ObjectivesTo provide a course of postgraduate study which gives you an in-depth knowledge and understanding of financial services law: to develop your skills of analysis, written communication, autonomy and ability to learn; to allow you to place financial services law in its context in the new regulatory system; to offer the course in a way that accommodates your other commitments and career development; to facilitate your understanding of the interrelation between the regulatory regime and legal principles by providing modules which emphasise the practical considerations that arise in financial markets and the commercial and legal implications of the law.
Entry requirementsApplicants must either hold a UK or equivalent degree in law or an associated discipline, or have other relevant qualifications or experience.
Academic titlePostgraduate Diploma, LLM Financial Services Law
Course descriptionCourse structure
The course is delivered in distance learning mode and comprises an introductory module and 10 substantive modules. The introductory module equips those who are new to English law with the understanding necessary for the substantive modules. This course also enables those with an existing knowledge of English law to refresh their understanding of key concepts. Each of the substantive modules gives rigorous consideration to one aspect of financial services law.
Each module includes:
(a) a series of thought-provoking questions so that you can assess your understanding of your studies, and
(b) a self-assessment problem question so that you can develop your skills of reasoning, argument and critical judgement.
Each module provides specific written guidance on how you should tackle the self-assessment question.
The course handbook provides written guidance on how to answer self-assessment questions and how to prepare for assessed coursework and examinations. You will be given regular feedback on your performance in assessed coursework, so you can find out how you are progressing in relation to attaining the standards demanded by the course.
The course is delivered by distance learning with two additional but non-compulsory seminars in February of each year.
Assessment
The core modules are assessed by four coursework assignments and by Paper Two of the final examination. Paper Two counts for 50% of your overall grade and each of the four coursework assignments counts for 10%. The specialist module is assessed by means of Paper One and counts for 10% of your overall grade. The pass mark in each case is 50%.
Career opportunities
The course is essential for those pursuing a career in financial services. The diploma can also count towards the further study required in order to gain an LLM (see below).
LLM in Financial Services Law
The postgraduate diploma can be converted into an LLM in Financial Services Law by taking a one-year part-time top-up masters course including a dissertation.