University of Kent - Kent Law School

You can choose your LLM specialism after you arrive

Studying for a Master's in Law (LLM) at Kent means having the certainty of gaining an LLM in a specialist area of Law. The Kent LLM gives you the freedom to leave your choice of specialism open until after you arrive, when it will be determined by the modules you choose.

You can tailor your studies to your particular needs and interests to obtain an LLM in a single pathway, in two pathways jointly, or by choosing a broad range of modules in different areas of law to obtain a general LLM or Diploma/Certificate in Law. 

Our programmes are open to graduates from a relevant discipline (an undergraduate degree in law is not a requirement). Applications are welcomed from all around the world. All our programmes have both a September start date and a January start date.

To find out more, watch our playlist of Kent LLM pathway videos in which students share personal insights into their experience of studying the Kent LLM. Kent LLM students also share their experiences of the programme on our Mastering Law blog.

The University of Kent's Canterbury campus is set within 300 acres of parkland

The University of Kent's Canterbury campus overlooks the beautiful, medieval city of Canterbury. Modern buildings are set within 300 acres of parkland, courtyards, gardens, ponds and woodland. The Canterbury campus is self-contained, with all facilities within walking distance.

The Law School also offers master's programmes at the University's centre in Brussels; the Brussels School of International Studies (BSIS). Located in the heart of the capital of Europe, BSIS focuses specifically on International Relations, Politics and Law.

A supportive and intellectually stimulating place to study

Kent Law School at the University of Kent is a leading UK law school, ranked 8th for research intensity in the UK’s most recent Research Excellence Framework and 16th in The Guardian University Guide 2020 for law.

The Law School also has an excellent international reputation; ranked 51st in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for law 2020, it is also listed among the top 150 law schools in the world in the Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019 and among the top 200 law schools in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020.

We offer a broad choice of taught Masters in Law (LLM) programmes and research degrees, all of which are taught with an international and contemporary focus in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. Teaching and research is based upon a critical and socio-legal approach, viewing the law within the broader social, political and economic context in which it operates. The School is home to a range of active research centres with academic staff actively involved in a broad variety of research projects.

A first or 2.1 honours degree or equivalent, in law or a related subject. Students who achieve a high 2.2 standard may also be considered at the discretion of Kent Law School (KLS). The School may also take account of relevant work experience when considering applications.

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications. 

International students

Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information for your country. 

English language entry requirements

The University requires all non-native speakers of English to reach a minimum standard of proficiency in written and spoken English before beginning a postgraduate degree. Certain subjects require a higher level.

For detailed information see our English language requirements web pages. 

Need help with English?

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.

Applications to all of our postgraduate programmes can be made online. 

Information about postgraduate tuition fees can be found on the University of Kent website.

Postgraduate scholarship fund in excess of £9m available at Kent

The University's multi-million pound scholarship fund is available to taught and research students studying at Kent.

We offer a range of financial support options for postgraduates studying at Kent. These include scholarships, bursaries and loans, as well as advice on alternative and external funding options available to you.

Kent Law School has also established a major fund to support students who are from or who have studied in Kenya, Nigeria or Thailand, and who undertake a Master's in Law (LLM) at the Canterbury campus of the University of Kent.

Canterbury city centre

Kent Law School is based on the University of Kent's Canterbury campus, which is set in 300 acres of parkland. Everything you need is within walking distance. You can watch a play or a film at the Gulbenkian arts centre, dance at The Venue nightclub, keep fit at our sports centre and meet friends at one of many campus cafés and restaurants.

The campus is a 25-minute walk from Canterbury, a lovely city with a world-famous cathedral, medieval buildings, lively pubs and restaurants and a wide range of shops. There’s a vibrant cultural scene, including an annual arts festival, and the coast and countryside are within easy reach.

London is less than an hour away by high-speed train and you can reach Paris and Brussels in around two.

Woolf College is one of the postgraduate-only accommodation options at Kent's Canterbury campus

All postgraduate students who start in September and who wish to live in University accommodation are allocated a single room for the first year. In order to be eligible, you must have accepted the offer of a place at the University of Kent, satisfied all the conditions of that offer, and applied via the on-line application process by 31 July of the year of entry (subject to availability).

University postgraduate-only accommodation options at Canterbury are Woolf College, Darwin Flats and Houses and Tyler Court A. Kent also has Keynes studio flats available on the main campus.

If you prefer to live off campus, either in student housing or a home of your own, Canterbury has plenty of private accommodation available for rent. Whatever your choice of accommodation, Kent students benefit from a vibrant and supportive community.

Want to find out more?

Explore the accommodation options for postgraduate students.

Apply for accommodation

Find out more about applying for campus accommodation on the University's accommodation web pages.

Friendly and supportive environment

Kent Law School has a lively and active postgraduate community, bought about in part by our strong research culture and by the close interaction between our staff and students. Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books and embed their research in their teaching. Taught students have regular contact with their programme and module conveners with staff on hand to answer any questions and to provide helpful and constructive feedback on submitted work. The Law School has an active and inclusive extra-curricular academic and social scene with regular guest lectures, talks and workshops organised by our research centres (which include the Centre for Critical International Law and the Kent Centre for Law, Gender and Sexuality).

Award-winning Law Library

Our Law Library has long been a leader in the development of electronic resources for legal teaching and research. The extensive and up-to-date law collection in the University’s Templeman Library is particularly strong on electronic material, and the Electronic Law Library includes numerous legal databases, which are increasingly invaluable tools for research. In addition, you can access the text of thousands of law journals online. Our law librarian is available to train you to use these resources and runs regular legal research classes with postgraduate students.

Support

We have a dedicated postgraduate office, offering support from application to graduation. Postgraduate students at Kent Law School have access to a postgraduate computing room, study area and common room with wireless internet access.

Global Skills Award

All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.