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Law, Medicine and Healthcare

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What you'll need

As part of the application process, you'll need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

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  • Submit your application
  • We'll email you to let you know we're processing your application
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  • We'll email you when a decision has been made
  • If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

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Master of Law

A Master of Laws (LLM) is master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in law.

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Course overview

Develop advanced specialist knowledge of law, medicine and healthcare in one of the original law departments in the UK. You'll learn medico-legal ethics, concepts such as autonomy and capacity, and best interests and theories around the regulation of medicine and the healthcare profession.

Introduction

Our LLM in Law, Medicine and Healthcare will provide you with in-depth knowledge and understanding of how the law applies to medical practice. You will be joining a diverse cohort that includes students with a range of backgrounds, including medicine and law, and taught by leading experts in the field of medical law from our Health Law and Regulation Unit.

You will develop a range of transferable skills around the application of legal knowledge, critique of law and policy and legal argumentation. All students are given our specialised Legal Research Training which will enhance your legal writing, research and presentation skills.

Our flexible curriculum allows you to select modules and complete a dissertation on a topic of interest to you, supervised by a specialist in the field of Law, Medicine and Healthcare.

We offer an exciting range of extra-curricular and careers opportunities to produce well-rounded, employable graduates. This includes internships, pro bono projects, and talks and workshops from exciting speakers such as practising lawyers and judges who have played significant roles in uncovering miscarriages of justice or in reforming the law.

Who is this course for?

This master’s is suitable for you if you are interested in medical law and want to gain advanced specialist knowledge in preparation for medical legal practice. This programme will also be of interest to you if you are a medical practitioner, healthcare worker or veterinarian.

This programme is suitable for intercalating medical students.

What you'll learn

  • Advanced legal research skills that are necessary to enable you to reach a superior understanding of medicine and healthcare law
  • How to analyse, evaluate and interpret primary and secondary legal sources
  • How to understand and apply English, European and International legal terminology, both orally and in writing
  • Critical, analytical and research skills
  • Oral discussion skills by participating in debates and problem-solving exercises
  • How to apply legal knowledge to practical situations

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Studying this course part-time

International students may be able to study this course on a part-time basis but this is dependent on visa regulations. Please visit the Government website for more information about student visas.

If you're able to study part-time, you'll study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.

Studying part-time means you can study alongside work or any other life commitments. You will study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.

Semester one

All students must take Legal Research Training and the Dissertation module (60 credits). You must select at least 3 taught specialist modules to the value of 60 credits from the list of module specialisms (see below).  These required modules may vary slightly from year to year, and are chosen because of their particular contemporary relevance to the specialism of Law, Medicine and Health Care.

The remaining 60 credits may be taken from any Masters programmes offered by the school. This includes modules in Business and Commercial Law and International Human Rights Law. Optional modules are also available on methodology topics such as Socio-Legal Methods, Socio-Legal Theory, Quantitative Methods, Interviewing, Observation, and Focus Groups.

Your dissertation is researched and written during semester 3. The process of preparing the dissertation is supported by legal research training in semester 1, by a dissertation workshop and library training in semester 2, and by individual supervision during semester 3.

Compulsory modules

Dissertation (LAW540)

Credits: 60 / Semester: whole session

This module consists of preparing a dissertation which is researched and written during the Summer. The dissertation is on an approved topic, in the field of the relevant specialism in case of students opting for a specialised LLM (as opposed to the general LLM). The module is worth 60 credits (a third of the entire LLM programme) and is a prerequisite for the award of an LLM. The process of preparing the dissertation is supported by legal research and library training in semester 1, by a dissertation workshop in semester 2, and by individual supervision during the Summer.

Optional modules

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LITIGATION (LAW515)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 1

​Medical Malpractice Litigation is designed to provide a detailed understanding of the ways that patients injured during the course of their medical care can seek appropriate remedies from their doctor or treatment provider.

Primarily focusing upon the tort of negligence, the module examines how each of the elements of this cause of action – duty of care, breach and causation – applies in the medical setting and the special problems that occur in this context. The latter part of the module will then consider law reform options and the effects of litigation on healthcare practice.

Through the use of a full outline, recommended reading and class discussions this module will provide a basic enough introduction to the subject for those who have not studied law before, while also allowing those with some acquaintance with healthcare law to enhance their knowledge and understanding.

ETHICS IN HEALTH CARE DECISION-MAKING (LAW536)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 1

This module offers an analysis of the ethical, legal and socio-legal aspects of the doctor-patient relationship in the context of health care decision-making. The course is designed to encourage students to critically interrogate and apply the ethical principles which underpin health law and health care decision-making in practice. It will examine the dominant 4 principles approach but consider alternatives to principlism. The course is divided into two parts, the first will open with a consideration of what makes an ethical dilemma in healthcare decision-making before going on to analyse bioethical theory. The second part of the course considers prominent specific decision-making issues, such as beginning and end of life decisions, mental health decisions, sex and gender assignment decisions and global health decisions. Students will be encouraged to develop an essay question using the course content for the main part of the assessment. To support this, students will submit a graded essay plan with feedback from the module lead. This module is a core module for those on the health LLM pathway but open to all LLM students who are keen to develop there ethical reasoning skills whilst engaging with contemporary issues in healthcare.

MEDICO-LEGAL PROBLEMS (LAW541)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 1

Medico-Legal Problems offers an introduction and foundation to the study of healthcare law. It is designed to provide a sufficiently basic introduction to the subject for students with no previous familiarity with healthcare law, while by way of recommended reading and further study, allowing students who have already been introduced to the relevant areas of law, to enhance their knowledge and understanding.

CHILDREN, MEDICINE AND THE LAW (LAW543)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 2

A growing number of controversial legal questions about health care focus on the treatment of children. The [in]famous House of Lords judgment in the Gillick case touched on the rights of older children to make their own decisions about their bodies and their health.   Today the courts face dilemmas concerning children of all ages, from before birth right up to the age of majority. This course examines how the law responds to difficult ethical and practical questions about how society treats children, what rights (if any) children enjoy, and what rights and responsibilities we assume as parents. The course will begin by considering the ways in which the law does and should regulate the treatment of the unborn and its relationship with the outside world, examining the broad range of issues relating to the treatment of children after birth.  

This module looks at areas of law where health care law, criminal law and family law meet. It will embrace not just disputes between professionals and parents, but between parents and their children, and between warring currents. Each session will be based on a full outline and reading list and plenty of opportunity of class discussion will be offered.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Study as an intercalated degree

Intercalation allows you take a break from your medical degree, usually after year 3 or 4, and study an additional qualification. Most intercalating students choose to study a master's degree. This gives you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at an advanced level and acquire new skills and knowledge that will enhance and/or complement your medical degree.

Your experience

The Liverpool Law School has a proud tradition and over a century’s experience of inspiring and challenging its students to reach their potential.

We have developed excellent longstanding relationships, links and collaborations with the local community, international partners, policymakers and practitioners in the fields of law and social justice.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

An exciting place to study law

  • Dedicated to small group teaching
  • Taught by leading researchers in the field
  • Access to a vibrant programme of extra-curricular activities, including visiting lecture programme
  • A friendly and fun student community with supportive staff
  • Excellent links with employers and employability opportunities including the possibility of participation in our own award-winning Law Clinic.

What students say...

I like that my course is completely centred around seminars. The seminars are a nice size and so you feel comfortable contributing to discussion and can get involved so you’re not just listening to someone talk for 2 hours. The tutors are extremely knowledgeable in their areas of expertise and the module topics are all extremely interesting.

, LLM Law, Medicine and Healthcare 2019

Careers and employability

Our LLM programme is designed to enhance your academic profile and to ensure that you leave us with highly marketable skills, whatever you decide that market to be.

We organise regular careers events and routinely play host to law firms and other organisations who wish to come and meet our students. There is an annual law fair, giving you the opportunity to meet future legal employers. Academic staff in the Law School and Careers & Employability also offer invaluable careers advice and support.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

Every year, our LLM graduates become members of the Inns of Court, secure scholarships for vocational training, and obtain vacation placements, training contracts, and mini-pupillage opportunities from a range of providers. Many have successful careers as members of the legal profession in the UK and overseas including Judges of the Court of Appeal, the High Court and the County Courts.

Past LLM graduates have embarked on a wide variety of professions outside the law as well, in careers within:

  • NHS
  • Healthcare sector
  • Policy work
  • Charities and international non-governmental organisations
  • Business management
  • Accounting and finance
  • NHS, police and emergency services

This LLM also provides you with an ideal opportunity to gain advanced specialist knowledge in preparation for further postgraduate research.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £10,800
Part-time place, per year £5,400
International fees
Full-time place, per year £22,400
Part-time place, per year £11,200
Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

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Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re a new international student starting this course with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a discount of £5,000 off your tuition fees.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

Completed your undergraduate degree, or studied as an undergraduate exchange student, at the University of Liverpool?

You could get a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off the tuition fees for this course from September 2024 entry.

  • £1,500 tuition fee discount for eligible UK University of Liverpool graduates
  • £2,500 tuition fee discount for eligible international University of Liverpool graduates.

ANID Chile Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

Postgraduate taught and research students from Chile are eligible for this scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students

The University, in partnership with Chevening, is delighted to offer this generous scholarship to students who are studying a master’s programme and who have future leadership potential. Please note that there is a fee cap applied to MBA programmes that requires applicants to cover any additional tuition costs over £18,000. You will still receive all additional allowances.

CONACYT Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

The University of Liverpool has an agreement with CONACYT to support postgraduate taught and research students from Mexico.

FIDERH Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

20% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate taught and research programmes. Must be Mexico national.

Fulbright Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US and another is available for a postgraduate research student to undertake a three to six month research stay from the US

FUNED Awards

  • International students
  • Mexico

Up to ten awards are available for Masters or Research students from Mexico in receipt of FUNED loans. The award gives students a 20% reduction in fees for all applications received.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

The University is able to offer competitive scholarships for both postgraduate taught master’s and research programmes.

Hodgson Law Scholarship

  • International students

The Hodgson Law Scholarship, which has been made possible through the generous benefaction of Elizabeth Hodgson, widow of the Liverpool Solicitor Joseph Hodgson, who expressed a wish to advance the education and training of lawyers who might work for the benefit of Merseyside.

Applicants must have completed or be in the final year of completion of a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent degree at a minimum 2.1 (UK Upper Second) or equivalent standard and have an excellent standard of English.

HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

The University is able to offer one award to a new postgraduate taught master’s student from Thailand.

The scholarship is open to all subjects offered as a one-year taught master’s programme.  However, priority will be given to those students who wish to study in a subject area associated with HRH Princess Sirindhorn such as science, IT, medicine, the arts, geography, history and languages.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

Residents of State of Guanajuato, Mexico, wishing to study at postgraduate taught and research levels are eligible for this scholarship.

Law Humanitarian Scholarship

  • International students

The Law Humanitarian Scholarship is open to support people living outside the UK who have recognised status as refugees or are under humanitarian protection as per the 1951 Refugee Convention. The award covers full tuition fees, visas, and support for accommodation and living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria
All applicants for this scholarship must:
Be able to evidence their Refugee Status, or Humanitarian Protection as recognised by the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees.
Have applied to study one of our postgraduate LLM courses.

Liverpool Law School Hong Kong Scholarship

  • International students
  • Hong Kong

The Liverpool Law School is offering two scholarships for new international students, awarded on merit.

Students do NOT need to make an extra application for the Liverpool Law School Hong Kong Bursaries. All students who have registered for either a taught or research programme will be considered automatically.

Liverpool Law School LLM Bursaries

  • Home and international students

Law is offering four bursaries for students joining its taught LLM programme. Awards will help the best students with their tuition fees.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US to cover the cost of tuition fees. Another, to the value of £20,000, is available for Doctoral study visit: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

Postgraduate taught and research students from Turkey are eligible for this scholarship, see the Turkish Ministry of Education website https://meb.gov.tr/ for more information.

University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master’s Programmes

  • International students

The three awards available cover full tuition fees, visas and support for accommodation and living expenses.

This scholarship is open to support people who have recognised status as either refugees or are under humanitarian protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This status must be held outside of the UK.

The scholarship is open for all postgraduate-taught programmes, excluding medicine, dentistry, veterinary and nursing.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

The University of Liverpool will award five University of Liverpool International College students, who achieve the highest academic excellence (minimum 75%) in their UoLIC Pre-Master’s programme, the prestigious UoLIC Excellence scholarship.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

University of Liverpool International College recipients of the Kaplan awards will receive the £3,000 Progression Impact Scholarship, deducted from first-year tuition fees, on successful progression to their UoL degree programme.

To be eligible for our Impact Progression Scholarships, students must apply for one of the Kaplan Impact Scholarships demonstrating their commitment to making an impact across issues of importance to the University and Kaplan. Themes include:

Sustainability
Women in STEM
Community
Career Focus (Employability)

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for China

  • International students
  • China

Details are:
1 (one) Full scholarship
2 (two) £10,000 scholarships
5 (five) £5,000 scholarships
10 (ten) £1,000 scholarships
All scholarships will be awarded after the formal registration at the University and will take the form of a fee waiver.

Please note: This scholarship cannot be combined with any other scholarships or bursaries provided by the University.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

The qualifications and exam results you’ll need to apply for this course.

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

For entry to our master’s programmes we require a minimum of a 2:1 class honours degree from a UK university in Law (BA or LLB), or in a relevant degree subject, including: Political Science, Sociology, Philosophy, International Relations, Banking, Management Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics.

Applicants are considered on the basis of academic ability and potential and other relevant considerations are also taken into account. Applicants who have marginally missed the benchmark indicated above, will be considered on a discretionary basis.

International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC C6 or above

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 6 weeks On campus
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 6.0, for further details.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

More about life in Liverpool

Discover more about the city and University.

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Why Liverpool?

Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.

Accommodation Postgraduate students walking through the campus.

Accommodation

To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.

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Fees and Finance

Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.

Changes to Law, Medicine and Healthcare LLM

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.