Masters study
A legal education for the real world
Our taught postgraduate courses offer specifically tailored LLM and MA degrees, drawing on our extensive experience of research and practice in human rights, commercial, business and trade law.
A master’s degree at Essex Law School lets you specialise in a chosen area of law while developing advanced legal knowledge and practical research skills.
Our postgraduate law modules are taught in small groups by expert academic staff and are designed to support in-depth learning. You will also complete a supervised dissertation, submitted at the end of the course, enabling you to pursue an independent research project aligned with your academic or professional interests.
You can study full time or part time, with start dates in October or January to fit around your commitments.
If your first degree is in another subject, our LLB Law (Senior Status) offers a law conversion route. The course provides comprehensive legal training and supports progression to the Bar Professional Training Course or the Legal Practice Course.
Interested in joining Essex Law School? Explore our master's courses in law.
- Our LLM International Human Rights Law is the oldest established human rights law course in Europe
- Opportunities to specialise in growing niche industries such as international trade and commercial law
- Top 175 for law in the THE World University Rankings by Subject 2026
Meet Your Academic Coach
Support for Offer Holders
You’ve earned your place at Essex Law School, now it’s time to get ready to make your mark. Your Academic Coach is here to support you before you even arrive. They are here to advise you, help you build confidence, and make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Postgraduate study is a big step — but you won’t be taking it alone. Meet your coaches below!
Deputy Director Student Recruitment (PGT)
PGT Recruitment & Admissions Lead (Private and Business Law, Sustainability, Tech degrees)
Essex Law School, University of Essex
PGT Recruitment & Admissions Lead (Human Rights degrees)
Essex Law School, University of Essex
PGT Recruitment and Admissions Lead (International Law degrees)
Essex Law School, University of EssexCome along to a drop-in session
Drop in sessions
Please see the details below.
Drop-in Session LLM International Commercial and Business Law
| Date | Time (BST/ UK) | Who with | Register via zoom |
| 19 May 2026 | 1pm - 2pm | Onyeka Osuji, Dean Essex Law School | Register here |
Drop-in Session LLM International Human Rights Law
| Date | Time (BST/ UK) | Who with | Register via zoom |
| 15 May 2026 | 1pm - 2pm | Carla Ferstman, Director, Human Rights Centre | Register here |
So, what do we have to offer?
A practical legal education
We offer practical, real-world opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge learnt on your course. This includes working with practising lawyers to advise clients in our Essex Law Clinic and engaging with pressing human rights issues in our Human Rights Clinic; both of which work with a range of partners including the Essex Business and Human Rights project
We support our students to take part in international competitions such as the Jean-Pictet Competition in Humanitarian Law and simulation exercises such as Simulex, where students work with military officers stationed at Colchester.
You'll also have access to training and networking opportunities organised by our Law Society and Bar Society and we run an ongoing programme of events to expand your knowledge of wider debates in legal research and practice. These include Essex Law School seminars, Human Rights Centre seminars and Essex Transitional Justice Network events. You can also attend our Essex Summer School in Human Rights Research Methods.
A world-leading education
We were first university in the UK to sign a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). This creates internship and research opportunities for our postgraduate students and is based on our long-established expertise in international humanitarian law.
Part-time options
Our courses are offered on a full and part-time basis. Part-time students should note that teaching takes place on weekdays, during working hours.
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“Studying in an international environment, surrounded with people from all over the world, was definitely an eye-opening experience for me. Listening to many varied approaches to addressing complexities in different countries, definitely boosted my perception in a way I could not even imagine before. Overall, I would describe my experience at Essex as a life-changing and unforgettable one.”
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