University of Kent

LLM Socio-legal Studies

University of Kent

Course overview

The LLM in Socio-Legal Studies at the University of Kent enables students to examine law within its historical, social, and economic context, extending beyond standard legal courses. Kent Law School is a leading expert in this critical area, helping students gain a deeper understanding of law through study across different subjects.

Students' learning is supported by committed academic staff. Students usually have two supervisors who meet with them every month for guidance. The course involves regular classes (taught modules), and students' main evaluation is writing a large research paper called a dissertation. If they study full-time, the course typically takes one year to complete; however, those who start in January have the option of a fifteen-month program.

Entry requirements

Candidates are required to submit a personal statement in which they discuss their reasons for applying for the course and other relevant information regarding their studies. A relevant academic and/or employer reference is also required to support the application. Students have the option to upload their CVs along with their applications to demonstrate their work experience and professional background.

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants need at least an upper second-class (2:1) Honours degree in Law or a closely related academic subject.

  • Alternatively, applicants with a high second-class (2:2) Honours degree may be considered if they can demonstrate sufficient relevant work experience in fields such as legal practice, public administration, or the non-governmental sector. All applications are judged individually, taking into account professional qualifications.

English Proficiency:

  • Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds need to reach a minimum standard of English language proficiency before starting the postgraduate degree.

  • This is demonstrated by scoring 6.5 overall in the IELTS Academic test, with a minimum of 5.5 in each separate section (reading, writing, listening, and speaking), or submitting equivalent Secure English Language Test (SELT) scores

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship

    Scholarship value up to £10,000.

  • Kent Business School Beaconhouse PG Progression Scholarship

    Tuition fee discount scholarship of £6,000.

    Up to £6,000
  • Kent Business School Dean's Excellence Scholarship Award

    Awards of up to £3,000

  • Kent Business School MBA Scholarship

    50% off Tuition Fee.

    Up to 50% of fees
  • Kent Graduate Scholarship

    20% fee reduction for post-graduate taught programmes at the University of Kent.

    Up to 20% of fees
  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught

    Scholarship value - £5000

    Up to £5,000
  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught (KBS)

    Scholarship value £3000

    Up to £3,000
  • Kent LLM Solicitors’ Practice Scholarship (Canterbury)

    £2,000 tuition fee discount (Home Students); £2,000 tuition fee discount (Overseas Students).

    Up to £2,000
  • Sasha Roberts Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000
  • The “Ambition” Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £1,500 for Full Time UK students; £750 per year for Part Time UK students; £3,000 for Full Time Overseas students.

  • The CAMEMS Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000
  • The Widening Participation Ambition Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £5,000 for UK students (£2,500 per year for part time students).

Career opportunities

LLM Socio-Legal Studies graduates from the University of Kent often pursue careers in fields where a critical understanding of law and society is essential. The five major career pathways include:

  • Legal Practice (Solicitors and Barristers)

  • Government and Public Administration

  • Finance and Banking Sector

  • International Commerce and Business

  • Non-Governmental Organisations and Charities

Cost of study

The tuition fee for the LLM Socio-Legal Studies in the University of Kent programme for international students is £19,300.

Admission

Admission to the LLM programme requires applicants to submit a formal application online through the university's official application portal. We highly recommend that all applicants contact AHZ's trained counsellors for assistance with their application process.

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