Course summary
A Master of Laws (LLM) in Media Law, Privacy and Defamation, offered by The University of Law, is a postgraduate degree designed for law and non-law graduates to enhance their academic legal knowledge. This internationally recognised Master’s course will give you the skills to progress within the media law industry and can open up pathways to careers in media, journalism, in-house legal roles, compliance manager roles and more. The LLM Media Law, Privacy and Defamation is an innovative, flexible programme that will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of media law, privacy and defamation in practice. You will explore issues such as the legal and administrative regulation of mainstream media publication, the role of the media and communication in society, as well as content issues on social media. You’ll also have the opportunity to consider freedom of expression, freedom of the press, the right to reputation, and the application of data protection and privacy rules to online advertising. When you study the LLM Media Law, Privacy and Defamation with us you will:
- Be taught by our expert lecturers, including subject matter specialists, former and current practitioners, and research and teaching focused academics.
- Learn about the context within which media law, privacy and defamation operates and interplays with other areas such as human rights and contract.
- Demonstrate best practice and responses to problem question scenarios through sound reasoning and arguments.
- Benefit from strategic partnerships with firms, regulators and accreditation bodies, which inform our programme development.
- Improve your employability by gaining important transferable skills and mapping your career with our careers team.
- Strengthen your network - connect with other students, faculty and industry professionals on an international scale, and seek out opportunities for future placements and job opportunities.
- Enjoy flexibility - We understand that everyone’s circumstances are different. That’s why we offer a wide range of study modes (full-time, part-time, on campus, online) across our courses to provide you with the greatest choice and flexibility you need to succeed in your studies.
- Get ahead of the competition - gain in-depth knowledge of your topic of interest and become a subject expert, which will provide you with a competitive edge in the job market.
- Prepare for the future of Legal Technology – study modules in legal technology and gain insight into this emerging area of law.
Modules
Terms 1 & 2 (full-time) or 1-4 (part-time): In addition to a general induction to the programme, there is a two-week induction covering the Key Principles of the English Legal System. This is compulsory for non-law students, but also open to students wanting a refresher in the fundamentals of the law of England and Wales. This would be useful for any student who has taken a considerable break from legal education. Compulsory modules include: Media Law, Privacy and Defamation Research Methods Training to help you prepare for your dissertation You may then choose three* modules from our elective module guide running at your location of study. *All optional modules are subject to availability and may change from time to time. Not all modules may be available in all terms. Only modules running at the location of study will be available to choose. Term 3 (full-time) or 5 & 6 (part-time): Dissertation in Media Law, Privacy and Defamation.
Assessment method
Modules are assessed by a three hour unseen written examination or 4,500 word coursework assignment. All assessments are conducted online. The dissertation module will be assessed by submission of a thesis (15,000 words), and provides an opportunity for sustained, in-depth and intensive investigation into, and reflection upon, a specialist area of Media Law, Privacy and Defamation.
How to apply
International applicants
To find out more about how we support our international students, please visit our website.
Entry requirements
Students should possess a UK bachelors degree in any subject at 2:2 or above, or an equivalent qualification. A compulsory two week induction is required for all students, unless they can evidence the successful completion of either: an LLB or equivalent; or a minimum of 3 legal modules, worth at least 80 QCFcredits that must include; English Legal System Contract Law Law of Tort English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: An English language level equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
2026/27 Course Fee (for courses starting on or after 1 July 2026) - For Domestic students in London: £15,000 and Outside London: £12,750. For International (non-domestic) students in London: £19,600, and Outside London: £18,250. Online students: £12,750.
All fees above include a deposit amount of £250.
Sponsorship information
We can help support your course fees with our scholarships and bursaries and funding options. For more information please visit our postgraduate scholarships page: https://www.law.ac.uk/study/scholarships-bursaries/
Provider information
The University of Law
2 Bunhill Row
London
EC1Y 8HQ