About this course
Gain a maritime law qualification with our LLM Maritime Law master’s degree at the University of Southampton. We'll teach you the skills and practical knowledge to work in your chosen path on this flexible degree.
You’ll get to specialise in a choice of areas including marine insurance, admiralty law and arbitration law. Through our expert teachers and access to industry contacts, you’ll have a great opportunity to further your career in maritime law.
Shipping plays a central role in global trade, meaning that maritime law can offer a wide range of career opportunities.
With a global reputation for maritime research and world-leading academics, Southampton Law School is one of the best places in the UK to study for a master’s in maritime law. This degree combines the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you’ll need for a range of specialisms.
During your studies, you’ll develop your knowledge through a grounding in areas like criminal and contract law. This will improve the practical legal skills you need to advise, litigate and negotiate.
Southampton Law School is home to a vibrant port city and maritime institutions including:
- The Institute of Maritime Law
- The National Oceanography Centre Southampton
- The Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute
- The research division of Lloyd’s Register
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
You can also take a single module as part of continuing professional development (CPD). Explore modules that are available as CPD
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Your course leader has research interests in internet governance and corporate governance with an international focus. Visit Professor Uta Kohl's staff profile to learn more about her work.
Robert Veal discusses Admiralty Law on the LLM Maritime Law programme
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
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 an overall score of 7.0 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
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.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following module:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
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.
Careers
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.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service 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
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £19,850.
Deposit
When you accept your offer to study on this course you’ll be asked to pay a deposit. This is non-refundable. The deposit amount is:
- UK students: £250
- EU and international students: £1,000
Full terms and conditions and details of how to pay this deposit will be sent to you in your offer letter.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get 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.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
You must submit your application by the end of the day on 31 July 2020. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
We cannot guarantee you'll be able to start your course if you do not meet these deadlines.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. 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 a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. 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
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
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.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
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: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000