The LLM in Drafting Legislation, Regulation, and Policy has been offered by the IALS with considerable success since 2004. Students now have two modes of delivery, the traditional in-class delivery or the opportunity to study this course in a more flexible manner, via distance learning. The LLM in Drafting Legislation, Regulation, and Policy via DL includes a compulsory week-long intensive Student Engagement Week, offered in person in London or online. This gives students a chance to meet the tutors and other students, and to start their studies with the maximum level of support.

Teaching methods for the remainder of the course include extensive online materials per session, such as PowerPoint presentations, hand-outs, and a number of academic sources for essential and further reading; online discussions with tutors and fellow students on the traditional LLM and the LLM via DL; private reading and independent research; individual tuition and support via email for coursework and dissertation for which a dissertation supervisor is assigned.

The content for the DL mode of delivery is fundamentally the same as the content of the in-class LLM in Drafting Legislation, Regulation, and Policy so there are six modules and a dissertation.

  • Comparative Legislative Studies 1 and 2
  • Legislative Drafting 1 and 2
  • LLM Research Methods Training
  • The theory and practice of Regulation
  • 15,000-word dissertation
  • The LLM in Drafting Legislation, Regulation, and Policy via DL is offered on a part-time basis only over two years calendar. Application forms can be found at the top of the page.

    Applications for January 2024 entry opened on 1 October 2023. The deadline for these applications is 30 November 2023. 

    Applications for October 2024 entry opened on 1 November 2023. The deadline for these applications is 31 July 2024. 

    Further information: School of Advanced Study How to Apply.

    Testimonials

    Testimonials listed below are from former students studying for the LLM via Distance Learning,

    I must say it was great attending the Residential Course hosted in the month of June. I am most happy that I decided to attend in my first year. I can  positively say that the programme has assisted me in many ways, in understanding what I am expected to  do with regard to the LLM programme;  understanding the various principles to be applied in the various topics, what is expected of me when writing my essays as well as the dissertation to be handed in at the end of the programme. I thank you also for your dedication and your patience during the week. I must say the University could not have found two better persons to be assigned in lecturing for the LLM Advanced Legislative Studies Programme. Once again I am most thankful for the advice, guidelines and  pointers provided.

    LLM via Distance Learning student 2013


    I would like to take this opportunity to thank you both for the knowledge you have passed onto me through this program. I cannot begin to explain how much I have learned from this online program because it is overwhelming but I can say that I am very grateful to you both and I am glad that I decided to enrol a year ago. I have learned so much and I have definitely implemented that which I have learned in the course of my duties here in the drafting office.

    LLM via Distance Learning student 2012


    I wish to express my profound thanks to you both for your exceptional tutorship during my course of study. The constant support which you willingly provided made a big difference and undoubtedly guided me through this academic process. Your individual knowledge of this area is only surpassed by your combined knowledge and as a result you two make a formidable team. I would recommend this course to anyone who is desirous of capturing a wholesome knowledge of Legislative Drafting and everything that comes along with it.

    Michelle Ann John-Theobalds, 2012