Programme summary for LLM Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies

This programme offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to legal issues in the Middle East and Islam. The programme is built on the work and expertise of the School in the areas of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Iraq crisis, Islamic feminism, Islamic legal discourses and postcolonial analysis of Islamic legal history. The impact of the Middle East and Islam on the global orders has put these issues firmly on the agenda. The programme offers challenging perspectives on Islamic law, international law, human rights, democracy and pluralism in the context of critical Islamic and Middle East Studies.

Contact Details

For further information about this programme, e-mail Barry Collins, the LLM Programme Co-ordinator or Tel: +44 (0)20 8223 2111 or +44 (0)20 8223 2113

About the programme

This programme offers a unique, interdisciplinary approach to legal issues in the Middle East and Islam. The programme is built on the work and expertise of UEL’s Law School in the areas of the Palestinian–Israeli conflict, the Iraq crisis, Islamic feminism, Islamic legal discourses and post-colonial analysis of Islamic legal history. The programme offers challenging perspectives on Islamic law, international law, human rights, democracy and pluralism in the context of critical Islamic and Middle East Studies.

Programme structure

There will be two core modules, Law and Policy in the Middle East and Current Issues and Research in International Law. Candidates then take at least one module from the following: Islam and Human Rights, Islamic Legal Cultures, Islamic Legal Theories, Feminist Legal Theories, International Human Rights, law, International Environmental Law, International Trade Law, Law of Armed conflict and International Criminal Law. Candidates may choose their second option from any one of the above or from any other LLM module.
The Dissertation must be deemed by the Dissertation committee to be substantially related to the areas of Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies.

Career opportunities

Graduates with a specialisation in LLM Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies can look to the expanding market and professional choices available in this field. The scarcity of specialists in this area was particularly noticed after the events of 11 September 2001. Specialists have gained importance given the wide gulf between the Islamic/Middle East and the West as well as the increasing multiculturalism in Western societies. Possible career paths include policy making within the public sector and government, community relations, human rights work in development agencies/organisations, journalism and advocacy.

Support

Every student is allocated a personal tutor who provides support and advice, research methods training is available, special sessions on access to relevant learning materials are organised. Lecturers teaching on the LLM in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies are available for module specific discussions as well as general issues related to the field.

Admission

Qualifications for admission are a good degree in law, the social sciences, the humanities, Middle East, Islamic Studies, theology or another appropriate degree. Professional qualifications will also be taken in account. Applicants whose first language is not English or who have not studied for the first degree in English medium require IELTS at 6.5 or its equivalent.
Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.