Develop advanced specialist knowledge of law, medicine and healthcare in one of the original law departments in the UK. You'll learn medico-legal ethics, concepts such as autonomy and capacity, and best interests and theories around the regulation of medicine and the healthcare profession.
Introduction
Our LLM in Law, Medicine and Healthcare will provide you with in-depth knowledge and understanding of how the law applies to medical practice. You will be joining a diverse cohort that includes students with a range of backgrounds, including medicine and law, and taught by leading experts in the field of medical law from our Health Law and Regulation Unit.
You will develop a range of transferable skills around the application of legal knowledge, critique of law and policy and legal argumentation. All students are given our specialised Legal Research Training which will enhance your legal writing, research and presentation skills.
Our flexible curriculum allows you to select modules and complete a dissertation on a topic of interest to you, supervised by a specialist in the field of Law, Medicine and Healthcare.
We offer an exciting range of extra-curricular and careers opportunities to produce well-rounded, employable graduates. This includes internships, pro bono projects, and talks and workshops from exciting speakers such as practising lawyers and judges who have played significant roles in uncovering miscarriages of justice or in reforming the law.
Who is this course for?
This master’s is suitable for you if you are interested in medical law and want to gain advanced specialist knowledge in preparation for medical legal practice. This programme will also be of interest to you if you are a medical practitioner, healthcare worker or veterinarian.
This programme is suitable for intercalating medical students.
What you'll learn
Advanced legal research skills that are necessary to enable you to reach a superior understanding of medicine and healthcare law
How to analyse, evaluate and interpret primary and secondary legal sources
How to understand and apply English, European and International legal terminology, both orally and in writing
Critical, analytical and research skills
Oral discussion skills by participating in debates and problem-solving exercises
How to apply legal knowledge to practical situations
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
All students must take Legal Research Training and the Dissertation module (60 credits). You must select at least 3 taught specialist modules to the value of 60 credits from the list of module specialisms (see below). These required modules may vary slightly from year to year, and are chosen because of their particular contemporary relevance to the specialism of Law, Medicine and Health Care.
The remaining 60 credits may be taken from any Masters programmes offered by the school. This includes modules in Business and Commercial Law and International Human Rights Law. Optional modules are also available on methodology topics such as Socio-Legal Methods, Socio-Legal Theory, Quantitative Methods, Interviewing, Observation, and Focus Groups.
Your dissertation is researched and written during semester 3. The process of preparing the dissertation is supported by legal research training in semester 1, by a dissertation workshop and library training in semester 2, and by individual supervision during semester 3.
Compulsory modules
Dissertation (LAW540)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: whole session
This module consists of preparing a dissertation which is researched and written during the Summer. The dissertation is on an approved topic, in the field of the relevant specialism in case of students opting for a specialised LLM (as opposed to the general LLM). The module is worth 60 credits (a third of the entire LLM programme) and is a prerequisite for the award of an LLM. The process of preparing the dissertation is supported by legal research and library training in semester 1, by a dissertation workshop in semester 2, and by individual supervision during the Summer.
Optional modules
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LITIGATION (LAW515)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 1
Medical Malpractice Litigation is designed to provide a detailed understanding of the ways that patients injured during the course of their medical care can seek appropriate remedies from their doctor or treatment provider.
Primarily focusing upon the tort of negligence, the module examines how each of the elements of this cause of action – duty of care, breach and causation – applies in the medical setting and the special problems that occur in this context. The latter part of the module will then consider law reform options and the effects of litigation on healthcare practice.
Through the use of a full outline, recommended reading and class discussions this module will provide a basic enough introduction to the subject for those who have not studied law before, while also allowing those with some acquaintance with healthcare law to enhance their knowledge and understanding.
ETHICS IN HEALTH CARE DECISION-MAKING (LAW536)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 1
This module offers an analysis of the ethical, legal and socio-legal aspects of the doctor-patient relationship in the context of health care decision-making. The course is designed to encourage students to critically interrogate and apply the ethical principles which underpin health law and health care decision-making in practice. It will examine the dominant 4 principles approach but consider alternatives to principlism. The course is divided into two parts, the first will open with a consideration of what makes an ethical dilemma in healthcare decision-making before going on to analyse bioethical theory. The second part of the course considers prominent specific decision-making issues, such as beginning and end of life decisions, mental health decisions, sex and gender assignment decisions and global health decisions. Students will be encouraged to develop an essay question using the course content for the main part of the assessment. To support this, students will submit a graded essay plan with feedback from the module lead. This module is a core module for those on the health LLM pathway but open to all LLM students who are keen to develop there ethical reasoning skills whilst engaging with contemporary issues in healthcare.
MEDICO-LEGAL PROBLEMS (LAW541)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 1
Medico-Legal Problems offers an introduction and foundation to the study of healthcare law. It is designed to provide a sufficiently basic introduction to the subject for students with no previous familiarity with healthcare law, while by way of recommended reading and further study, allowing students who have already been introduced to the relevant areas of law, to enhance their knowledge and understanding.
CHILDREN, MEDICINE AND THE LAW (LAW543)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 2
A growing number of controversial legal questions about health care focus on the treatment of children. The [in]famous House of Lords judgment in the Gillick case touched on the rights of older children to make their own decisions about their bodies and their health. Today the courts face dilemmas concerning children of all ages, from before birth right up to the age of majority. This course examines how the law responds to difficult ethical and practical questions about how society treats children, what rights (if any) children enjoy, and what rights and responsibilities we assume as parents. The course will begin by considering the ways in which the law does and should regulate the treatment of the unborn and its relationship with the outside world, examining the broad range of issues relating to the treatment of children after birth.
This module looks at areas of law where health care law, criminal law and family law meet. It will embrace not just disputes between professionals and parents, but between parents and their children, and between warring currents. Each session will be based on a full outline and reading list and plenty of opportunity of class discussion will be offered.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
All students must take Legal Research Training and the Dissertation module (60 credits). You must select at least 3 taught specialist modules to the value of 60 credits from the list of module specialisms (see below). These required modules may vary slightly from year to year, and are chosen because of their particular contemporary relevance to the specialism of Law, Medicine and Health Care.
The remaining 60 credits may be taken from any Masters programmes offered by the school. This includes modules in Business and Commercial Law and International Human Rights Law. Optional modules are also available on methodology topics such as Socio-Legal Methods, Socio-Legal Theory, Quantitative Methods, Interviewing, Observation, and Focus Groups.
Your dissertation is researched and written during semester 3. The process of preparing the dissertation is supported by legal research training in semester 1, by a dissertation workshop and library training in semester 2, and by individual supervision during semester 3.
Compulsory modules
Dissertation (LAW540)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: whole session
This module consists of preparing a dissertation which is researched and written during the Summer. The dissertation is on an approved topic, in the field of the relevant specialism in case of students opting for a specialised LLM (as opposed to the general LLM). The module is worth 60 credits (a third of the entire LLM programme) and is a prerequisite for the award of an LLM. The process of preparing the dissertation is supported by legal research and library training in semester 1, by a dissertation workshop in semester 2, and by individual supervision during the Summer.
Optional modules
Law and Global Health (LAW522)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will introduce you to the field of ‘global health law’. The module will provide you with an opportunity to consider the legal, social, political, economic and ethical issues that arise within the area of global health. We will look at different theoretical approaches to global health governance including the concept of public health and human rights and the role of law in regulating health, protecting and promoting health and remedying health failures. The module will also investigate the relevant global and regional institutions involved in health governance such as the World Health Organisation (WHO). You will also gain knowledge and understanding of a number of substantive challenges to global health such as pandemics, air pollution and climate change, non-communicable diseases, humanitarian disasters and the impact of conflict. These will be studied through the study of a selection of substantive topics (that vary each year), for example; Ebola; AIDS and HIV; the right to health and the right to a healthy environment; health hazards such as tobacco and the drugs trade; healthcare systems; inequality, poverty and health; migration and healthcare (health tourism); commodification of tissues and global health and sustainable development.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW AND PUBLIC HEALTH (LAW546)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 1
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for almost 70% of all deaths worldwide. Almost three quarters of all NCD deaths, and 82% of the 16 million premature deaths, occur in low- and middle-income countries. NCDs have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities; they threaten to overwhelm health systems; and they hinder development. The international community has acknowledged the scope of the problem and undertaken to act to reduce the availability, acceptability and affordability of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and unhealthy food. However, state efforts to regulate the tobacco, alcohol and food industries to prevent NCDs and promote public health have given rise to expensive challenges anchored in international trade and investment law, as illustrated by recent claims challenging tobacco control legislation in Australia and Uruguay. The regulation of alcoholic beverages and unhealthy food could face similar challenges under international trade and investment law as the food and alcohol industries become more regulated. This raises important and timely questions about how international trade and investment law can affect state regulatory autonomy in designing and implementing measures for preventing NCDs
TRUST, CONFIDENCE AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION (LAW556)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 2
This is a postgraduate module which explores and critiques the law’s regulation of the medical profession. Some of the early sessions will draw from sociological literature on trust and confidence and examine recent new stories and ‘scandals’ which have allegedly shaken public trust in medicine or the medical profession. From week 3 onwards students will learn more about key aspects of professional regulation (e.g. the role of the General Medical Council, fitness to practise proceedings against doctors, revalidation of doctors, mechanisms of regulator accountability, legal provsions designed to promote and facilitate honest and open care) and assess the impact of recent reforms on accountability and public confidence.
THE REGULATIONS OF MEDICINE, HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE (LAW597)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 1
Regulating Medicine, Health and Social Care is an optional module available on the LLM in Law, Medicine and Healthcare (LWMH) only. It offers a detailed insight into the study of medicine, health and social care regulation. It is designed to provide an introduction to the subject for students with no previous familiarity with health and social care regulation, whilst by way of recommended reading, further study and elaboration in class, allowing students who have already been introduced to the relevant areas of law, to enhance their knowledge and understanding.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
Your dissertation is researched and written during semester 3.
Compulsory modules
Dissertation (LAW540)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: whole session
This module consists of preparing a dissertation which is researched and written during the Summer. The dissertation is on an approved topic, in the field of the relevant specialism in case of students opting for a specialised LLM (as opposed to the general LLM). The module is worth 60 credits (a third of the entire LLM programme) and is a prerequisite for the award of an LLM. The process of preparing the dissertation is supported by legal research and library training in semester 1, by a dissertation workshop in semester 2, and by individual supervision during the Summer.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Teaching methods depend upon the module but most modules are taught via in-person seminars on campus. Each module will normally have a two-hour weekly seminar for a small group of students. You will have reading and other tasks to prepare for each seminar; independent study is an important part of your learning at this level. Online resources and exercises, group work and presentations all help to ensure that you develop a strong set of transferrable skills.
How you're assessed
You will usually study six modules, three modules in each of the first two terms. In the third term, over the Summer, you will complete a dissertation as the final part of your LLM studies.
The assessment of our LLM programme takes different formats according to the learning objectives of the module. Many LLM modules have two assessments: a smaller piece of work, such as a case commentary or plan mid-way through the module, followed by a more substantial essay at the end of the module. For semester one modules, the formal assessment period is January and for semester two modules the assessment period is in May-June.
Your 12,000-word dissertation will be completed during semester 3 (July to September); we provide legal research training and you will have an allocated expert supervisor so you are properly prepared and have support and guidance each step of the way.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
The Liverpool Law School has a proud tradition and over a century’s experience of inspiring and challenging its students to reach their potential.
We have developed excellent longstanding relationships, links and collaborations with the local community, international partners, policymakers and practitioners in the fields of law and social justice.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place to study law
Dedicated to small group teaching
Taught by leading researchers in the field
Access to a vibrant programme of extra-curricular activities, including visiting lecture programme
A friendly and fun student community with supportive staff
Excellent links with employers and employability opportunities including the possibility of participation in our own award-winning Law Clinic.
What students say...
I like that my course is completely centred around seminars. The seminars are a nice size and so you feel comfortable contributing to discussion and can get involved so you’re not just listening to someone talk for 2 hours. The tutors are extremely knowledgeable in their areas of expertise and the module topics are all extremely interesting.
Our LLM programme is designed to enhance your academic profile and to ensure that you leave us with highly marketable skills, whatever you decide that market to be.
We organise regular careers events and routinely play host to law firms and other organisations who wish to come and meet our students. There is an annual law fair, giving you the opportunity to meet future legal employers. Academic staff in the Law School and Careers & Employability also offer invaluable careers advice and support.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Every year, our LLM graduates become members of the Inns of Court, secure scholarships for vocational training, and obtain vacation placements, training contracts, and mini-pupillage opportunities from a range of providers. Many have successful careers as members of the legal profession in the UK and overseas including Judges of the Court of Appeal, the High Court and the County Courts.
Past LLM graduates have embarked on a wide variety of professions outside the law as well, in careers within:
NHS
Healthcare sector
Policy work
Charities and international non-governmental organisations
Business management
Accounting and finance
NHS, police and emergency services
This LLM also provides you with an ideal opportunity to gain advanced specialist knowledge in preparation for further postgraduate research.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£11,700
Part-time place, per year
£5,850
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£24,100
Part-time place, per year
£12,050
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Law (BA or LLB) or a closely related subject, including: Political Science, Sociology, Philosophy, International Relations, Banking, Management Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics.
Applicants are considered on the basis of academic ability and potential and other relevant considerations are also taken into account. Applicants who have marginally missed the benchmark indicated above, will be considered on a discretionary basis.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
