Master of Comparative Law (Research)

Programme Code         : L304 (MQA/FA5612)
Medium of Instruction  : English/Arabic/Malay
Programme Option     : Full Time/Pert Time
Programme Type        : Research

Program Education Objective (PEO):

1. A professional in comparative law who demonstrates mastery of knowledge, using advanced techniques and methodologies in conducting specialized research and writing in the field of comparative law (PLO1, PLO3).
2. A professional capable of applying digital and numeracy skills to enhance knowledge and skills, advancing their career and exploring business opportunities within the profession, both nationally and internationally (PLO4, PLO5).
3. A professional in comparative law who can lead autonomously and responsibly, while effectively collaborating within teams through strong communication and interpersonal skills in the required language (PLO6).
4. A professional who upholds and defends the values of ethics, professionalism, moral obligations, and sustainability practices while serving clients and society as a whole (PLO7).
5. A professional with deep knowledge, able to apply, organize, synthesize, and develop original ideas in the field of comparative law, enhancing existing legal concepts through research and writing (PLO2, PLO8).

Programme Learning Objective (PLO):

1. Develop specialized knowledge in the field of Comparative Law.
2. Demonstrate the ability to deep-dive into areas of expertise related to comparative law.
3. Showcase research and writing skills in the field of comparative law.
4. Apply advanced research and analytical skills in comparative law.
5. Exhibit a commitment to lifelong learning and an entrepreneurial mindset in relation to comparative law.
6. Demonstrate leadership and communication skills effectively in various mediums and situations with peers and stakeholders.
7. Produce research papers and a thesis that meet academic standards and adhere to institutional ethics.
8. Analyze, critically evaluate, and propose solutions to issues related to comparative law.

Duration of Studies:

Fee Structure:

Academic Admission Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree with Honors with a CGPA of 2.75 or above from USIM; or
•  A Bachelor’s Degree from USIM or any recognized institution with a CGPA of 2.75/4.00 or higher, or a CGPA of 2.50/4.00 but less than 2.75/4.00, with at least five (5) years of relevant work experience recognized by the Senate; or
•  A Bachelor’s Degree with Honors, with a good grade or Jayyid, or CGPA 3.00/5.00 or higher, or 60% and above from a recognized institution, or CGPA 2.75/4.00 and above; or
• Other equivalent qualifications to a bachelor’s degree and relevant professional experience recognized by the Senate.

English Language Admission Requirements

A) International Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with the following criteria:

• TOEFL with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based) or equivalent; or
• IELTS with a minimum score of Band 6.0; or
• MUET with a minimum score of Band 4.

B) Malaysian Applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency based on these criteria:

• TOEFL with a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 180 (computer-based), or 64 (internet-based); or
• IELTS with a minimum score of Band 5; or
• MUET with a minimum score of Band 3; or
• Graduation from an institution using English as the primary medium of instruction, AND must pass the University’s English Proficiency Test (UEPT) with a minimum score of Band 3; or
• A degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), English Language Studies (ELS), or an equivalent from a Senate-recognized institution; or
• Applicants who are native English speakers.

C) Malaysian  applicants intending to write their thesis in Arabic must meet the following criteria:

• TOEFL with a minimum score of 150 (computer-based) or 52 (internet-based); or
• IELTS with a minimum score of Band 4; or
• MUET with a minimum score of Band 2; or
• UEPT with a minimum score of Band 2.

Applicants who do not meet any of the criteria in sections (A) , (B) & (C) may register conditionally and must meet the criteria within 12 months (for Master’s students).

A Master in Comparative Law (MCL or LLM in Comparative Law) provides graduates with an in-depth understanding of different legal systems, making them highly adaptable in global and multi-jurisdictional contexts. This degree opens up diverse career opportunities across legal practice, academia, international organizations, and government sectors. Here are potential career paths for someone with a Master in Comparative Law:

1. Legal Practice and Law Firms

• Comparative Law Consultant: Advising law firms or companies on how to navigate differences between various legal systems, especially for businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions.
• Legal Advisor for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Providing legal advice to corporations investing in foreign markets, ensuring compliance with local legal systems and international agreements.

2. Judiciary and Legal Services

• Judge or Magistrate: A comparative law background can be especially useful for judges dealing with cases that involve foreign legal elements, international agreements, or cross-border disputes.
• Arbitrator or Mediator: Resolving disputes in international or cross-border contexts, especially in arbitration centers or dispute resolution institutions.

3. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

• Mediation and Conciliation Expert: Facilitating dispute resolution between parties from different legal backgrounds or jurisdictions, especially in cross-border commercial or family law cases.
• Comparative Law Arbitrator: Specializing in arbitration where the parties are from countries with different legal systems, helping navigate the complexities of both legal traditions.

A Master in Comparative Law equips graduates with the ability to analyze and navigate different legal systems, making them highly valuable in a world where cross-border transactions, international law, and multi-jurisdictional issues are increasingly common. These skills are particularly useful in international law firms, multinational corporations, academia, and global organizations.