Maritime Law (LLM)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in Law or a subject with at least 4 law modules.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September. 

In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.  

This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. 

You’ll begin preparing for your dissertation during semester 1, and continue this work in semester 2.

For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently on a research project and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars and guided independent study. During your studies, we'll encourage you to explore and debate a range of topics with other students, deliver presentations and even argue for a case in trial court proceedings, known as a moot.

You will enhance your legal knowledge and develop important skills in areas such as:

• teamwork
• communication
• critical appraisal
• logical reasoning

Some lectures and seminars will be run by legal and maritime professionals, including judges, ship brokers and representatives from classification societies.

You’ll take part in the LLM challenge, where you’ll work in a team to debate a current topic and compete for a small prize. This is a chance to exercise your intellect and develop your talents for collaboration and leadership.

Assessment

Depending on the modules that you take, you'll be assessed through a mixture of:

• exams
• coursework assignments
• your compulsory dissertation

Dissertation

This is an opportunity to carry out independent legal research on an issue that interests you.  You’ll use the knowledge and skills you have learned to write a 15,000-word dissertation over 16 weeks at the end of the programme.

Academic Support

A personal academic tutor will advise you throughout your course, and you can talk to your module tutors about any subject-specific questions.

As an LLM graduate, you’ll be able to work in specialist maritime organisations. Southampton graduates are regularly sought after by these firms:

• Campbell Johnson Clark
• White & Case
• Ince & Co
• Reed Smith
• Addleshaw Goddard
• Clyde & Co
• Burges Salmon

LLM graduates also often work in Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clubs including:

• Gard
• Skuld
• Britannia Steam Ship
• The Standard Club
• Steamship

You will be invited to our Law Careers Fair to meet with a wide range of important shipping companies and law firms.

Through our business links, we can offer monetary awards and placements to high-performing students, offering unique opportunities to build professional experience and networks.

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £25,400.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Law Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Law.

Find out more about the Southampton Law Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

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Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000