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Public law defines any legislation that affects the individual: it is linked to the relationship between state, government and members of the public. It was formerly called constitutional law and at its core is the ancient principle of jurisprudence. It is about the balance between ensuring civil order and respect for the law while allowing freedom of thought, speech and action. It also includes the interface between the rights and responsibilities of governments and those of citizens. So it considers all kinds of legal and social issues, such as crime, justice and human rights and the ways in which laws are framed, altered and enforced. With globalisation, the field has expanded to cover relationships between different states and countries, war and international disputes. This is a complex field and is constantly changing in response to national and international events. If you have a wide interest in law and enjoy exploring and comparing complicated legal ideas, then an LLM in public law could be right for you.
The legal system in England and Wales (but not Scotland) is founded on the principle of ‘common law’. This sometimes presents difficulties for students from countries where the law is based on a different type of theory (for instance, the Napoleonic code in France). If you do come from a common-law jurisdiction, it can also take time to understand other types of legal thinking. So be sure to read around unfamiliar ideas before the course starts.
At the time of writing, there were over a dozen master’s in public law at universities in the UK, with several other courses covering similar areas. All are ‘taught’ courses, but with an emphasis on students doing their own reading and research. As a result, contact time with teachers and tutors can be lower than most other types of LLM – averaging four to eight hours a week. All LLMs in public law include a dissertation of about 12,000–15,000 words.
Courses can be listed under a variety of titles – ‘European Public International Public Law’, ‘Public International Law and Comparative Public Law’, and even plain ‘Public Law’. Check under all likely headings. Also examine the course content carefully, as LLMs in different aspects of this area vary considerably, even at the same university.
A bachelor’s in law is usually, but not always, required. Universities accepting students with a first degree in other relevant disciplines, such as politics or business, make individual judgements based on the evidence that you put forward on your application. It is essential to show an understanding of the connection between public law and your own field of expertise.
Apart from the high level of self-directed study mentioned above, you will be analysing, discussing and comparing intricate legislation: graduates whose first language isn’t English are required to have high IELTS (or equivalent) scores of 6.5 to 7.0.
All LLMs in public law run full time for one year starting in September/October, with most colleges also offering part-time study over two years. A few universities allow a longer period of part-time study (eg three years at Bristol University of the West of England and up to four years at the University of Nottingham). Distance learning is offered at the University of Exeter, but only if you live locally. It is also possible through the University of London’s External LLM Programme that offers specialisms in public law and international public law. This method of studying is becoming more popular, so keep checking for new developments.
Public law is such a broad field that it is difficult to give more than a flavour of each LLM: there should be something for everyone here! Most courses run modules (often mandatory) in elements of social justice, state intervention and the history of public law. The effect of European legislation and institutions (eg the European Convention on Human Rights) is also important. Common topics are human rights, criminal law and, increasingly, environmental law. Many master’s in public law also contain philosophical or academic debate on items like access to justice or the concept of liberty. Some interesting features of LLMs in public law include the chance to spend a year studying in Washington (University of Hull’s two-year LLM in European Public Law). The Universities of Leicester and Glamorgan offer modules around diplomacy, while Queen Mary University of London has options in immigration, tax and finance on both its Public Law and Public international Law LLMs. At King’s College London, the International Public Law LLM is weighted towards human rights.
LLMs closely connected to public law include Law and Government at Dundee University, Hull University’s International Law course, Legal Theory and History at Queen Mary University of London and Kent University’s research degree in socio-legal studies. Bangor University has a specialist LLM in Law and Devolved Governments. You may also want to consider some of the large number of LLMs in European law, international law and human rights law. These often take in public law and may even offer it as part of a joint LLM, such as human rights law and UK public law.
The LLM qualification is well respected in many countries. A master’s in public law is an indication that you have a breadth of interest and knowledge in a varied range of legal topics. It is a strong foundation for work in legal practice and for applications to government organisations and NGOs. Note that it does not allow you to practise law in the United Kingdom. For this, you will need to be qualified as a lawyer in your own country or to have taken the Legal Practice Course/Bar Vocational Course in England and Wales or their Scottish equivalents.
Constitutional and Administrative Law, H Barnett
Studies in Constitutional Law, C Munro
Gillian Sharp
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