LLM Justice
Factfile
| Typical Entry Requirements | Applicants should normally possess a first degree (First or Second class or equivalent) awarded by a UK university or recognised overseas institution. In addition, students whose first language is not English will be expected to have achieved a minimum of IELTS 6.5. |
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| Programme length | 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time |
| Planned intake | 20 |
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| Start date | September |
| Programme director | |
| Fees | Fees for this programme can be found on our fee rates 2010/2011 page. |
| Teaching hours | Students will participate in approximately 1200 hours of learning time, consisting of approximately two hours per week of classes on taught modules, with the remainder consisting of independent study. |
| Download course brochure |
| Contact details |
For general enquiriesT: 0800 980 3200 or +44 (0)1483 681681 For admissions enquiries
T: 01483 686300 |
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| Apply online now |
The ideal of justice is difficult to define. Theories range from classical Aristotelian perspectives or those of modern thinkers such as Rawls or Nozick. However, the concept is key to legal discourse and is used to justify or criticise both what the law is and how it is applied.
The University of Surrey is unique in offering a Masters programme which will enable students to understand and evaluate contemporary debates in the study of justice in its varying forms. You will deepen your knowledge of core theoretical aspects of the study of justice. This programme will explore issues concerning justice in the context of national and international criminal proceedings, family litigation, civil disputes and in administrative law.
You will take part in extensive examination and discussion of the philosophical concepts that lie at the heart of all legal systems, and how these concepts are applied to legal processes. The programme will be attractive both to students interested in the philosophy of law and to legal practitioners and activists. It will appeal to people both from the United Kingdom and from other countries who are interested in a broader understanding of this cardinal concept.
Module Overview
You will take four optional modules, at least two of which must be chosen from the Justice module list below. You may choose to study up to two modules from other subject areas within the Law postgraduate portfolio (see the list under the LLM Law information). Some modules may not be offered if numbers are too low. In addition you will complete a dissertation in a topic related to justice.
Administrative Justice
This module critically examines how individuals can secure justice in the face of decisions by public bodies. Close examination of principles such as natural justice will give students a firm grasp of justice as a living part of the English legal system. You will also consider this area of law as an effective means of controlling the state.
American Constitutional Law
This module explores the nature and scope of constitutional law and constitutional rights in the United States. It will include the historical origins of the Constitution, the role and nature of the Supreme Court and constitutional rights and controversies such as free speech, abortion and the death penalty.
Central Issues in Criminal Law
This module considers the foundations of criminal law, reviewing and critically exploring the current boundaries of the law. Issues will include the theoretical underpinnings of criminalising wrongdoing, and the theoretical positions advanced when considering punishment. The acts/ omissions debate and the current set limits on culpability will also be considered.
Civil Justice
This module recognises the increasing impact of the civil courts upon the everyday rights of individuals. It will address how successful the civil justice system has been in providing access to these courts. General issues such as funding of civil litigation will be covered, as well as access to medical treatment and the land rights of the Roma.
Comparative Criminal Justice Policy
This module aims to enable students to understand how to compare criminal justice policies. It will focus on particular areas of concern such as policing, prosecution, prisons and probation. Crimes of an international flavour will also be considered, where the comparison of systems becomes more focused on collective responses.
Comparative Penal Policy
This module looks at comparative penal policy and the use of custody worldwide. This will involve an analysis of expansionism, reductionism and abolitionism, and an examination of how nations deal with the concept of ‘dangerousness’. Prisoners’ rights will be considered along with imprisonment without trial and prison privatisation.
Criminal Evidence and Justice
This module examines how the criminal trial process pursues or protects the interests of justice by regulating evidence. It will also look at the ways in which criminal justice institutions promote justice. You will explore how the quest for justice in criminal courts can be reconciled with the protection of national security and other public interests.
Criminal Justice System
This module examines the laws regulating key institutions such as the police, the courts and the prison system which are regularly subject to public debate. You will develop the knowledge to evaluate the proper functioning of the criminal justice process.
Justice in Literature
This module explores the wide range of literature which contains themes of justice in its widest interpretation. It aims to provide students with a critical and advanced understanding of the place of justice in literature. Authors studied will range from Sophocles and Shakespeare to Maya Angelou and Arthur Miller.
International Criminal Law
This module will give students a thorough understanding of the way in which the International Criminal Court and other international criminal tribunals deal with criminal acts such as genocide and crimes against humanity. It will also examine alternatives to criminal trials.
Other modules include:
- Election Law
- Law, Society and Social Control
- Sentencing and Criminal Justice
- The Family, Children and the State
- Theories of Justice
- Youth Justice
