ObjectivesThe course addresses the need for an alternative postgraduate education for graduates of law and other disciplines who wish to further their careers in the advice or legal/paralegal field. You will acquire an in-depth understanding of relevant law, the legal process and the inter-relationship between different areas of law. The course is directed towards legal techniques to help you to acquire skills in drafting, advocacy and research (including relevant information technology). Practical procedural exercises will be included. Modules may be studied individually.
Entry requirementsA degree in any discipline. Relevant work experience (particularly legal/ advice/paralegal work) is an asset.
Academic titleMA Advice and Paralegal Work
Course descriptionCourse structure
To qualify for the MA degree you will take two core modules, four options and a triple-module dissertation.
The core modules are:
-Legal Research Methods
-Social Security and Tribunal Representation
-The range of optional modules includes:
-Debt and Consumer Advice
-Employment Law and Practice
-Housing Law and Practice
-Immigration Law and Practice
-Paralegal Skills and Court Procedure
You may also take one free module from anywhere within the University's postgraduate provision in place of one of the listed options.
Legal Research Methods will introduce you to the law-making process, basic legal methods, problem solving, contextual analysis and research skills. Social Security and Tribunal Representation provides a basic knowledge of the law of social security and an introduction to the practical and legal aspects of taking a case to a tribunal.
The subjects chosen for the options reflect the range of areas of law that typically constitute the work of a general advice agency with opportunities to study individual areas, their skills and procedures to a more advanced level.
Assessment
Assessment is by coursework, research proposals, examination and a 15,000-word dissertation.
Career opportunities
Ideal for those wishing to further their careers in advice and paralegal work. Graduates can also apply for further study.
Attendance & duration
Full-time: one year, three evenings a week or equivalent
Part-time (day/eve): two years, two afternoons/evenings a week or equivalent