SPECIALISING IN PACIFIC LEGAL STUDIES

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC SCHOOL OF LAW MASTER OF LAWS LLM SPECIALISING IN PACIFIC LEGAL STUDIES

2 MASTER OF LAWS (LLM) The LLM is a specialist post graduate degree designed to explore Pacific legal thought and practice. It thus reflects the University of the South Pacific's geographical location. It aims to provide students with the skills to participate actively in the development of Pacific jurisprudence, and to enhance global understanding of Pacific legal systems. ENTRY CRITERIA Candidates for the LLM must have completed the USP LLB degree, or a combined degree in the School of Law, or an equivalent qualification. The School offers two modes of LLM. The LLM by thesis only, and the LLM by course work and supervised research project. For the LLM by thesis only, admission will normally require a grade point average of 3.5 achieved across all courses passed towards the Bachelor s degree. For admission to the LLM by course work and supervised research project, a grade point average of 3.5 or a grade point average of 3.0 and a pass in LA 326 Research Project with a result of B+ or better. Students who have an LLB (Hons.) or its equivalent from another University and achieved an equivalent standard are also eligible for admission. In some cases the Post Graduate Studies Committee will take into account other factors, such as extensive research or professional experience. The subject of the thesis and dissertation (for the LLM by thesis) must be developed and defined in close consultation with relevant staff in the School. The research area is subject to the approval of the LLM Convenor who is responsible for appointing a supervisor or supervisors. If more that one supervisor is appointed, one will be designated as the Chief Supervisor. COURSE REQUIREMENTS The LLM by course work and dissertation: comprises the equivalent of four courses, and requires students to undertake the following : LA Advanced Pacific Legal Studies - the core course Plus LA A dissertation (equivalent to one paper) on a topic, to be approved by the LLM Convenor, relating to the law of the Pacific. AND At least two course from the following list: LA South Pacific Advanced Constitutional Law (awaiting formal approval) LA Advanced South Pacific Dispute Resolution (awaiting formal approval) LA Pacific Land Tenure LA Law of the Sea 2

3 LA Advanced Pacific Commercial Transactions (awaiting formal approval) LA Customary Law LA 427 Advanced Special Topic. (These special topics vary according to the availability of staff. In 2003 Advanced Intellectual Property law was offered. In 2004 Comparative Environmental law is proposed). Other courses to be advised on application. It should be noted that cross-credits may be given for suitable LLM electives from other Schools of USP or from other universities. Many of the USP courses will be made available for delivery through the Internet and hence are appropriate for part-time study by students within and outside the region. All students, other than those who have passed LA326 Research Project or who are specially exempted on account of prior experience, are required to participate in the Graduate Goals and Methods Programme ( GGMP ). LLM by Thesis only: LA 700 Supervised Thesis FEES Fees are subject to change and more precise information is available from the Bursary. Fees are made up of two components tuition fees and miscellaneous charges. The tuition costs for 2003 were as follows : LLM by thesis only Regional students Third Country Award students International students FULL TIME VT 199,600 pa VT 614,900 pa VT 799,400 pa ( $US 1,584 pa) ($US 4,880 pa) ($US 6,344 pa) PART TIME VT 99,800pa VT 307,450 pa VT 399,700 pa ($US 792 pa) ($US 2,440 pa) ($US 3,172 pa) LLM by course work and dissertation, per course of study: VT 50,350 VT 153,720 VT 200,320 ($US 400) ($US 1,220) ($US 1,590) 3

4 Regional students are those who are citizens of one of the twelve USP countries. ADMISSIONS AND ENROLMENTS! The requirements for admission to the degree are stated above. Applications for admission are considered by the Post Graduate Studies Committee of the School of Law! If English is not your first language or was not the language of instruction in your undergraduate degree, then it is required that you achieve a TOEFL score of 600 or an IELTS score of 6.5! Applicants for the LLM by Thesis may be made at any time. Applications for the LLM by course work and supervised research project must be made two months before the start of semester.! Classes begin in early February. FACILITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTSEach graduate student is provided with access to computing facilities on campus. Full time students will be provided with shared study space on campus. LAW LIBRARY The library has become a modern fully equipped research library capable of supporting a wide range of graduate studies in law. The Campus holds a growing collection of Pacific Law materials both in hard copy and electronic. Head of School Professor Robert Hughes Private Mail Bag 072 Port Vila hughes_r@vanuatu.usp.ac.fj Post Graduate Co-ordinator Peter MacFarlane Private Mail Bag 072 Port Vila macfarlane_p@vanuatu.usp.ac.fj FURTHER ENQUIRIES 4

5 RESPONSE FORM I am interested in the LLM: Name Address Educational qualifications. Please send this form to: Post Graduate Co-ordinator PMB 072 Port Vila, Vanuatu. THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC REGION 5