Law and Society - LLM

Deeply embedded within society, the law affects almost every aspect of our lives as individuals, homeowners, parents, workers, voters, global citizens and more – from marriage, property rights or what constitutes crime, to local and national governance, immigration or international human rights. This exciting LLM explores the fascinating and complex relationship between law and society from an interdisciplinary perspective, drawing on disciplines including cultural studies, history, jurisprudence, philosophy, sociology and political science. The innovative research skills you’ll gain prepare you for a PhD, socio-legal studies, a career at The Bar, non-governmental organisations or public, private or charity sectors.

Month of entry

  • September

Mode of study

  • Full time, Part time

Location

Subject area

  • Law

Fees for 2024/25 academic year

  • UK - Full time £9,800 per year. Part time £5,400 per year.
    International - £19,500 per year.

Duration of study

  • Full time - 1 year, Part time - 2 years, Modular - Up to 5 years

Why study Law and Society at Keele University?

Global Top 250 for Law (Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, 2024)
Keele is a member of the ESRC’s North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP), which opens up opportunities for PhD research funding
Optional research-intensive pathway meets the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) postgraduate social science research training and development guidelines
Close-knit community, smaller class sizes, tailored personal/professional support includes Senior Practitioner in Law, an experienced solicitor developing employability skills and employer links
Global Top 100 for International Outlook, Law (Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, 2023)
insert-a start
Picture of Felicity

"The Law and Society LLM explored a diverse range of theoretical and methodological perspectives and I gained invaluable insight into qualitative and quantitative research design. I critically engaged with legal phenomena in its broader socio-legal context in an environment fostering creativity and independent curiosity. An enriching, illuminating and relevant postgraduate course beneficial to all seeking to interrogate law beyond its doctrinal roots."

Flick, LLM Law and Society Graduate, and Keele School of Law GTA Scholarship PhD student

insert-a end
insert-b start
Image of Kerry

"The Law and Society LLM was ideal preparation for PhD research, providing a firm platform from which to confidently explore a range of theoretical and research skills. The course encouraged a deeper understanding of how the law facilitates or undermines social justice at personal, local, national and international levels. I feel my PhD studies are benefitting greatly from the opportunity to critically analyse the law and pursue socio-legal research in the various modules offered in the programme."

Kerry, LLM Law and Society Graduate, and Keele School of Law ESRC NWSSDTP PhD student

insert-b end
insert-c start
Image of Jay

"I am so grateful to have undertaken the LLM in Law and Society as a foundation year to my PhD research. The year equipped me with knowledge and skills in socio-legal theory, introduced me to philosophy in social science research and equipped me to explore quantitative and qualitative research methods. This has enabled me to plan and design my research in a way that is not constrained by knowledge within my comfort zone, but which has pushed me into new areas, whilst focusing upon the aims and purpose of my study. Keele University and the Law School staff also supported me to elect modules that advanced my knowledge of mental capacity law and practice, creating a unique, challenging and enjoyable experience."

Jay, LLM Law and Society Graduate, and Keele School of Law ESRC NWSSDTP CASE PhD student

insert-c end
insert-d start insert-d end
insert-e start insert-e end
insert-f start

Keele Postgraduate Association

Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.

KPA interior

Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.

insert-f end
insert-g start insert-g end
insert-h start insert-h end