Law

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme at Queen Mary University of London offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in the fundamentals of law, preparing them for a wide range of legal careers or further academic study. Designed to provide a solid understanding of the core principles of legal systems, the programme covers essential areas such as Contract Law, Criminal Law, Public Law, Equality and Diversity, and Tort Law, among others. Students will develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for the role of law in society through engaging lectures, seminars, and practical exercises. The curriculum is structured to ensure a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling graduates to effectively interpret, analyse, and apply legal principles in real-world contexts.

Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to specialise in various areas of law, including International Law, Human Rights Law, Commercial Law, and more, through optional modules that reflect current legal trends and challenges. The programme also incorporates experiential learning elements such as moot courts, negotiation exercises, and internships, which help students to gain firsthand legal skills and improve employability. Queen Mary’s vibrant legal community offers extensive networking opportunities with legal professionals, guest lectures from distinguished practitioners, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. The university’s strong links with the legal industry provide students with pathways to employment, further study, or professional development.

The Law programme at Queen Mary is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. The academic team is comprised of experienced scholars and practitioners dedicated to providing high-quality teaching and supporting students throughout their academic journey. Graduates of this programme go on to pursue careers in law firms, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, or continue their studies in postgraduate law programmes, professional legal training, or related fields. With its excellent reputation, strong practical focus, and vibrant academic community, Queen Mary’s Law programme offers an outstanding foundation for a fulfilling and successful legal career.

The normal period of registration for the PhD in Law is three years full-time and six years part-time. Full-time students must complete within four years and part-time students within six years. You will be required to live in or around the London area for the duration of your doctoral studies.

Research training is offered through a series of seminars at which you will be required to present your work, and through a formal research methods training course run at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. Participation in these courses is a compulsory part of the first year of research. Additional courses are provided by the college on different aspects of the PhD research process.

Requirements

• Proof of your most recently taken academic qualification. This should include both the transcript showing the breakdown of your mark, including specifically the mark for any dissertation component taken), and a copy of the certificate confirming the overall grade.
• If you are a current LLM or MA student, you should include documentation relating to your previous course of study (for example, your LLB).
• A full academic transcript (a record of courses taken and grades achieved)
• Resume / Curriculum Vitae
• Applicants must provide two written references (not one, as mentioned in the central College Guidance Note), in the form of a letter of support from you referee. One of these references must be from an academic who taught you on your most recent course of study (which is normally the LLM degree or equivalent). Applicants who are current LLM students should obtain their references from staff currently teaching them on their LLM. Failure to supply references will mean that your application will not be considered. For applicants without recent academic qualifications, vocational references may sometimes be accepted.
• A research proposal (There is no word limit for the research proposal, but research proposals which are well-written, clear and concise are usually more successful. Please disregard any other guidance note which suggests that the Research Proposal should be no longer than 500 words.)
• IELTS: 7.5 (with writing 7.5)
• IBTOEFL: 109 (with writing 28/30)
• Pearson Test of English: 73 (73 in writing)
• The Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement

Scholarships

• Law PhD Studentships and Scholarships
• QMUL Principal's Postgraduate Research Studentships

Queen Mary University of London offers a comprehensive Law undergraduate programme designed to equip students with a solid understanding of legal principles, critical thinking skills, and practical legal application. The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree provides a thorough grounding in key areas such as constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, tort law, and EU law, among others. The programme combines theoretical learning with practical skills development through mooting, seminars, and work placements, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for legal careers or further study.

Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to explore specialized areas such as international law, human rights law, commercial law, and environmental law, reflective of the diverse legal landscape. Queen Mary’s diverse academic community fosters a global perspective on legal issues, encouraging students to consider different legal systems and cultural contexts, which is increasingly important in today's interconnected world.

The university’s state-of-the-art facilities include dedicated legal research resources, law libraries, and collaborative learning spaces. Faculty members are experts in their fields, offering mentorship and engaging students with current legal debates and challenges. The programme emphasizes the development of critical analysis, legal research, and argumentative writing skills, enabling graduates to excel in legal practice, academia, or related fields.

Students benefit from excellent links with legal employers, including law firms, companies, and non-governmental organizations, through internships and networking events organized by the university. Furthermore, Queen Mary’s strategic location in London provides unparalleled access to a legal hub, offering numerous opportunities for advocacy, observation, and practical experience in a variety of legal settings.

The programme also prepares students for the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Bar standards, with pathways for those wishing to pursue a career in advocacy or legal consultancy. Graduates have gone on to work in law firms, governmental agencies, corporations, NGOs, and continue with postgraduate studies in prestigious institutions worldwide.

Overall, Queen Mary University of London’s Law programme is designed to produce skilled, informed, and socially responsible legal professionals ready to meet the demands of a dynamic legal environment.