Five Things You Need to Know About Studying Postgraduate Law
If you’ve completed a Law degree and are wondering what to do next, you may be considering postgraduate studies. Equally, if you’re already working in the field, you might be thinking about ways of progressing your career. Take a look at the options available you if you're thinking about a postgraduate study involving Law.
What is a postgraduate Law degree?
A postgraduate Law degree is usually referred to as an LL.M (Master of Laws). Generally, it is completed in one year, or two years part-time, and an LLM in International Law for example offers learners the opportunity to elevate their learning and specialise in a specific area. There are also options available to those from a non-Law background, such as a Postgraduate Diploma in International Business and Law, which might be relevant to those looking for business law courses.
Why study a master's in Law?
Completing an LLM in International Law or a Postgraduate Diploma in International Business and Law can be beneficial for several reasons:
- Stand out from the crowd - For graduates who have completed an undergraduate Law degree, a Master's in Law can help them to stand out from the crowd when it comes to getting a job.
- Academic Specialisation – Completing a specialised Masters's in Law, such as International Law, helps graduates to specialise in a particular area where they wish to pursue a career and therefore become an expert in that field.
- Upskilling - A Master's in Law offers experienced professionals who already have an established career the opportunity to stay up-to-date with the current curriculum.
- Career Change – A Master's or a postgraduate diploma in Law can facilitate a career change and facilitate the exploration of a new area.
- Salary Increase / Promotion – Completing a Master's in Law whilst working for an employer can help with any salary increase or promotion requests, as you can justifiably argue that you now bring more value to your employer and therefore deserve a reward.
- Networking – In-person lectures provide learners with the opportunity to network with many industry practitioners and peers. This opens students’ worldviews and widens their capacity for decision-making.
What postgraduate course can I do with a law degree?
For those who have completed a traditional Law degree, namely an LLB (Hons), you would be eligible to progress onto any one of Griffith’s three LLM degrees, below, or our postgraduate Business and Law programmes offered through the Graduate Business School:
Our Postgraduate Diploma in International Business and Law combines the core aspects of international business management with advanced theoretical and practical legal knowledge. This allows students to develop a solid grounding in the twin disciplines of international business and law.
Can you do an LLM without an LLB?
In order to complete an LLM, candidates are required to hold a minimum of a 2:2 in Law. Our Postgraduate Diploma in International Business and Law requires that candidates have a minimum of a 2:2 in either Business or Law. In both instances, however, candidates who do not have the necessary academic prerequisites, but possess relevant previous work experience may be assessed on the basis of their experiential learning. These applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and may require candidates to provide additional supporting documentation or attend an interview.
Ok so… Is postgraduate study worth it?
Having a Master's degree can give you a crucial competitive edge when seeking employment. Employers are constantly looking for ways to distinguish candidates from one another and having a postgraduate qualification can demonstrate determination, a superior work ethic and an ability to manage a challenging workload. If you’re already working in your chosen field, postgraduate studies can help you progress or refocus your career.