The CIM(BVI) LL.M. (Master of Law) programme is a one-year taught course commercing at the beginning of October each year and ending in June of the following year. The LL.M. offers highly qualified and intellectually outstanding students the opportunity to pursue their legal studies at an advanced level in a challenging but supportive environment. The course is available to students from both the common law and civil law traditions. The LL.M., as a Masters degree is intended for those who wish to pursue further legal studies after completing their first degree in law, including those who are considering an academic career or intend to practice law.

 

The LL.M. is an advanced course intended for law graduates, not an introduction to the common law. Many students coming from a non-common law backround successfully complete the LL.M., but any candidate who is new to the common law should be prepared to do supplementary work since the course is taught and examined on the basis that students are familiar with the case-law method and with the basic mechanics of the common law.

All courses are taught in English and applicants who have not done their prior academic work in English will have to satisfy a language condition to be admitted to the LL.M. course.

 

 

L.L.M. students take four papers, each of which is generally assessed by means of written examination.

 

 

 

A 15,000 words Dissertation is an essential requirement for the LLM programme. The Dissertation must be submitted within six months after the successful completion of the taught programme. The basic philosophy of the Dissertation revolves around a legal issue which merits investigation. The research should involve collection and analysis of original data or analysis of existing data in an original way and should make a positive contribution to the legal knowledge and profession.

 

 

The minimum entry requirement for the LL.M is normally a 2:2 class degree in law from a UK University, or the equivalent from an overseas institution. The LL.M. Admissions Committee does consider applications from those with a non-Law first degree, provided that in addition to their degree they have either substantial relevant professional legal experience or have obtained a professional legal qualification with the equivalent of a 2:2 result.

 

 

Each LL.M student must enroll for four papers.

There is the choice to specialize in 4 areas of law:

 

a. European Law

b. International Law

c. Commercial law

d. General Law