Health Law LLM
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2025
- Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Our LLM in Health Law explores the dynamic and critical intersection of medicine and law. As the National Health Service faces increasing pressure on resource allocation and as debates intensify over an individual's capacity to consent or refuse medical treatment, the demand for legal professionals skilled in health law has never been greater.
Dive deep into fundamental principles like consent to treatment and medical ethics, while also exploring specialised areas of health law such as the regulation of healthcare quality, mental health law, and employment and health law. This course offers a comprehensive overview of key legal areas affecting medical practice in the UK, enriched by perspectives from EU legislation and international health norms.
We are the only UK Law School with its own on-campus teaching law firm - NLS Legal
Our award-winning on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Providing a practical learning environment, you can get involved in the running of the firm, from conducting client interviews to representing them at tribunals. All NLS students can benefit from this, and our other opportunities to gain real-world experience ensuring our graduates are more than qualified at the end of their courses.
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Experience practical teaching like no other; NLS is the only UK Law School with its own on-campus law firm - NLS Legal. -
Build key skills; NLS hosts Support Through Court's National Remote Services, offering exclusive work experience opportunities. -
Benefit from our reputation; celebrating our 60th anniversary, we're one of the UK's largest and most established law schools. -
Become more than qualified; work/work-like experience and practical skills are integrated directly into your course.
What you’ll study
LLM Health Law will involve you in the study of key issues relating to legal principles applied in the context of health and medicine. You will be supported in gaining high-level understanding of the organisational, regulatory and legal structures underpinning medical and health practice. Based on these fundamentals you will have the opportunity to develop critical insights into a range of specialist areas in the field. In particular as the law relates to medical innovation, consent, mental health, beginning and ending of life issues and the use of human tissue.
The course incorporates a strong emphasis on ethics based critiques of legal approaches to health and medicine. Similarly you will be supported in developing a sophisticated international perspective on the issues in particular through the lens of human rights approaches.
You will study six taught modules followed by a dissertation.
Core module:
- Regulation of Healthcare Quality
Optional modules:
You can select up to five modules from any subject area, however, we do advise you to select modules from the below options if possible:
- Employer and Health Law
- Mental Capacity and Mental Health Law
- Beginning and Ending of Life
- Medical Use of the Human Body
- Global Innovation and Intellectual Property
Optional modules are offered subject to sufficient uptake.
Dissertation
You will study six taught modules followed by a dissertation.
Core module:
Regulation of Healthcare Quality
This module aims to examine the key areas of law relating to the practice of medicine in the UK, taking into account EU legislation and international health norms. There will be particular focus on the law relating to medical malpractice, clinical governance, quality of healthcare, medication safety and patient centred care, including the protection of confidential information.
Optional modules:
Employer and Health Law
This module aims to foster an understanding of the obligation of employers to care for the health of employees, particularly in the context of employees in a health care setting.
Mental Capacity and Mental Health Law
The module aims to identify and critically analyse the conceptual underpinnings and law relating to consent to medical treatment in the UK, mental capacity under the Mental Capacity Act and the civil law provisions of the Mental Health Act 1983.
Beginning and Ending of Life
The module supports students in the identification and critical exploration of the legal and ethical issues in two key respects relating to human life.
The first, concerning the beginning of human life, focuses on ethical and legal issues relevant to the of use of assisted reproduction technology and conduct affecting the human embryo/foetus during pregnancy or resulting in that pregnancy coming to an end.
The second involves detailed consideration of ethical and legal implications of ending of life issues in a medical context. The particular focus of this component of the module is the intentional shortening and assistance, in the shortening of life, and the withdrawing and withholding of life-maintaining intervention where the shortening of life is not intended.
Medical Use of the Human Body
The module aims to support students in gaining a critical appreciation of the conceptual aspects of medical use of the human body and critically explore it as a phenomenon. In doing so students are encouraged to adopt philosophical constructs and ethical principles as a means of developing a critical perspective on what constitutes appropriate constraint of medical use.
Global Innovation and Intellectual Property
This module critically develops the key issues underpinning innovation and the discipline of patent law, including their application in UK and internationally, often in a public health and sustainable development context.
- You can select up to five modules from any subject area. We do advise you to select modules from the above options if possible.
Dissertation
You will start your dissertation after completing these modules.
The dissertation is an extended piece of academic work, independently researched and written. You will be supported in your work by one-to-one supervision from a tutor expert in the chosen field. Subject to academic suitability and the availability of an appropriately expert tutor, you may select your own area of study for the dissertation phase of the course.
Please note modules run subject to sufficient student numbers.
At NLS, embedding work experience and practical skills development into the curriculum is a priority focus as we know it helps produce well rounded graduates with increased employability skills. Here are just some of the ways you'll be able to get involved:
NLS Legal
Our on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Students from all years can work with NLS Legal and are involved in all aspects of the running of our law firm, from dealing with new enquiries and helping monitor risk and compliance, to conducting client interviews, undertaking relevant research, drafting letters of advice and even representing clients at tribunal.
Support Through Court
Through NLS Legal, you can gain legal work experience through our partner organisation, Support Through Court, a national charity that provides practical and emotional support to people going through court without representation (litigants in person).
NLS hosts Support Through Court Nottingham and Support Through Court's National Online services, providing NLS students with hundreds of on-campus work experience opportunities every year.
Additional opportunities
Find out more about your NLS experience, including the opportunities to engage in competitions and extra-curricular activities.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
How will I study?
The academic year for the LLM courses is split into three parts: two ten-week terms (Term One runs from the beginning of the academic year until the Christmas vacation, Term Two between Christmas and Easter) and the summer period.
Full-time students – who complete the course over one academic year – study three modules in each term and complete the dissertation over the summer.
Part-time students – who complete the course over two academic years – study three modules across Terms One and Two in each year (six in total), beginning work on researching their dissertation during the first summer period and completing it during the second.
On the full-time and part-time modes modules are taught throughout the week. Depending on your timetable you may be expected to attend on more than one day. Modules may exceptionally be rescheduled due to course needs.
Seminars are led by academics but will usually require you to carry out extensive guided preparatory work and will often involve short presentations or other contributions.
Assessment
In each case modules are assessed through one piece of course work. This usually takes the form of a problem- or essay-style question, but will vary by module. You can submit and receive feedback on assessments over the course of each module.
Your dissertation will be assessed through a research based written assignment of 12,000 words. The topic that you choose for your dissertation should be relevant to the course specialism and the chosen title will be subject to approval by the Course Leader.
Additionally, you will complete a reflective report consisting of pre-set questions, each with a maximum word count attributed to it; approximately 250 words, i.e. 1000 words in total. Your reflective report will be assessed by way of competence or non-competence.
Expert Teaching Staff
Our courses are taught by academics with significant subject expertise. The School’s vocational focus and strong links with the legal profession mean that many of our academic staff members have extensive practical experience. The courses also have a strong research base. Our academic staff actively research and publish, and many are recognised as being among the leading experts in their fields.
Research Expertise
We have a number of internationally recognised experts in a wide range of legal areas. We also have a Health Law and Ethics Research Group.
Access to Resources
Nottingham Law School is delighted to announce that it will continue to provide access to the Oxford University Press (OUP) online resource - Law Trove.
Law Trove provides online access to a range of online resources, including over 200 textbooks published by OUP, and covers core and optional subject areas. Students on all courses will be provided with unlimited access to the resources within Law Trove in order to further enhance your experience during your time with us.
Careers and employability
Your career development
Career development is an integral part of the programme and our careers team run a series of workshops where you can identify methods and strategies to enable you to pursue your career goals.
Due to the School's excellent reputation within the legal profession, our graduates are highly sought-after and recognised for the depth and relevance of their knowledge. While this course does not currently offer placements we do encourage our students to pursue placement opportunities.
Find out about the opportunities available through our pro bono and University volunteering schemes.
Continuing professional development (CPD)
Practitioners can study individual modules from the LLM programme for CPD awards.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.
Learning a new language can:
- enhance your communication skills
- enrich your experience when travelling abroad
- boost your career prospects.
Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From social media addiction to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
Campus and facilities
Chaucer
Nottingham Law School is based in the Chaucer building on the City Campus. It is a vibrant place to study with fantastic facilities and accommodation just a few minutes' walk from everything Nottingham has to offer. Not only will you study in outstanding lecture theatres and seminar rooms, but the Law School has also invested in:
- A mock courtroom
- A family courtroom
- Four mooting rooms to enhance your mooting and advocacy experience in an authentic environment
NLS Legal
Our on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Students from all years can work with NLS Legal and are involved in all aspects of the running of our law firm, from dealing with new enquiries and helping monitor risk and compliance, to conducting client interviews, undertaking relevant research, drafting letters of advice and even representing clients at tribunal.
Fantastic facilities
You'll also have access to a great combination of facilities on the City Campus, including:
- the 24-hour Boots Library, with learning resources specific to your course
- IT open areas in the Newton and Chaucer buildings
- Nottingham Trent Student Union, including sports facilities, a shop, cafes and music venues
- a range of student accommodation
We've recently invested a massive £90 million into our buildings and facilities, providing you with inspiring places to learn, relax with friends and share ideas.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- A good law degree, 2.2 or above.
- Applicants whose first degree is not Law will be required to provide evidence of commitment to the LLM subject that they wish to study.
- Applicants from other disciplines will be welcomed in appropriate circumstances, particularly if they have experience in the area, even if not as lawyers.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
Foundation courses
If you need to do a foundation course to meet our course requirements please visit Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC). If you’re already studying in the UK at a school or college and would like to know if we can accept your qualification please visit our international courses page.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Home fees for 2025 entry
| Study route | Home fees |
|---|---|
| One year (full-time) | £8,750 |
| Two years (part-time) | £4,375 |
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
International / EU fees for 2025 entry
| Study route | International/EU fees |
|---|---|
| One year (full-time) | £17,850 |
| Two years (part-time) | £8,925 |
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact our Admissions Team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Good luck with your application!
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Postgraduate research
If you’re applying for postgraduate research please visit our Research pages for information about our research areas and how to make your application.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.