national firms and are engaged with the local legal community. You will have the opportunity to participate in mentoring schemes; attend the University’s Law Careers Fair, practitioner presentations and workshops; as well as participate in the Law School’s Legal Advice Centre.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY?
FULL-TIME: 1 year
PART-TIME: 2 years
LOCATION: City Campus
START: Semester 1
This course prepares you for practice as a trainee solicitor and provides you with a solid foundation for subsequent practice as a solicitor. You will normally need to complete it prior to commencement of a training contract. If you decide not to go into legal practice, you will have acquired skills and knowledge that have a wide application in business, commerce and banking.
WHAT WILL I STUDY? The LPC is designed to give you a strong foundation for general legal practice. Therefore, equal weight is given to the core practice areas of
Business Law and Practice, Property Law and Practice, and Litigation. It caters for students who wish to enter either general or commercial practice. During Stage 1, which runs from September to February, you will study the core practice areas whilst developing the key legal skills you will need in practice. You will then choose three of a range of elective subjects, either linked to your chosen career path, or to keep your options open during Stage 2 from March to June. The addition of a Master’s-level dissertation enables you to obtain a higher level, Master’s degree qualification and gain specialised knowledge and insight into an area of law relevant to your intended legal practice.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? This is a professional course which is assessed primarily through open and closed book examinations, presentations and written assessments.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: • Law (LLM)
UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON LAW SCHOOL 9
LEGAL PRACTICE COURSE LPC
FULL-TIME: 9 months
PART-TIME: 2 years (evening)
LOCATION: City Campus
Since graduating, I’ve secured work at a firm in Walsall in Family Law. Without the LPC, I would have been lost; the interviewing and advocacy skills that I learnt are invaluable when in practice. I was so nervous about talking in front of others before but now I have confidence to argue my points effectively.
START: Semester 1
REBECCA TAYLOR, LEGAL PRACTICE COURSE (LPC)
The course is a key part of the vocational stage of training to become a solicitor, or Member Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives for graduates who have completed the academic stage of legal training. It must be successfully completed prior to the commencement of a training contract.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY? This course prepares you for practice as a trainee solicitor and provides you with a solid foundation for subsequent practice as a solicitor. Completing the course enables you to progress to the Master’s Degree in Professional Practice, which leads to the award of an LLM. If you decide not to go into legal practice, you will have acquired skills and knowledge that have a wide application in business, commerce and banking.
WHAT WILL I STUDY? The LPC is designed to give you a strong foundation for general legal practice. Therefore, equal weight is given to the core practice areas of Business Law 10 UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON LAW SCHOOL
and Practice, Property Law and Practice, and Litigation. It caters for students who wish to enter either general or commercial practice. During Stage 1, which runs from September to February, you will study the core practice areas whilst developing the key legal skills you will need in practice. You will then choose three of a range of elective subjects, either linked to your chosen career path, or to keep your options open during Stage 2 from March to June. The course is delivered through a mixture of large group sessions, small group sessions, online video presentations and exercises, in-class role-playing, and directed independent study.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? This is a professional course which is assessed primarily through open and closed book examinations, presentations and written assessments.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: • Legal Practice Course (LLM) • Professional Practice (Top-up) (LLM)
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (TOP-UP) LLM This programme allows students with in-depth knowledge of an area of chosen legal interest to challenge current intellectual thinking whilst developing an advanced knowledge of and ability to directly analyse their selected specialist area of law in a critical manner.
PART-TIME: 1 year 1 year distance learning
LOCATION: City Campus or distance learning
START: Semester 1 or Semester 2
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON?
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
This is a top-up LLM qualification for students who have completed a postgraduate legal vocational qualification, most commonly the Legal Practice Course (LPC). Students are given credit for 120 credits toward the LLM qualification based on the LPC or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) qualification. To obtain the LLM Professional Practice qualification, students are currently required to complete a 12,000 word dissertation worth 60 credits.
You will study a 60 credit module, advanced research methods and postgraduate dissertation. The topic of legal research may be one arising from academic interest or a legal issue pertinent to your current expertise in legal practice.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY?
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Assessment is from a 12,000 word dissertation.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: • Law (LLM) • Legal Practice Course (LLM)
This course develops skills appropriate to a range of careers within allied or related areas, and will provide you with a set of intellectual and practical skills that will aid your career development. Holders of this award may also find positions in the field of education and research, including continuing their study for a PhD.
UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON LAW SCHOOL 11
CILEX GRADUATE FAST TRACK DIPLOMA
FULL-TIME: 1 year
PART-TIME: 2 year
LOCATION: City Campus
START: The University of Wolverhampton is proud to work in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) to offer an alternative route to becoming a lawyer. You will need to complete two level-six practice units (one of which must relate to a subject area you studied as part of your law degree) and the level-six Client Care Skills Unit. Driven by flexibility, the course offers the opportunity to further your career and qualification ambitions. Being a Chartered Legal Executive lawyer is a fulfilling and rewarding career. In a law firm, you could be a partner (to share in the firm’s profits), or a senior member of staff or department head with a significant client following. Opportunities also exist for senior roles in the legal departments of commercial organisations, charities, government agencies and local authorities, and in the judiciary.
WHY WOLVERHAMPTON?
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
The University of Wolverhampton is one of only a few institutions in the West Midlands offering this route of study.
Modules offered are:
HOW WILL THIS COURSE IMPROVE MY EMPLOYABILITY?
• Contract Law
Successful completion will provide you with a nationally accredited qualification. Having the opportunity to study both law and legal practice provides not only the ability to develop subject-specialist knowledge, but also the practical skills required in today’s legal environment.
Semester 2
Semester 1 • Criminal Law • Criminal Litigation • Client Care Skills • Family Law • Legal Research Skills • The Practice of Family Law Criminal Litigation
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: • LLM (Common Professional Examination) • Law (LLM) • Legal Practice Course (LLM) • Legal Practice Course (LPC)
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Semester 2
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR TAUGHT PROGRAMMES Course
Entry Requirements
International Business Law (LLM)
2:2 Degree or above in a related subject Other qualifications and non-graduates considered on an individual basis. You may be required to attend an interview.
International Corporate and Financial Law (LLM)
2:2 Degree or above in a related subject Other qualifications and non-graduates considered on an individual basis. You may be required to attend an interview.
LLM (Common Professional Examination)
Must hold a degree. Other qualifications and non-graduates considered on an individual basis. You may be required to attend an interview. All qualifications need to adhere to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulations. For more information: wlv.ac.uk/law
Law (LLM)
2:2 Degree or above in a related subject Other qualifications and non-graduates considered on an individual basis. You may be required to attend an interview. All qualifications need to adhere to the SRA regulations. For more information: wlv.ac.uk/law
Law and Human Resources Management (LLC)
2:2 Degree or above in a related subject Other qualifications and non-graduates considered on an individual basis. You may be required to attend an interview. All qualifications need to adhere to the SRA regulations. For more information: wlv.ac.uk/law
Legal Practice Course (LLM)
Students must hold a qualifying law degree (minimum 2:2) approved by the SRA, or have passed either the Common Professional Examination or Graduate Diploma in Law or have otherwise satisfied the academic stage of training as required by the SRA.
Legal Practice Course (LPC)
Students must hold a qualifying law degree (minimum 2:2) approved by the SRA, or have passed either the Common Professional Examination or Graduate Diploma in Law or have otherwise satisfied the academic stage of training as required by the SRA.
LLM Professional Practice (Top up) (LLM)
Applicants must have completed the Legal Practice Course, or the Bar Professional Training Course. IELTS 6.0. All qualifications need to adhere to the SRA regulations. For more information: wlv.ac.uk/law
UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON LAW SCHOOL 15
University of Wolverhampton Law School Mary Seacole Building Camp Street Wolverhampton WV1 1AD Tel: +44 (0)1902 321 081 foss-pg@wlv.ac.uk @wlvfoss /wlvfoss wlv.ac.uk/law
This Faculty booklet describes in outline the programmes offered by the University of Wolverhampton. These, as well as other details, are correct at the time of going to print. However, programmes and modules can be added or withdrawn without notice. Support offered and other details are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information and list of programmes currently offered, as well as campus tours, student case studies, and lots more useful information, please visit: wlv.ac.uk/postgraduate. We regularly review our courses to ensure they reflect the needs of students and employers. Courses advertised ‘subject to approval’ have successfully completed the first stage of the approval process. We welcome applications for these courses. However, their full academic detail is subject to final approval and may change – in rare instances a course may not run. If you have applied for a course that is subject to approval, our Admissions team will keep you informed of any changes to the advertised course. By accepting an offer from the University of Wolverhampton, a legal contract is formed between you and the University. The University’s terms and conditions and the course-specific information provided at the time of your offer form the basis of this contract. Admissions terms and conditions (found at: wlv.ac.uk/admissions-terms-and-conditions) contain important information you must carefully read before accepting your offer. The University’s Policies and Regulations webpages at: wlv.ac.uk/polsandregs also contain important information about rights and responsibilities, including complaints procedures.