Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution LLM
Overview
The LLM Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution provides a unique opportunity for those seeking to build a career in civil legal professional practice, based in one of the leading litigation centres in the world. The LLM looks at how to manage litigation in a strategic and effective way, and provides a practice focused understanding of the growing importance of alternative ways of dealing with a civil dispute, such as mediation or arbitration.
The course is strongly based on a sound understanding of relevant law and rules, but the approach is very much one of using rules effectively to serve clients and to get a good outcome for a case. This will include practical matters such as costs, risk assessment, and making best use of procedural options. Seminars will include presentations on relevant topics, work on realistic case papers, and coaching in skills such as advocacy and case presentation.
This LLM could be an attractive to someone who has taken a Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) or a Legal Practice Course (LPC), but who wants to develop their understanding of practice and develop their CV. Alternatively it might appeal to someone who is working or who wants to work in a paralegal or pro bono capacity. There will be opportunities to attend guest seminars and the like to support the emphasis on career development.
It is a particular attraction that authors of well-respected books on civil litigation, evidence and alternative dispute resolution are members of staff at The City Law School.
Why the City LLM?
- Develop your knowledge and skill by taking a unique practice focused postgraduate course
- Benefit from studying in one of the major litigation and dispute management centres in the world
- Grow your knowledge and expertise in a range of specialist topics in a School that includes expert staff
- Enhance your ability to manage and conduct civil cases, building your CV
- Gain an insight into a range of methods to manage disputes effectively
Course Fees:
- Full-time EU: £9,950
- Part-time EU: £4,975
- Full-time Non EU: £11,000
- Part-time Non EU: £5,500
Entry Requirements
The City Law School accepts candidates for postgraduate study who have very strong academic potential and good English. The entrance requirement is normally a minimum of a degree in law, and evidence of at least upper second-class honours ability will be looked for. An appropriate professional qualification (Bar Professional Training Course or Legal Practice Course) and relevant experience such as pro bono work will be an advantage.
A basic understanding of the rules of civil procedure and evidence in England and Wales will be expected, and a pre-reading list will be provided for students who may need to build their background knowledge.
How do we make our decision?
In reaching our selection decisions we will take account of:
- Academic performance
- Reasons for choice of courses / career
- Evidence of intellectual ability
- References
- Relevant work experience / activity
English Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English, the following qualifications are also required:
- IELTS: 7 with a minimum of 6 in each area (we do not accept TOEFL)
Visa Requirements
The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course at City, there are different rules for:
- Students on courses of more than 6 months
- Students on courses of less than 6 months
- Students on a pre-sessional English Language course
For more information see our main Visa page.
When and Where
- Duration:
- 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Course Content
There are four compulsory modules which can be taken full time over one year or part time over two years. The modules on the course dissect and examine all aspects of preparing and presenting a civil case from the point of view of a practising lawyer. The focus is on how to work most effectively and strategically to get the best outcome for the client. Each module focuses on a particular area, but all the modules are inter-related in looking at techniques and options relating to the same sets of substantial and realistic civil case papers.Course Structure
The four compulsory modules will focus on:
- A Tactical Approach to Litigation Procedures (including making best use of interim applications, managing risk and costs)
- Techniques and Strategies for Preparing a Civil Case Effectively
(including effective drafting and collecting and preparing evidence - Advanced Advocacy and Case Presentation Techniques
- Selecting and using ADR Options Effectively (including arbitration, mediation, early neutral evaluation, expert determination etc)
Dissertation
For your dissertation you will be able to propose a topic related to one of the above modules, choosing an area of personal interest that will best support your developing career.
For example you might chose:
- Developing the effective use of mediation in divorce cases
- Current practice in ADR in commercial cases
- Recent developments in the strategic use of interim injunctions - the pros and cons of super injunctions
- Presenting evidence in a civil case - is IT a help or a hindrance?
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching
Each module focuses on realistic case papers and moves through the stages of a significant civil case, looking at practical and tactical options for litigation or alternative dispute resolution. You will attend two hour seminars with presentations and discussion of tactics and options and you will practice skills, such as advocacy, mediation and negotiation. Online work with assigned reading materials and tasks will also help you to develop your understanding.
Assessment
Each module is assessed by one 6,000 word paper. You are also required to complete a dissertation on an approved topic of your choice of 15 - 20,000 words.
Opportunities
Career Development
At The City Law School you will be given a personal tutor who will guide your academic and professional progress. In addition, you will have access to the University's Centre for Career Skills and Development.
The Profession
We regularly invite members of the profession to come into the School to talk to our students. We hold 20 events each year for intending barristers where you can talk directly to members of leading sets of chambers. We also run an annual series of careers seminars aimed at intending solicitors. These are also supplemented by the Law & Practice Forum - a series of talks including several given by solicitors in international practice.
LawBore & LawBore Pro
You will have access to LawBore and LawBore Pro - The City Law School's own legal resource portals. These give you access to the latest research materials, legislative updates, library services and study news.
Fees
- Full-time EU: £9,950
- Part-time EU: £4,975
- Full-time Non EU: £11,000
- Part-time Non EU: £5,500
Funding
For up-to-date information about tuition fees, living costs and financial support, visit Undergraduate Fees and Finance or Postgraduate Fees and Finance.
Career Prospects
The primary purpose of this course is to assist those who wish to build effective careers in managing and conducting civil cases, whether through litigation, arbitration, negotiation or mediation. With so much competition for those seeking to enter and develop a career in the legal profession, this LLM is designed to provide a depth of understanding and a range of skills that can make a real difference in building your career.
Postgraduate Experience
Students who complete the LLM may wish to continue their academic studies by enrolling in a PhD or MPhil offered by The City Law School.
Find out more about City University London
Applications can be made directly to The City Law School. You can apply online for both the full-time and part-time course. Applications open in September each year for enrolment the following September. Late applicants run the risk that the course may be full after the initial round of offers has been made. Don't miss out, make sure you get yours in early!
Full-time Application
Part-time Application
Paper Application