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Masters of Law
LLM Journalism and the Law Online
An online Master of Laws (LLM) in Journalism and the Law offered by The University of Law, is a postgraduate degree designed for law and non-law graduates to enhance your academic legal knowledge. This internationally recognised Master’s course will give you the skills to progress within the media law and journalism industry and can open up pathways to careers including in-house legal, and compliance manager roles.
Key Facts
Duration options
12 months (full-time)
24 months (part-time)
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Course Details
LLM Journalism and the Law Online
The LLM in Journalism and the Law is an innovative and flexible programme that examines how law and legal issues are represented in the media, as well as the legal and regulatory principles that govern their reporting. You will explore topics such as the reporting of court proceedings, including reporting restrictions, the concept and practice of open justice, and the coverage of law-making processes and constitutional issues. The programme will provide you with in-depth knowledge of key issues affecting the reporting of law and legal matters, along with the skills to apply complex legal rules to real-world challenges.
When you study the LLM Journalism and the Law with us you will:
- Be taught by our expert lecturers, including subject matter specialists, former and current practitioners, and research and teaching focused academics.
- Learn about the context within which legal ethics operates and interplays with other areas such as economics and politics.
- Research and critically evaluate the key theories, concepts and principles of legal ethics as applied in the UK.
- Benefit from strategic partnerships with firms, regulators and accreditation bodies, which inform our programme development.
- Improve your employability by gaining important transferable skills and mapping your career with our careers team.
- Strengthen your network - connect with other students, faculty and industry professionals on an international scale, and seek out opportunities for future placements and job opportunities.
- Increase your earning potential - the 2023 Graduate Labour Market Statistics found that postgraduates on average earn £5,000 more than their graduate counterparts.
- Get ahead of the competition - gain in-depth knowledge of your topic of interest and become a subject expert, which will provide you with a competitive edge in the job market.
- Enjoy flexibility - We understand that everyone’s circumstances are different. That’s why we offer a wide range of study modes (full-time, part-time, on campus, online) across our courses to provide you with the greatest choice and flexibility you need to succeed in your studies.
- 94% of postgraduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (2021/22 Graduate Outcomes data). Contains HESA Data: Copyright Jisc 2024.
- Prepare for the future of Legal Technology – study modules in legal technology and gain insight into this emerging area of law.
Please note that, due to Home Office regulations, students who require a Student Route visa to study with us are not permitted to study online and can only choose face-to-face taught modules.
Upcoming Application Deadlines
Applications for September 2025 are now open.
Course Structure
Terms 1 & 2 (full-time) or 1-4 (part-time)
In addition to a general induction to the programme, there is a two-week induction covering the Key Principles of the English Legal System. This is compulsory for non-law students, but also open to students wanting a refresher in the fundamentals of the law of England and Wales. This would be useful for any student who has taken a considerable break from legal education.
Compulsory modules include:
- Journalism and the Law
- Media Law, Defamation & Privacy
- Research Methods Training to help you prepare for your dissertation
You may then choose two* from the list of elective modules which includes modules such as:
- Data Protection and Intellectual Property
- Domestic Human Rights and Judicial Review
- International Human Rights
- Public International Law
View the elective module guide
*All elective modules are subject to availability.
Term 3 (full-time) or 5-6 (part-time)
Dissertation in Journalism and the Law
Course Start Dates
September 2025
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LLM Journalism and the Law
- Full-time: Online
- Part-time: Online
February 2026
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LLM Journalism and the Law
- Full-time: Online
- Part-time: Online
Course requirements
The course demands show you the requirements, prior knowledge and commitments our course will involve.
Study On Campus
You can also study these courses at one of our campuses across the UK. If you’re looking for a more traditional university experience, why not consider studying on campus?
Course Information
Application and booking deadlines vary by intake - take a look at our key application and enrolment deadline dates for more information.
With so many options for studying this course, you can be sure to find a start date and study option to suit your needs.
Modules are assessed by a three hour unseen written examination or 4,500 word coursework assignment.
All assessments are conducted online.
The dissertation module will be assessed by submission of a thesis (15,000 words), and provides an opportunity for sustained, in-depth and intensive investigation into, and reflection upon, a specialist area of Journalism and the Law.
Modules are assessed by a three hour unseen written examination or 4,500 word coursework assignment.
All assessments are conducted online.
The dissertation module will be assessed by submission of a thesis (15,000 words), and provides an opportunity for sustained, in-depth and intensive investigation into, and reflection upon, a specialist area of Journalism and the Law.
Employability We Set You Up For Success
We care about your career, which is why we offer support with job applications and other work experience opportunities as soon as you accept your place.
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Find a career that suits you
Fees and Applying
You can apply for this course directly with the University.
This course cannot be chosen to study alongside our Legal Practice Course (LPC). For more information on the choice of Master's to study alongside our LPC, please visit the LPC page.
Please note: Our Master of Laws (LLM) programmes are not a direct route to qualification as a Barrister or Solicitor in the UK.
2025/26 Course Fee (for courses starting on or after 1 July 2025)
Online: £12,400 (or £11,900 including a £500 International Bursary*)
By studying a Master's degree you could be eligible for a Postgraduate Loan.
If you’re a ULaw alumnus, you may be eligible to receive our £1000 Academic Master's Alumni Discount.
We also have a range of scholarships and bursaries available which make studying with us more affordable than ever.
We have students from over 120 different countries throughout our campuses, with a dedicated team to help international students.
