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Law and Social Justice LLM

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Key Facts

  • Level

    Master'sPG LLM

  • Duration

    1 Year Full-Time
    2 Years Part-Time

  • Starting

    September

Updated 18/12/2024

Open Days

Updated 18/12/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

The LLM in Law and Social Justice is designed to empower students by expanding their understanding of contemporary social justice issues within both national and international contexts. Through a comprehensive examination of relevant legal frameworks, students will gain insight into how legal systems address—and sometimes perpetuate—issues of inequality, discrimination, and social inequity. This programme goes beyond a theoretical approach, encouraging students to engage in critical analyses of diverse strategies and solutions to these pressing issues. By studying real-world problems and examining various legal and policy responses, students will cultivate a robust understanding of how law can be a tool for social change. A key aspect of the LLM in Law & Social Justice is its commitment to research-led, student-centred, and active learning. This approach places students at the heart of their own learning experience, encouraging them to conduct original research, participate in dynamic discussions, and engage directly with current debates. By doing so, students will develop not only a deeper understanding of social justice but also the practical skills needed to contribute to meaningful change. The programme aims to equip students with the critical thinking, analytical, and advocacy skills essential for identifying, challenging, and proposing solutions to social injustices. Graduates will leave with the confidence and knowledge required to actively participate in the pursuit of social justice, whether through legal practice, policy development, or academia, fostering a commitment to positive societal transformation.

Highlights

  • Focus on contemporary, real-world issues in Law and Social Justice
  • Research-led teaching, providing in-depth and specialist knowledge and understanding
  • Interactive and discursive workshops
  • Applied research project providing opportunities to investigate areas of current concern, and provide solutions
Aerial view of the Learning Hub on Waterside Campus

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External view of Senate building on Waterside campus.

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Entry Requirements

A lower second class degree or above (in any subject).

  • For more information on how to make an application for Law and Social Justice LLM, please visit our How to Apply page.

    If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  • All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

    • Minimum standard – IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) for study at postgraduate level.

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

Course Content

  • The LLM in Law & Social Justice is designed to enhance students’ understanding of modern social justice issues across both national and global landscapes, examining how these are shaped by relevant legal frameworks. Students will engage in critical analysis of diverse approaches and solutions to current societal challenges. Through a research-focused, student-centered, and active learning approach, the programme empowers students with the skills required to recognize, question, and contribute to solutions for social injustice. Graduates will be well-prepared to promote meaningful change and advance justice in society.

    Students will complete six 20-credit modules alongside a 60-credit Research Project. The modules cover diverse areas of social justice:

    Firearms

    Control and Consequences explores the causes and impacts of the firearm trade, examining legal and socio-economic ramifications.
    Environmental Law and Justice addresses national and international laws affecting environmental justice, equipping students to assess and develop remedies for environmental injustices.

    Domestic Criminal Procedure and Social Justice

    Focuses on the intersection of criminal and social justice in England and Wales, preparing students to advocate for a fairer justice system.

    Equity, Non-Discrimination, and Human Rights Law

    Provides insights into equality and human rights laws across jurisdictions, encouraging application to real-world cases.

    Race and Social Justice

    Examines racial issues within social, political, and economic frameworks, enabling students to propose legal reforms for racial equity.

    Health Justice

    Investigates health inequalities globally, analysing how law impacts health disparities across demographics.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK Full Time: £8,500
  • UK Part Time: £945 per 20 credit module
  • International – Full Time: £17,495

  • There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2025. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  • For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding and Scholarships pages.

Staff

Ed Johnston, Associate Professor in Criminal Justice & Procedure

Associate Professor in Criminal Justice & Procedure
Faculty of Business and Law

Ed Johnston
Placeholder image for Simon Sneddon, Associate Professor in Learning & Teaching

Associate Professor in Learning & Teaching
Faculty of Business and Law

Simon Sneddon

Careers and Employability

Successful graduates could apply for several different careers including, but not limited to:

  • Roles in the Legal Profession
  • Non-Profit Sector work such as specialist charities
  • Policy Advisor for NGOs or Government (local and national)
  • Conflict Resolution Specialists
  • Further study to Level 8 PhD programmes.

Is this course for you?

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