Cardiff Law School Postgraduate Programmes
Contents Welcome from the Head of School 1 Cardiff: The City 2 Cardiff: The University 4 Accommodation 6 The School 8 What you can Study 10 Professional Legal Training: LPC, BPTC, GDL and LLM Legal Practice 10 LLM Canon Law 10 LLM European Legal Studies 11 LLM Governance and Devolution 12 LLM Human Rights Law 12 Enquiries Email: law-pg@cardiff.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)29 2087 6102 Fax: +44 (0)29 2087 4097 Stay connected www.facebook.com/ cardifflawschool www.twitter.com/cardifflaw LLM International Commercial Law 13 LLM Law 14 LLM Law and Governance of the European Union 15 LLM Legal and Political Aspects of International Affairs 16 LLM Legal Aspects of Medical Practice 17 LLM Shipping Law 17 LLM Social Care Law 18 Research 19 Postgraduate Research Programmes (MPhil/PhD) 19 International Students 21 Funding your Postgraduate Study 22 This document can also be made available in large print (text), braille and on audio tape/cd. To request an alternative format, please contact Laura Roberts, Tel: +44 (0)29 2087 4839 Email: RobertsL9@cardiff.ac.uk Entry Requirements and Fees 23 How to Apply 24 How to Find Us and Points of Contact Inside Back Cover
Welcome to Cardiff Law School The Law Building home to Cardiff Law School Cardiff Law School is home to a vibrant postgraduate student body. Ranked 7th in the UK in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, we are committed to maintaining our international reputation for both teaching and research. We have a diverse postgraduate portfolio covering a range of legal issues from International Commercial Law to Social Care Law. The School occupies a substantial building on the Cathays Park campus, close to the law courts, barristers chambers, major law firms and Welsh Government offices. It is also close to the Students Union and the highly rated University sports complex. The Postgraduate Centre, opposite the Law School building, contains fully equipped offices for our postgraduate research students, is the location for much of the LLM teaching, and also houses social space for all postgraduate students. Through our Centre for Professional Legal Studies, we provide the highly regarded Bar Professional Training Course and the Legal Practice Course, which has consistently received the Solicitors Regulation Authority/Law Society s highest rating, for students who wish to qualify as either barristers or solicitors of England and Wales. Graduates on these courses can now upgrade their qualification to Masters level via the LLM in Legal Practice. For those with a non-law degree who wish to pursue a legal career, we also offer the Graduate Diploma in Law which can be studied on a full or part-time basis. I look forward to welcoming you to Cardiff and I am sure that if you decide to study here, your time with us will be both educationally and socially rewarding. Professor Dan Wincott Head of Cardiff Law School Professor Dan Wincott... a diverse postgraduate portfolio covering a range of legal issues from International Commercial Law to Social Care Law. 1
Cardiff: the Capital City of Wales The University is surrounded by attractive parkland and is adjacent to Cardiff Castle and the city centre 2
Cardiff is a thriving and attractive city which is widely recognised as an outstanding place in which to live and study. Location Cardiff is located on the coast of South Wales, which has beautiful national parks and beaches only 30 minutes away. Cardiff is approximately 230km (145 miles) west of London and is easily accessed by train in about 2 hours. Cardiff has excellent transport links (ranked 1st in the UK for the most transport friendly city) with an international airport that has flights to many cities in Europe. The Perfect Student City Cardiff is a small city with a population of about 320,000 people. Approximately 20% of the population are students, which makes it safe, friendly and affordable (see pages 8-9). Cardiff, however, is also a capital city with all the culture, sports, shops, entertainment, work opportunities and atmosphere you would expect of a modern European metropolis. With its distinctive character, good quality of life, and growing national and international reputation, it hosts many high-profile sporting and cultural events, including international rugby, soccer, cricket and motor sport, Cardiff Singer of the World and the UK s largest free summer festival. Home to the world-renowned Welsh National Opera, it boasts prestigious concert venues such as the Wales Millennium Centre, St David s Hall and the Motorpoint Arena, as well as the iconic Millennium Stadium, the National Museum and Gallery of Wales, several theatres and the historic Cardiff Castle. Cardiff is the location for award-winning television productions, including Dr Who, Sherlock, Torchwood and Casualty, and the Dr Who Experience in Cardiff Bay is a popular new attraction. This means you get a small inexpensive city you can easily walk around, but also an exciting city where there is always something to do. To find out more about the city of Cardiff visit: www.whycardiff.com A Diverse, International City Cardiff was one of the UK s first multicultural cities and an estimated 94 languages are spoken here. This is a real benefit for international students because many of the food and ingredients you have in your country are also sold in Cardiff. You can also be assured that there are many religious and cultural facilities across the city, including mosques, synagogues, churches and temples. 12 Facts About Cardiff Cardiff University is in the city centre of Cardiff. Cardiff Airport has more than 30 flights a day to UK and European cities. Cardiff is only 2 hours from London by train. Cardiff has a new 675 million shopping centre in the city centre. Voted the UK's seventh best nightlife city in 2011 by TripAdvisor users. Cardiff has a 70,000 seated stadium, an international sports village and a football league soccer club: Cardiff City FC. Cardiff has more than 330 parks and gardens. Cardiff was one of National Geographic s top 10 summer destinations 2011. The popular TV shows Doctor Who and Torchwood are filmed in Cardiff. Cardiff will be the European capital of sport for 2014. Named as 6th best shopping destination in the UK. Home to Europe s oldest living language, Welsh is spoken by 20% of the population, but don t worry everybody speaks English! Weather in Cardiff The average temperature in Cardiff in Winter is 7 C, and in Summer temperatures can reach up to 30 C. With four seasons, the weather in the UK is generally unpredictable and can vary considerably, however, Cardiff experiences less rainfall than other areas of Wales and is consistent with the rest of the UK. 3
Cardiff: the University The Glamorgan Building 4
Cardiff University has an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research, built on a history of service and achievement since 1883, and recognised by our membership of the Russell Group of leading research-led universities. A History of Achievement The University was founded in 1883 when it was granted its own Royal Charter. Today, Cardiff is a member of the Russell Group, the UK s top 20 research intensive universities. It attracts students from more than 100 countries and substantial research funding from the Research Councils, public bodies, industry, commerce and other sources. Cardiff University has celebrated a number of notable achievements during the past few years. Foremost among these was the award of the Nobel Prize for Medicine to Professor Sir Martin Evans of the School of Biosciences; Sir Martin becoming Cardiff University s second Nobel Prize winner, joining Professor Robert Huber of the School of Chemistry. The University was also awarded its fourth Queen s Anniversary Prize an award which recognises universities and colleges across the UK for work of outstanding excellence. Looking to the future, further increasing partnerships and collaboration are central to the University s mission to be a worldleading university; both internally through interdisciplinary teams and externally, through links with organisations of all types, nationally and internationally. Location The University s Cathays Park campus is located in and around the impressive Portland stone buildings, parks and wide tree- lined avenues that form Cardiff s attractive civic centre. The majority of academic schools are located here - just a few minutes walk from the city centre. The four academic schools offering healthcare courses (excluding Optometry and Pharmacy) are based at the Heath Park campus, approximately one mile away, which is also home to the University Hospital of Wales. Facilities Although dating from 1883, Cardiff is focused on the 21st century, and has modern state-of-the-art buildings and facilities. The University has invested 200 million in its estate in recent years and most academic schools have benefited from major refurbishment, including new and well-equipped laboratories, lecture theatres, libraries and computing facilities. The Graduate Centre Our Graduate Centre is a unique facility for taught and research postgraduates. It complements our academic schools by offering additional resources of space, study and social facilities, workshops and events for students during their time on taught or research postgraduate programmes at Cardiff. Through its facilities and programmes, the Centre addresses the needs of postgraduate students and contributes to the development of a strong postgraduate community. The Graduate Centre is located on the third floor of the Students Union Building, directly opposite the Main Building on Park Place (Cathays Park Campus). The Centre operates throughout the year, including opening on some bank holidays. Opening hours are from 8.00 am until 12 midnight, Monday to Friday; and from 12 noon until 12 midnight, Saturdays and Sundays. The hours of opening are shorter during the summer period, closing at 10pm mid-july to mid-september, reflecting reduced demand through these months. There is wireless access to the University s computing network throughout the Graduate Centre and a dedicated computer room with 35 networked terminals, printers, scanner and photocopier. Five meeting rooms provide space for training workshops, project groups, seminars and presentations. A Reading Room offers individual quiet study space for up to 35 people. The Lounge provides informal meeting space for group study, as well as additional computers for checking email. The Café Bar hosts regular quiz nights and film screenings and is a modern, comfortable social space where postgraduates can relax, meet friends and watch television. It can also be booked for postgraduate-led events. A variety of social and academic-related events are planned during the year, including a welcome programme at the start of each academic year to help new students meet each other and settle in. Social events range from film screenings to day trips and students are encouraged to become involved in the planning of activities. Postgraduates are also involved in the management of the Graduate Centre, which is a joint project between the University and the Students Union. The Graduate Centre's website (www.cardiff.ac.uk/gradc) is updated frequently and is an excellent source of information about our events and facilities. You can also find us on Facebook (The Graduate Centre Cardiff University) and join in with the network of other postgraduate students at Cardiff. The Centre's email address is: grad-centre@cardiff.ac.uk 10 Facts About Cardiff Ranked 15 in the UK and top 1.5% in the world. Cardiff University is a member of the elite Russell Group top 20 UK research-led universities. The University teaches more than 28,000 students from more than 110 countries. Employment rates for Cardiff University s international graduates are 10% higher than the UK average. Accommodation in University residences is guaranteed for most international students and is within walking distance of the University. The University has 18 libraries, 28 IT suites, a Wi-Fi enabled campus and more than 1.5 million books. The University is on two campuses at the very centre of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Cardiff is only 2 hours from London by train. Teaching at the University was given the highest possible award in the last UK Government review. The University s degree programmes are also recognised by more than 40 professional bodies. The University generates more than 100 million annually from research grants and contracts. The University President Professor Sir Martin Evans FRS, is a Nobel Prize winner for Medicine. 5
Accommodation International/EU postgraduate students are guaranteed a single-occupancy place in University residences for the full duration of your studies. This is providing you apply through the normal admission and allocation process, and re-apply for residences each year through the overseas returners process. Your Guarantee of Accommodation We know that where you live is very important to you. You will want to settle quickly and live in a secure, well-located, sociable location that is also a suitable study environment. This is why Cardiff University provides all international/eu postgraduate students a guarantee of accommodation in one of our highly-ranked University residences. The University has 14 residences, each with different facilities, in different locations and at different costs. All international/eu postgraduate students are guaranteed a single occupancy place in University residences, providing they submit an online application and make a pre-payment by the specified deadline. Living in a university residence provides an opportunity to meet and get to know students from a variety of backgrounds, studying a range of different subjects. Your choices include: single or mixed gender accommodation. private or shared bathrooms. About 70% of University residences have private bathrooms (called ensuite ). self-catered, part-catered or fully catered (with vegetarian options). a variety of social and sporting facilities. You will have your own study bedroom. Cardiff University does not have shared rooms or dormitories. There is a very limited supply of residences suitable for couples and families. We are therefore unable to guarantee this type of residence and priority in the allocation process is given to students coming from overseas for their first year of study. You should not bring your family to Cardiff until suitable accommodation has been secured. Close to the School Cardiff s residences are very well located, with many residences being a short distance from the Queen s building complex in which the School of Computer Science & Informatics is located. The majority of students are able to easily walk or cycle to their lectures everyday. The table below gives the approximate walking times from three residences to the School (see table below). Safe and Supportive One of the advantages of University residences is the support you are offered. Each residence has a network of residences staff, student wardens and security staff that provide 24 hour assistance. Only students, guests of students and staff are allowed on University residences sites. This makes them safe and secure. 6 www.cardiff.ac.uk/jomec
What do University residences provide A typical apartment in University residences could include 6 study bedrooms, each with their own bathroom. Six occupants would share a kitchen. Every student has their own bedroom. Each room has a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe and storage. You won t need to buy additional furniture. Also Halls of Residence bedrooms are connected to the University network and highspeed internet. In your flat you will have access to a shared kitchen/dining room. This area includes a cooker, refrigerator, sink, table and chairs. If you choose ensuite you will have your own bathroom with shower. How Much Do University Residences Cost? The cost of residences depends on several factors, including the residence you choose, length of stay, meal options and whether you want private bathroom facilities. University residences are very good value as the cost includes water, electricity, security, furniture and internet access. As everything is included in one price, it helps you more easily budget. For the 2012/13 year self-catering residences ranged from 71 125 a week. Part/fully catered residences ranged from 86 110 a week. Rooms with private bathrooms are generally more expensive than rooms with shared bathrooms. Private Sector Accommodation For students who wish to rent privatelyowned accommodation, there is a great choice of accommodation available for rental in the city including a good variety within walking distance of the University and city centre. The University s Residences Office can help by providing you with lists of properties that are currently available to rent. Detailed advice on tenancy agreements and other aspects of living in private sector accommodation is made available via the University s Student Support Centre or the Students Union Advice and Representation Centre. The Students Union also runs a letting agency, details of which can be found at: www.cardiffstudentletting.com If you are looking for private accommodation you should arrange to visit Cardiff before the start of term as it is not advisable to arrange such accommodation either by post or telephone. When you come to Cardiff for this purpose, you can take advantage of low cost accommodation in our halls provided your visit is outside term-time and that you arrange this with us in advance. Details can be found at: www.cardiff.ac.uk/summer How Does Cardiff Compare with Other Places? Cardiff has many advantages which make it a cheaper place to study than other university cities. These include: Cardiff is a compact city and the University is in the middle therefore you won t have far to travel between the University, city centre shops and your accommodation. Cardiff is also very flat making it easy to walk or cycle around. You won t need to spend money on buses or taxis. Cardiff council runs bicycle and car sharing schemes. This will make it even easier for you to get around without large extra costs. Cardiff is also one of the most affordable of the traditional university cities. The table below compares the Russell Group of Universities, and the average cost of rent for students per week and per month. Cardiff is almost 20 cheaper a month than the average UK student rent, and a massive 198 cheaper a month than rent in London. This does not include other items such as food and entertainment, which are also significantly more expensive in other cities, especially London. Living Expenses For the 2012/13 session the University estimated that a single student in Cardiff would need 877 a month. These estimates are based on the actual experiences of students living in Cardiff. This means for the year that a postgraduate student (September June) needed 9,811 a year. These estimates include accommodation, bills, food, books, clothes, travel, telephone and social expenses. If you are intending to bring family members, such as a spouse or child, you will need to have at least an extra 400 a month for each family member. Voted Top 5 for accomodation whatuni.com 7
The School 69 Park Place is home to the Law School s Postgraduate Centre Teaching and Learning For all programmes, students are encouraged to work independently to seek out legal materials for themselves, to read and analyse these materials critically and to present structured and reasoned argument under the guidance of their tutors and supervisors. By studying modules from one of the specialised programmes and completing the dissertation in that area, students can tailor their studies to their own professional and/or employment needs. Alternatively, students may pursue the general Masters of Laws by studying any of the approved modules and completing a 15,000 word dissertation in a subject of their own choice approved by the School. The dissertation provides an opportunity to research a legal topic of particular interest to you. All students are provided with training in postgraduate research skills to develop their independent legal analysis, research and writing. Completion of the LLM programme meets the CPD requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board. Depending on the programme and the particular module, teaching methods comprise a mix of lectures and seminars, individual and joint written and oral presentations and distance learning. All modules are supported by extensive IT provision available on and off campus. Modules are typically led by staff actively engaged in research relevant to their subject matter. The majority of modules are assessed through an essay or another approved method. In addition, students will complete formative (non-assessed) work on which they will be given feedback. Please note that modules can change from time to time; please check our website for the most up to date information. Postgraduate Awards Students who successfully complete Stages 1 and 2 of the LLM programme will be eligible for the award of the degree of Master of Laws; for both Stages of the programme the pass mark is 50%. Students who obtain an overall mark of 70% or above will be eligible for the award of the degree with Distinction; students who obtain an overall mark of 60-69% will be eligible for the award of the degree with Merit. Students who successfully complete Stage 1 (120 credits of study) but who do not proceed to or complete Stage 2 of the programme, may be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma as appropriate to their chosen programme. Students who successfully complete 60 credits of study but who do not otherwise complete Stage 1 of the programme, may be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate. Student Feedback At the Law School we aim to respond quickly whenever we can to any matters that arise during the year. Students are encouraged to speak informally to their tutors about any matter that is affecting their studies. Personal matters are treated in confidence. The Board of Postgraduate Studies has responsibility for both the LLM and the research degree programmes. The board usually meets three times a year. It comprises the academic staff engaged in the programmes and has a student representative for each LLM programme and a representative for postgraduate researchers. At the start of each academic year students are invited to select their own representatives for that session. In addition, the Law School provides more formal opportunities for student feedback. These include questionnaires requesting feedback on modules and the LLM as a whole as well as meetings with students on particular programmes. 8
More online at: Library Cardiff Law Library is one of the largest in the UK and has over 100,000 volumes with subscriptions to over 200 current periodicals and law reports. It is conveniently located in the Arts and Social Studies Library, close to the Law Building. Students can borrow up to 12 books at any one time, with a standard loan period of up to three weeks. Heavily demanded books, such as recommended texts, may be borrowed for shorter periods. In addition, electronic databases and retrieval systems such as Westlaw UK, Lexis Library and HeinOnLine facilitate access to many other major reports and journals. Law Library staff are on hand to offer specialist research assistance, including one-to-one and workshop training in information searching and mediated literature researches. The Arts and Social Studies Library contains group study rooms, a cyber lounge, an open-access PC area and a spacious graphics unit. Computing The University has a resource centre, very close to the Law School, which contains 260 networked stations. The Law School provides additional facilities for students and complements the computing laboratories within the Law Library. As a result, every student normally has free access to appropriate computing facilities at all times. Cardiff Law School delivers a range of materials and learning resources via Learning Central, an internet-based e-learning system which can be accessed by students anywhere, anytime. There is also a dedicated student intranet, which enables students to access information relating to their studies and upload coursework electronically. Experience Law in Action The Cardiff Law School Pro Bono Scheme strives to enable better access to justice for those who might not otherwise achieve it by facilitating the provision of pro bono legal services by law students. Our two most well-established schemes are our Innocence Project and NHS Continuing Healthcare Scheme. Both of these have won prestigious national awards and help by assisting members of the community and vulnerable groups with matters for which there is in reality no legal aid. We are constantly developing and extending our pro bono opportunities for students, and our portfolio will continue to grow. www.law.cf.ac.uk/probono All students are provided with training in postgraduate research skills to develop their independent legal analysis, research and writing. 9
What you can Study Cardiff Law School offers four types of postgraduate courses. 1. Postgraduate Taught Study We offer a number of specialised postgraduate taught programmes leading to the award of the degree of Masters of Laws (LLM). Students can also pursue a general LLM in Law by choosing from any of the available modules. LLM Canon Law LLM European Legal Studies LLM Governance and Devolution LLM Human Rights Law LLM International Commercial Law LLM Law LLM Law and Governance in the European Union LLM Legal and Political Aspects of International Affairs LLM Legal Aspects of Medical Practice LLM Shipping Law LLM Social Care Law With the exception of the LLM Canon Law and LLM Legal Aspects of Medical Practice, all courses are available both full and part-time. Please note that modules are subject to availability, please check our website for latest details. 2. Postgraduate Research Study We offer opportunities for both full and parttime study leading to the degrees of MPhil and PhD. Students may study in a wide range of subjects with expert supervision in a supportive academic environment. It is also possible to conduct interdisciplinary research co-supervised by another School in the University. 3. Professional Legal Training Cardiff Law School is home to the Centre for Professional Legal Studies, the leading provider of legal training in Wales. The Centre is one of a handful of providers validated by the professional bodies (the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board) to offer the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) for students wishing to qualify as solicitors or barristers. Cardiff s LPC has consistently achieved the Solicitors Regulation Authority s highest grading and our BPTC is strongly supported by the local Bar and Judiciary. If you have a degree or equivalent in a non-law subject and would like to qualify as a solicitor or barrister, you can take the Graduate Diploma in Law at Cardiff to satisfy the academic stage of legal training. The GDL may be studied in one year on a full time basis or two years part-time. Following successful completion of a BPTC or LPC, you can also upgrade your qualification to Masters level via the LLM in Legal Practice. This is a 60 credit (dissertation only) module which can be pursued part-time or by distance learning. Through its Professional Development Unit, Cardiff provides other courses for the legal profession, such as the Police Station Representatives Accreditation Scheme, and the Criminal Litigation (Duty Solicitor) Accreditation Scheme. 4. Continuing Professional Development Programme The Law School offers a Continuing Professional Development programme for professionals wishing to study Masters level modules as single units, with the opportunity to progress to a full LLM (Masters degree). LLM Canon Law Introduced in 1991, it is the first degree of its type at a British University since the Reformation. It provides an opportunity for postgraduate study in the canon law of the churches of the Worldwide Anglican Communion, particularly that of the Church of England, and the Roman Catholic Church and the law of the State applicable to these churches. The degree, a response to the practical need for scholarly study of church law, provides academic training, but with a substantial emphasis on practical application. The degree is research-led and has attracted students of the highest quality, including secular and ecclesiastical judges, university academics, barristers, solicitors and clergy from both the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches. Students must complete four modules (one assessment for each module comprising a 5,000 word essay or another approved method) and a dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words). All four modules on the Canon Law course are compulsory. Modules Conceptual Foundations and Historical Development of Canon Law Doctrine, Liturgy and Rites in Canon Law Government and Ministry in Canon Law The Interface of Canon Law and Civil Law Key Features: Taught by means of lectures and seminars on eight residential weekends held at St Michael s College, Llandaff, Cardiff. Unique coverage of comparative canon law, including its theological and historical foundations. Taught by leading scholars and practitioners in the field. A diverse student body made up of practising lawyers, clergy, judges and academics. Strong links with the highly active Centre for Law and Religion. Before 2008-9 the worldwide Anglican Communion had no global legal framework for its 44 autonomous churches with their 80 million members. Historically, the Communion has been maintained by bonds of affection. This is changing. There are now the Principles of Canon Law Common to the Churches of the Anglican Communion (2008), and the Anglican Communion Covenant (2009) is currently before each church for ratification. A major contribution to these two developments is the research papers, publications, and drafting of Professor Norman Doe at Cardiff Law School he originally proposed these two initiatives and was involved directly in their development globally. 10
LLM European Legal Studies More online at: Increasing interactions between different European countries and their legal systems, and the construction of wholly new transnational and supranational legal orders in Europe have led to growing demand for lawyers who can interact with legal systems other than their own. Depending on the interests and orientations of students, the legal systems studied as part of the European Legal Studies LLM programme can be both national, through comparative study of different state systems, as well as supranational, looking at the work of the EU. The programme offers students an opportunity to develop their own perspectives on legal Europe. Career wise, the legal skills and understanding which students can attain through the programme can be usefully deployed in modern legal practice, in European, international and governmental organisations, or in legal research. European Commission in Brussels Students must complete four modules (one assessment for each module comprising a 5,000 word essay or another approved method) and a dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words). Students must study two modules from the selection of European Legal Studies modules. Their other modules may be drawn from the modules listed in any other LLM programme or from a combination of programmes. Modules Comparing European Legal Traditions Competition Law Constitutionalism in Central Europe Criminal Justice in Europe Environmental and Climate Change Law European Union Law and Governance European Union Substantive Law Intellectual Property: Copyright and Related Rights Intellectual Property: Patents, Trademarks, Designs and Confidential Information Public Law in Europe Key Features: Students benefit from the multiple activities such as seminars, guest lectures and workshops organised by the Law School s Centre for European Law and Governance, recognised by the European Commission as a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence. Career wise, the legal skills and understanding which students can attain through the programme can be usefully deployed in modern legal practice... Ken Wilson LLM European Legal Studies Over many years in private legal practice I saw how EU law impacted and shaped huge areas of our business and the lives of our clients. This gave me a desire to study and pursue the subject in greater depth. At the same time I was reluctant to overspecialise. I investigated a number of University LLM programmes but found few, if any, that rivalled the choice and flexibility of the modules offered by Cardiff. A visit to the School and discussions with Dr Jo Hunt the programme leader, the support staff and current postgraduate students confirmed that Cardiff was ideal for me. The course has been informative, enlightening, challenging and thoroughly enjoyable. It is enriched by additional seminars, lectures and round-table discussions led by specialists from within the Law School, other departments of the University and beyond, helping to place the subjects studied in a larger inter-disciplinary and political socio-economic setting. I embarked on the degree with an open mind. Whatever future direction I follow I am sure that I will do so with enhanced skills, knowledge and insight gained on this programme. 11
LLM Governance and Devolution The LLM Governance and Devolution programme explores the structural changes to the constitutional arrangements of the United Kingdom. The most obvious of these are the creation of legislative and executive bodies in Scotland and Wales, together with a resumption of devolved government in Northern Ireland. The course will explore the opportunities and tensions created by these innovations and will also explore the less public shifts in the relationships between the three branches of government. Issues concerning accountability, democratic engagement and what constitutes good governance are explored to give an understanding of the broader relationships between the regions and tiers of government / governance at the state and EU levels. Students must complete four modules (one assessment for each module comprising a 5,000 word essay or another approved method) and a dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words). Students must study two modules from the selection of Governance and Devolution modules. As well as modules taught in the Law School, a module in Politics offered by the School of European Languages, Translation and Politics is available to students on this programme. Modules Constitutionalism and Governance The Law of Devolution in Wales Key Features: Offers close contact with the devolved institutions in Wales: the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Government. Students will benefit from the activities of the University s Wales Governance Centre. The course will explore the opportunities and tensions created by these innovations and will also explore the less public shifts in the relationships between the three branches of government. LLM Human Rights Law Over the last 50 years, the human rights revolution has had a huge impact on virtually every state. Throughout the world, global and regional human rights treaties are infusing domestic legal codes and reconfiguring many civil law and common law principles. The LLM Human Rights Law programme critically analyses the domestic and international impact of the major UN and European Conventions both civil and political as well as the socio-economic and cultural. It aims to provide a sound knowledge of the theory and the legal rules applicable to international human rights treaties and their domestic counterparts. Course participants will be drawn from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines. Although it will be of particular interest to students and advocates wishing to study this subject at Masters Level, it will, in addition, be of direct relevance to health and social care professionals working in the independent and statutory sectors. Students must complete four modules (one assessment for each module comprising a 5,000 word essay or another approved method) and a dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words). Students must study two modules from the selection of Human Rights Law modules. Their other modules may be drawn from the modules listed in any other LLM programme or from a combination of LLM programmes. Modules Human Rights & Global Justice Human Rights, Health and Disability Human Rights: National And International Legal Contexts International Humanitarian Law Key Features: Provides an opportunity for students to interact with lawyers who have practical human rights law experience. Extremely relevant to those interested in or already working in the fields of health, social care and poverty alleviation both in the independent and statutory sectors. 12
LLM International Commercial Law More online at: Commercial law in a fastmoving globalised economy presents challenges and opportunities. Expert lawyers are needed to meet the challenges as well as to make the most of the opportunities, particularly when giving advice that can have considerable financial consequences. Our LLM will help you achieve the necessary high level of expertise to succeed in the commercial world. It is designed to meet the needs of students and lawyers who wish to study commercial law from an international perspective with emphasis placed on international conventions and agreements and their practical application. The International Commercial Law modules provide the opportunity to study topics in depth and conduct research in areas of commercial law of particular interest to you. Students choose four modules at least two of which must be drawn from those listed. Two others may be drawn from the modules listed in any other LLM programme or from a combination of LLM programmes. Students must complete four modules (one assessment for each module comprising a 5,000 word essay or another approved method) and a dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words). The International Commercial Law modules provide the opportunity to study topics in depth and conduct research in areas of commercial law of particular interest to you. Modules Commercial Arbitration Commercial Property Law Comparative Corporate Governance Competition Law Energy Law and Policy Environmental and Climate Change Law Insurance Law Intellectual Property: Copyright and Related Rights Intellectual Property: Patents,Trademarks, Designs and Confidential Information International Banking Law International Commercial Maritime Law International Sales Law Law of Carriage of Goods By Land, Sea and Air Marine Insurance Money Laundering World Trade Law Key Features: Choice from an extensive range of modules dealing with current international commercial practice. One of Cardiff s longest established and most popular LLM programmes. Asha Shein LLM International Commercial Law The LLM International Commercial Law is the most important course I have studied, from both a personal perspective and in my career as a lawyer. I want to specialise in commercial issues and become a commercial property lawyer. This course addresses the issues concerning commercial law that we face as practicing lawyers. I liked Cardiff, and it was the only university that offered the course specific to my needs. It is a wonderful place for students, and it has a marvellous environment and facilities. 13
LLM Law The general LLM programme allows students to follow any of the modules available in the year of study from the lists of the specialised LLM programmes and to complete a dissertation on any legal topic approved by the Law School. It has been designed so as to give students the greatest flexibility to pursue advanced legal study in any area that they wish. Students must complete four modules (one assessment for each module comprising a 5,000 word essay or another approved method) and a dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words). Non-exhaustive and Indicative LLM Modules Include: Carriage of Goods by Land, Sea and Air Commercial Arbitration Commercial Property Law Comparing European Legal Traditions Competition Law Constitutionalism and Governance Criminal Justice in Europe Energy Law and Policy Environmental and Climate Change Law European Union Law and Governance European Union Substantive Law Human Rights and Global Justice Human Rights: Health and Disability Human Rights: National and International Legal Contexts Insurance Law Intellectual Property: Copyright and Related Rights Intellectual Property: Patents,Trademarks, Designs and Confidential Information International Affairs: Legal & Political Aspects International Banking Law International Commercial Maritime Law International Humanitarian Law International Sales Law Law and Psychiatry Law of the Sea Legal Theory Marine Insurance Money Laundering Public Law in Europe Regulation: Theory & Practice Social Care Rights and the Law The Child and the State: Law and Policy The Law of Devolution in Wales Themes in Empirical Socio-Legal Studies World Trade Law Key Features: Ability to customise the programme to meet your own professional and/or employment needs or interests by choosing from a wide range of modules or pursuing a specialised programme of study. Regular contact with all module tutors. Dedicated English Language Support to help students whose first language is not English. Completion of the programme meets the CPD requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board. Completion of the programme meets the CPD requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board. Brenda Despontin LLM Law After graduating from Cardiff in 1972 with a degree in Psychology, I went on to do a PGCE. I began a career in teaching which spanned four decades. Whilst teaching I completed an MA and PhD in English Literature at Cardiff and an MBA at Hull. After a final post as Principal of the International British School in Brussels, I returned to live in my native Wales in 2011. When I retired I wanted to do voluntary work for a charity or the Citizens Advice Bureau. Before doing so, I felt it would be wise to acquire some knowledge of relevant statues and current legal procedures. The LLM at Cardiff appealed to me, and I was pleased to learn that it was not essential to have completed a law degree first. I was particularly interested in those modules with a focus on human rights, health and disability, social care, and the chid and the state. These have proved to be challenging, stimulating and immensely enjoyable. Meeting fellow students from around the world has been a special privilege, and I liked the seminar-based course structure. An additional feature of Cardiff Law School is its pro bono work and I took the opportunity to attend the optional training for this, provided by specialist lawyers. I hope to continue my involvement with a new pro bono programme being launched after my LLM ends, thus maintaining my links with Cardiff University and its impressive Law School. My return to full-time study at Cardiff has been a wonderful, energising experience, and I am living proof that it is never too late to learn anything new. 14
LLM Law and Governance of the European Union More online at: The development of regulation and policies in European countries takes place increasingly within the framework of the European Union. Understanding the European Union s institutional framework and its interaction with national, regional and local policymaking, as well as the EU s place in the international arena, is essential for all those involved in policy-making and administration, including those seeking an international career. The LLM Law and Governance of the European Union programme provides you with the interdisciplinary expertise, at the interface between law and politics, which is highly valued by national, European and international organisations. The programme will appeal to graduates in law, politics, social sciences and humanities. Students must complete four modules (one assessment for each module comprising a 5,000 word essay or another approved method) and a dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words). Compulsory Modules: Either European Union Law and Governance or European Governance and Public Policy* and one of: European Union Substantive Law Competition Law Environmental and Climate Change Law External Relations of the EU* Europe and Globalisation* European Economic Governance and Policies* Optional Modules: Choose two from the list below or an additional two from the compulsory list Comparing European Legal Traditions Public Law in Europe Constitutionalism in Central Europe Constitutionalism and Governance Governing and governance in France* The Policy Process in Germany* State Crisis: Changing Governance in Italy* Regulation: Theory and Practice Themes in Empirical Socio-Legal Studies Legal Theory Research Methods in Political Science* Advanced Policy Analysis* * Modules delivered by the School of European Languages, Translation and Politics Please see the School s website for details: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/europ/ Seminars are an integral part of postgraduate study 15
LLM Legal and Political Aspects of International Affairs In recent years, key global issues have raised the profile of international affairs substantially. Lawyers are increasingly required to understand both the law and political issues which influence how States and other international actors behave. Our LLM Legal and Political Aspects of International Affairs programme will help you build the necessary level of expertise to succeed in the fast-growing world of international affairs, in a stimulating and challenging environment. Students must complete four modules (one assessment for each module comprising a 5,000 word essay or another approved method) and a dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words). Compulsory Modules: Either Human Rights and Global Justice or International Affairs: Legal and Political Aspects and one of: International Humanitarian Law International Law and the Use of Force Optional Modules: Two from the compulsory list or any of the following: Human Rights, Health and Disability Human Rights: National And International Legal Contexts Law of the Sea World Trade Law or any other modules listed in any other LLM programme or from a combination of LLM Programmes or from the School of European Studies, Translation and Politics, subject to availability. Key Features: A varied programme that draws students from all over the world. The ability to study topics in-depth and conduct research in areas of international affairs of particular interest to you. The only programme in the UK to offer tuition from established experts in both international law and international relations. An international perspective, with emphasis on international conventions as well as political reality. Innovative and unique modules, from the traditional to those at the cutting edge of recent developments. Paul Haegeman LPAIA LLM Having a non-law background made unfamiliar territory a little daunting at first but thanks to the course s structure, the approachability of the staff and administration it has been a wonderful experience and Cardiff as a Village-City is an ideal place to consider studying. I decided to study Legal and Political Aspects of International Affairs in order to compliment my prior experience whilst simultaneously expanding my portfolio. It has been the perfect choice. I would recommend this course to both local and international students who are seeking to understand the relationship between legal theory, politics and globalization. It can open a real can of worms! Anyone who is thinking about this route should have an open attitude to life and be ready to challenge their own presuppositions. Peace Palace 16
LLM Legal Aspects of Medical Practice More online at: In recent years the law relating to medicine and health care has become increasingly complex and patients are becoming more aware of their legal rights. This has significant consequences for medical practices and questions of legal liability and compensation. Changes in the structure of the NHS are also giving rise to a number of important legal problems. The LLM Legal Aspects of Medical Practice programme aims to provide a sound knowledge of the legal rules applicable to, and the issues surrounding, the practice and administration of health care, as further changes make a deeper understanding of the field ever more significant. For those seeking to study whilst still pursuing their professions, this LLM provides an ideal structure. The programme is delivered over eight residential weekends across two years in a centrally-located hotel in Cardiff (please note that an additional residential rate applies). Students must complete four compulsory modules (one assessment for each module comprising a 5,000 word essay or another approved method) and a dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words). Compulsory Modules: Introduction to Medical Law and the Law of Healthcare Management Clinical Negligence Consent to Treatment Key Legal Aspects of Psychiatry and Reproductive Medicine Key Features: A part-time programme taught by means of eight residential weekends held over two academic years. Well established: first course of its kind, founded in 1987. Covers the widest spectrum of healthcare law topics available in the UK. Designed to suit the needs of busy professionals from the UK and overseas, recent graduates and healthcare professionals living locally. Experienced tutors with established reputations and excellent publications in the field. Work experience placements arranged if required. Distance learning materials provided and regularly updated. Provides excellent career opportunities for solicitors, coroners, police surgeons, general practitioners, consultants, dentists, NHS managers, pharmacists, nurses, doctors and dentists. High success rate for students on account of regular contact with staff. Excellent mix of professionals from healthcare and legal backgrounds. CPD accreditation available. LLM Shipping Law Around 90% of global trade is carried by sea. It remains the most cost efficient method for transporting raw materials and finished products around the world. This requires a complex network of contracts involving ship owners and operators, cargo owners, banks and insurers. The United Kingdom has a long standing expertise in the law relating to these transactions, and provides dispute resolution services for parties with no connection to the UK. Moreover, the potential exploitation of marine resources (whether mineral or fish) is fertile source of dispute between States. Students must complete four modules (one assessment for each module comprising a 5,000 word essay or other approved method) and a dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words). At least two of the four modules must be drawn from those listed below. The other two can be drawn from the same list or from modules listed in other LLM programmes, subject to availability. Carriage of Goods by Land, Sea and Air International Commercial Maritime Law International Sales Law Law of the Sea Marine Insurance The LLM Shipping Law can be studied full-time or part-time. Key Features This programme offers a detailed investigation of the theoretical and practical issues that arise within maritime law. Our LLM in Shipping Law can help you to develop the expertise necessary to become a specialist in this major area of commercial law. 17
LLM Social Care Law Community care law and the law relating to people with mental health problems affect virtually every person in the UK at some time in their lives. The law and policy in these areas underpin expenditure of over 30 billion per annum; and directs the employment of many hundreds of thousands of professionals and lay advocates in the statutory and independent sectors as well as affecting the lives of over 6 million carers. Despite the fundamental importance of the law in these fields, its study has been largely neglected by University Masters programmes. The LLM in Social Care Law addresses this omission by focusing on community care and mental health law, policy and practice in England and Wales. The programme s two core modules explore the origins of the law in both fields: the growth of the asylum and the development of the Poor Law. They critically analyse the current legal regimes as well as the policy, research and theoretical socio-legal contexts in which these legal regimes exist. Students must complete four modules (one assessment for each module comprising a 5,000 word essay or another approved method) and a dissertation (not exceeding 15,000 words). Students must study two modules from the LLM Social Care Law programme. Their other two modules can be chosen from those listed in any other LLM programme or from a combination of programmes. Modules: Social Care Rights and the Law Human Rights, Health and Disability Key Legal Aspects of Psychiatry and Reproductive Medicine and the Family The Child and the State: Law and Policy Key Features: The only programme of its kind. Taught by leading experts in the fields of mental health law, children s law and community care law. Students from a wide range of backgrounds. Closely linked to the Centre for Health and Social Care Law. Especially relevant to health and social care activists and professionals working in the independent and statutory sectors, and those interested in this as a career. Excellent teaching, student support and research facilities. The law regulating social care services for disabled and elderly adults had been unreformed for over 60 years and failed to address the support needs of the unpaid carers who provide the bulk of the care for such people. As a result of a sustained period of academic publications and Parliamentary action by Professor Luke Clements, this area of law is now being reformed. The Governments both in England and Wales are introducing Bills in 2013 (respectively the Care and Support Bill and the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Bill). 18