MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
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LLM Law (Conversion)
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, offers an LLM Law (Conversion) program, specifically designed as a fast-track qualification for non-law graduates who aspire to enter the legal profession as solicitors or barristers in England and Wales. It also caters to professionals in the justice, social, or consumer sectors seeking to deepen their legal knowledge. This postgraduate degree provides a systematic understanding of foundational legal principles through a hands-on approach, preparing students to solve complex legal issues and engage with current legal debates. The program emphasizes practical legal skills such as mooting, interviewing, and simulated case studies, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the realities of legal practice.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the LLM Law (Conversion) at St. Mary's covers the essential foundational subjects required for legal practice in England and Wales. Key modules typically include "English Legal Systems and Legal Skills," which introduces students to the structure of the legal system and fundamental legal competencies. Other core areas covered are "Contract Law," "Land Law," "Public and EU Law," "Tort Law," "Equity and Trusts," and "Criminal Law." These modules provide the substantive legal knowledge necessary for aspiring legal professionals. The program culminates in a "Legal Professional Practice Project" or an extended research project, allowing students to apply their acquired knowledge to practical legal scenarios or undertake in-depth study in a specific area of law.
Research Focus: The School of Law and Society at St. Mary's University has a diverse research focus, which informs the LLM Law (Conversion) program. Research within the department concentrates on areas such as business ethics, legal education, and the historical impact of female lawyers. The Centre for Law and Culture at St. Mary's is a notable research hub, dedicated to addressing contemporary matters of social justice and equality through interdisciplinary legal scholarship. While the conversion LLM's primary goal is to provide foundational legal knowledge for professional practice, the faculty's engagement in such varied and impactful research ensures that teaching is current, critically informed, and extends beyond purely doctrinal knowledge, incorporating contemporary legal issues and their societal context.
Industry Engagement: St. Mary's University places a strong emphasis on industry engagement for its law students, including those on the LLM Law (Conversion) program. The university facilitates practical skill development through activities like mooting, interviewing, and simulated case studies. Students can participate in employability sessions that cover psychometric testing, interview skills, and CV clinics. There are also organized programs focused on commercial awareness and opportunities for organized visits to local civil and Crown Courts and the Royal Courts of Justice. The university has connections that may lead to work placement opportunities within local solicitors' firms, the Business and Law Clinic, the Stalking and Domestic Abuse Law Clinic, and partnerships with organizations like Support Through Court or Amicus, providing invaluable real-world experience.
Global Perspective: While the LLM Law (Conversion) program at St. Mary's University is primarily focused on the legal system of England and Wales, it incorporates a global perspective through various avenues. The curriculum includes "Public and EU Law," which inherently introduces international and supra-national legal frameworks. Moreover, the diverse student body, often comprising individuals from various international backgrounds, enriches classroom discussions with a range of global perspectives on legal issues. The general nature of an LLM degree often encourages a comparative approach to legal problems, even when focused on a single jurisdiction. Furthermore, the university's location in London, a major international legal hub, provides exposure to international law firms and global legal issues, even if not explicitly taught in every module of the conversion course.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 18750
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 60.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
An LLM Law (Conversion) from St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, is a specialized postgraduate degree designed for non-law graduates aspiring to enter the legal profession in England and Wales, or for those in related sectors seeking to enhance their legal knowledge. This intensive program serves as a fast-track route, providing a foundational understanding of core legal principles and practical legal skills necessary for contemporary legal practice. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to navigate complex legal issues and engage with current legal debates, having developed crucial transferable skills such as critical analysis, reasoning, and communication. The curriculum, industry engagement, and proximity to London's legal hub collectively offer a strong foundation for a career in law.
Trainee Solicitor: The most direct path for many, leading to qualification as a solicitor after completing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and gaining qualifying work experience. Solicitors advise clients on various legal matters, specializing in areas like corporate law, family law, property law, or criminal law.
Barrister (Pupil Barrister): For those aspiring to advocate in court, the LLM (Conversion) provides the academic foundation to progress to the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC/Bar Course) and then a pupillage, which is the practical training period.
Paralegal: Working in law firms, in-house legal departments, or legal aid organizations to provide support to solicitors and barristers. This role involves legal research, drafting documents, and administrative tasks, and can be a valuable stepping stone to further legal qualification.
Legal Executive / Chartered Legal Executive: Specializing in a particular area of law, legal executives perform many of the same duties as solicitors, often with direct client contact and case management responsibilities. The LLM (Conversion) can contribute to the academic requirements for this qualification.
Legal Consultant: Providing specialized legal advice to businesses or individuals, often in niche areas of law. This can be an independent role or within a consulting firm.
In-house Legal Counsel Assistant/Manager: Working within the legal department of a company or organization, advising on internal legal matters, contracts, compliance, and corporate governance.
Compliance Officer: Ensuring that an organization adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies, particularly in highly regulated sectors like finance, healthcare, or pharmaceuticals.
Legal Aid Worker/Advisor: Providing legal advice and support to individuals who cannot afford legal representation, often working for charities, NGOs, or community legal services.
Mediator/Arbitrator: Assisting parties in resolving disputes outside of traditional court litigation, leveraging legal knowledge and dispute resolution skills.
Law Researcher/Policy Analyst: Working for government bodies, think tanks, universities, or non-profit organizations to conduct legal research, analyze policy proposals, and contribute to legal reform or academic scholarship.
