FacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

Master of Laws (Research)

//Master of Laws (Research)
Master of Laws (Research) 2024-09-08T05:45:52+08:00

This program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing legal studies through research. It offers candidates the opportunity to enhance the skills and knowledge they have acquired during their undergraduate law studies. Candidates will be supervised by appointed faculty members who are experts in relevant fields. Supervisors will guide candidates in developing the necessary skills to conduct independent research and produce robust findings on their chosen topic.

Explore exciting research fields such as:

  • Constitutional Law
  • International Law
  • Human Rights
  • Cyber Law
  • Maritime Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Banking and Finance Law

Programme Code            : L303 (MQA/FA5611)
Medium of Instruction  : English/Arabic/ Malay
Programme Option        : Full Time/Pert Time
Programme Type            : Research

Program Education Objective (PEO):

  1. Legal professionals who demonstrate mastery of legal knowledge and apply advanced techniques and methodologies in conducting specialized research and writing in the field of law (PLO1, PLO2).
  2. Legal professionals skilled in utilizing digital and numerical tools to enhance their knowledge and skills for career development, while also exploring entrepreneurial opportunities within the legal profession at the local level (PLO4, PLO5).
  3. Legal professionals who can lead autonomously and responsibly, while effectively collaborating in teams through strong communication and interpersonal skills, using the required language (PLO6).
  4. Legal professionals who uphold and defend ethical values, professionalism, moral obligations, and sustainable practices in serving clients and society as a whole (PLO7).
  5. Legal professionals with in-depth knowledge, capable of applying, organizing, synthesizing, and developing original ideas in legal concepts, while advancing existing legal theories through research and writing (PLO3, PLO8).

Programme Learning Objective (PLO):

  1. Develop specialized knowledge in the field of Law.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to delve into specific areas of legal expertise.
  3. Show competence in research and writing.
  4. Apply advanced understanding and skills in research and analysis within the field of Law.
  5. Exhibit the ability to expand knowledge through lifelong learning with an entrepreneurial mindset related to Law.
  6. Show leadership skills through effective communication across various mediums and situations with peers and stakeholders.
  7. Produce research papers and theses that meet academic standards and institutional ethical practices.
  8. Analyze, critically evaluate, and propose solutions to legal issues.

Duration of Studies:

Min. Semester Max. Semester
Full Time 4 8
Part Time 6 12

Fee Structure:

 1st Semester
(RM)		 2nd Semester 2
(RM)		 3rd – 4th Semester
(RM)		 5th and Consequent Semester
(RM)

Local Student

(Full TIme)

 2,127.00 1,387.00 1,887.00 1,387.00

Local Student

(Part TIme)

1,817.00

 1,077.00 1,577.00

1,077.00
International Student 3,215.00 2,475.00 2,975.00

2,475.00

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 of Laws (LLM) offers a wide range of career opportunities in both traditional legal practice and specialized fields. Depending on the area of focus (e.g., international law, corporate law, human rights, etc.), here are potential career paths for LLM graduates:

1. Legal Practice and Law Firms

  • Senior Lawyer or Legal Consultant: LLM graduates often secure positions as specialized legal advisors or senior lawyers in law firms, handling complex cases in areas like corporate law, intellectual property, or litigation.
  • Partner in a Law Firm: With advanced legal knowledge and experience, an LLM can help lawyers fast-track their career toward becoming partners in a law firm.
  • International Lawyer: LLM degrees with a focus on international law prepare individuals for cross-border legal work, representing multinational corporations or working with law firms with global clientele.

 2. Judiciary and Legal Services

  • Judge or Magistrate: An LLM degree may help lawyers progress in their judiciary careers, making them eligible for positions such as judge, magistrate, or tribunal member, especially in specialized courts.
  • Public Prosecutor: Serving as a prosecutor for state or federal governments in criminal law cases, representing the state in legal matters.

3. Corporate and In-House Counsel

  • Corporate Lawyer: LLM graduates specializing in corporate or commercial law are often sought after by large corporations to handle mergers, acquisitions, compliance, and contract negotiations.
  • In-House Legal Counsel: Many corporations and multinational companies hire in-house lawyers to manage legal risk, handle compliance issues, and oversee transactions.
  • Compliance Officer: Overseeing that a company’s operations comply with laws and regulations, particularly in highly regulated industries like finance, insurance, and healthcare.

An LLM can significantly boost a legal professional’s credentials and open up specialized and leadership positions, especially in international law, corporate law, and academia. The opportunities vary widely depending on the area of legal expertise and industry focus.