Graduate Certificate in Law (Pre-LLM)

About the course

The Pre LLM is a dynamic programme aimed at providing you with a challenging and engaging legal education which, approaches study from both academic and professional viewpoints, enabling development of knowledge and skills which have relevance to all aspects of the legal community and profession.

You will study four modules, all of which will allow you to demonstrate a progression of knowledge and skills.

The commercial nature of the Pre-LLM Programme develops relevant study and transferable skills that will be pertinent to your ultimate employer but also in pursuing the internship opportunities available on the LLM.

All assessment is carried out by coursework, reflecting the practice on the LLM Programme. Skills are developed within these assessments by a variety of oral presentations, negotiation and mediation exercises and written work.

Why choose this course?

The pre-LLM is a one-semester course for students wishing to study on our LLM Programme, but do not meet the standard entry requirements. The UH Pre-LLM programme prepares students for the rigours and culture of the UH LLM Masters Programmes.

The Programme involves one semester of study and includes the following modules:

(i) Legal Process, Methodology and Professional Ethics

(ii) Contract Law and Practical Problem Solving

(iii) Commercial Law in a Global Environment

(iv) European and International Law, Research and Academic Writing

Start dates are available in both September and May.

From your first day, you are given the support and guidance needed to succeed on the Programme. The Pre-LLM and International Student Support Tutor are on hand to provide you with advice and each module has a module leader, who is readily available.

Study routes

• Full Time (Less than 24 weeks), 20 Weeks

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

The programme is preparation for study on the LLM programme, which aims to equip students for a variety of careers aimed specifically at the burgeoning opportunities for legal careers in business taking advantage of specialist skills needed in the area of E-Commerce, Finance, Telecoms, International, Commercial Law and Maritime Law. Successful completion of the Pre-LLM will allow you direct entry on to the LLM Programme in either our September or January intake.

Teaching methods

At the heart of the programme is the aim of providing students with the tools required to adapt to a new culture, level of study and possibly discipline of independent learning.

The Pre-LLM programme will be delivered in two-hourly workshops mirroring the current practice on the LLM programme. These sessions will be largely interactive, students being expected to have prepared in advance of the classes. The workshops will be focused on the application of knowledge to the law specific skills being developed. The two-hour format will provide sufficient time for students to undertake a greater range of activities such as:

(i) small group work relating to problem scenarios or essay questions;

(ii) writing and drafting exercises so as to gain a broader appreciation of the law;

(iii) presentations on either an individual basis or part of a group to the rest of the class;

(iv) raise any remaining questions / queries that they may have.

You will have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate the ability to cope with complex legal issues in a variety of mediums. The progression through the modules will build on your ability to work and research with increasing autonomy as will be required on the LLM.

The workshops will also enable students to develop the confidence to be technically accurate in the application of legal principles using a variety of mediums specific to the professional legal environments with which they need to be familiar. This will ensure that students develop oral as well as professional writing and research skills in a practical legal context.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Commercial Law in a Global Environment & Professional Skills

• Contract Law & Practical Problem Solving

• European & International Law, Research & Academic Writing

• Legal Process, Methodology and Professional Ethics

Optional

Fees & funding

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Scholarships

• National Scholarship Programme

Find out more about scholarships for UK/EU and international students

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply