Top 5 universities for LLM Courses via distance education


Can I get a degree in Master of Law (LLM) through distance learning programme? Which universities offer LLM courses through distance education? Here is a lowdown on everything you want to know about LLM through correspondence. The best institutes, eligibility, fee structure, duration, courses on offer and more.

Individuals who want to further their academic qualifications, but find it difficult to take time out, busy as they are with other priorities, can find succour in distance education programmes offered by recognised universities. Distance learning programmes are accredited by the UGC and the degrees/diplomas/certificates earned are fully recognised.

The general assumption that distance learning programmes are not on par with classroom programmes is not true. New education techniques introduced into the distance learning programmes ensure that they are equal to the classroom programmes, in terms of the knowledge and expertise imparted.



Did you know that a degree in law is a mandatory requirement to become a tax consultant?

A general brief on distance education programmes

  • The course material is made available to students in soft copy, and that makes it easy to learn
  • All study packages provide a significant number of reference material and notes
  • In addition to these, the students also receive question papers to solve
  • Most distance education programmes offer interactive sessions with the instructors, via chat rooms and conference calls etc.
  • The institutes regularly send out course-related content through message boards and emails
  • The greatest advantage of distance education programmes is the convenience and flexibility they offer
  • Distance education courses allow you to study at your own pace and set your own study schedules etc.


A degree in LLM via distance education mode

If you have an undergrad degree in law (LLB) then you can pursue a postgraduate degree in law (LLM) through the distance learning mode. LLM stands for Master of Law. As mentioned above individuals practising law can schedule time for higher studies, without taking a break from their profession. The courses are recognised by the Bar Council of India.

A number of reputed institutions offer distance learning courses in LLM. Listed below are five of the best institutes –

National Law School of India – Bangalore

The National Law School of India (NLSIU), Bangalore, is an educational institute owned by the Government of India. NLSIU is a specialised institute for the law, founded in 1986, and affiliated to UGC. NLSIU is one of the top institutes for law and prominent for both classroom and distance learning programmes.

NLSIU's distance school body is accredited by IGNOU and the Distance Education Council (DEC). The law school offers postgraduate degree & post graduate diploma courses through distance learning mode.

  • Master of Business Laws (a two-year course)
  • One-year PG course in Child Rights Law
  • One-year PG course in Consumer Law & Practice
  • One-year PG course in Environmental Law
  • One-year PG course in Human Rights Law
  • One-year PG course in Intellectual Property Rights Law
  • One-year PG course in Medical Law & Ethics
  • One-year course in Cyber Law & Cyber Forensics


Salient features of NLSIU

  • Specialised programmes offered
  • Fixed examination pattern and schedules & speedy declaration of results


Fees for the various courses

  • Master of Business Laws –
    First year fee – INR. 34, 800. The fee includes application fee, admission fee and Course fee
  • Second year fees – INR. Rs. 30,000
  • Post Graduate Diploma Courses (PGDMLE, PGDIPRL & PGDCLCF)
    Course fees for these programmes is Rs. 34,700
  • Post Graduate Diploma Courses (PGDHRL, PGDCLP, PGDCRL & PGDEL)
    Course fees for these programmes is Rs. 15,700
Contact details: Ph: 80-2321 3160

Tamilnadu Dr Ambedkar Law University (School of Excellence in Law) – Chennai


The School of Excellence in Law (SOEL) offers various legal courses through distance education programme. The courses are finetuned to include conventional law subjects and newer topics, in the ambit of law that is relevant to today's changing scenarios.

SOEL offers Post Graduate degree course as well as Post Graduate diploma courses.

Master of Corporate Laws (MCL)

The 2-years Masters programme in corporate law, through distance education, has been introduced in the current academic session (2018) by SOEL. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree, from a recognised university.

Fee structure

The fees are non-refundable. So, if you pay the fee and decide not to join the course, you will not get a refund.

  • Application form
    SC/ST: Rs.500 (in person) & Rs.600 (via post)
    General category: Rs. 1000 (in person) & Rs.1100 (via post)


  • Course fee: The course cost for the first year is Rs. 7500. This is inclusive of the course fee, study material, library referral fee, identity card, correspondence fee and internet fee. The following fees are paid per annum and will have to be paid before the commencement of the second year. Course fee, study material, library referral fee and correspondence fee.


Selection process

Applications must be submitted on the prescribed form available at the university. It has to be accompanied by relevant documents. There is no admission test, and admission will be based purely on the academic record of the candidate.



Post graduate diploma courses in law

All Post Graduate Diploma programmes are of one-year duration.
  • PGDBL - Post Graduate Diploma in Business Law
  • PGDEL - Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Law
  • PGDITL - Post Graduate Diploma in Information Technology Law
  • PGDIPL - Post Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law
  • PGDLL - Post Graduate Diploma in Labour Law
  • PGDHR & DE - Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resources & Duties Education
  • PGDLL - Post Graduate Diploma in Law Librarianship
  • PGDCL & P - Post Graduate Diploma in Consumer Law & Protection
  • PGDCF & IS - Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Forensic & Internet Security
  • PGDCLC & FS - Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Law, Criminology & Forensic Sc.
  • PGDMLA - Post Graduate Diploma in Medico Legal Aspects
  • PGDML - Post Graduate Diploma in Maritime Law
  • Master of Corporate Laws – 1st year
  • Master of Corporate Laws – 2nd year
  • Documentation


Fee structure for PG Diploma courses

The fee for all the courses is the same – Rs. 7,400. This includes the tuition fee, study material, ID card, library referral fee, correspondence fee and internet.

Eligibility

Graduates with a degree from a recognised university can apply for admission into the diploma courses under distance learning.

Selection process

Applicants must apply for admission in the prescribed format, along with mark sheet of undergrad study. Admission will be based solely on merit.

Website: http://tndalu.ac.in/distance_education_department.php

NALSAR University of Law Distance Education

Established in 1999, the NALSAR University of Law was the result of an Act passed by the Andhra Pradesh State Legislature. The state-owned university is located in Hyderabad and is approved and affiliated to the University Grants Commission – Distance Education Bureau.

Courses offered

NALSAR offers the following post graduate programmes –
  • PG in Aviation Law & Air Transport (2-year duration)
  • PG Diploma in Aviation Law & Air Transport
  • Cyber Law (1-year duration)
  • PG Diploma in International Humanitarian Law (1-year duration)
  • PG Diploma in Media Laws (1-year duration)
  • PG Diploma in Patent Law (1-year duration)


About the programmes

The programmes include PCP (Personal Contact Programmes) from specialists in the field, besides, regular online updates on the study material and online support.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in any discipline, from a recognised university. Applicants who are in the final year of their undergrad studies are also eligible to apply, provided they can submit the results by the announced date.

Fee details

  • PG in Aviation & Air Transport Management – Rs.40000 per annum for regular candidates and Rs.35000 per annum for Defence Personnel
  • PG diploma in Cyber Law & PG diploma in Patent Law Rs. 30000
  • PG diploma in Media Law Rs.20000
  • PG diploma in Aviation Law & Air Transport Management Rs 30000 for regular candidates and Rs.25000 for Defence Personnel

For further details log into www.nalsarpro.org

Acharya Nagarjuna University - Andhra Pradesh


The university was established in 1976 and is NAAC A accredited as well as being ISO 9001:2015 compliant. The institute is approved by the Distance Education Bureau and funded by the University Grants Commission.

The university offers four specialisations through the distance education mode –
  • Constitutional Law & Administrative Law
  • Corporate & Securities Law
  • Labour Law
  • Torts & Crimes

Website: http://www.anucde.info/contactus.php

Kuvempu University, Karnataka

The university was established in 1987, and offers a 2-year LLM course in Business Law. The first year comprises of six subjects which are –
  • Indian Constitutional Laws – The new challenges
  • Judicial Process
  • Law & Intellectual Property Rights
  • Law & Social Transformation in India
  • Legal Education & Research Methodology
  • Practicals - Doctrinal & Non-doctrinal Research

The second year covers the following topics –
  • Banking Law
  • Corporate Finance
  • Environmental Law
  • Insurance Law
  • Law of Export-Import Regulations
  • Legal Regulations of Economic Enterprises
  • Dissertation

Website: http://www.kuvempuuniversitydde.org/index1.html



Other institutions that offer distance learning programmes in LLM are –
  • India Law Society
  • Kakatiya University
  • M D University
  • Mahatma Gandhi University
  • Pondicherry University
.

The law courses through distant education are recognised and given the same weight as law courses done through classroom programmes. The Bar Council of India recognises these courses and on completion of the law programme, through distance education, the candidates receive a license that allows them to practice in courts in the country. They can seek employment with private legal law firms or start their own practice.


Comments

Guest Author: Akhila indikar08 Dec 2019

I am interested in pursuing LLM from one of the universities mentioned in your article. But none of the contact numbers provided is active. Is there any other way by which I can contact them? Please help me out.

Guest Author: TAPAN KUMAR DASGUPTA04 Feb 2021

I am interested in advancing my legal qualification by distance mode. I am now a practising Advocate and want to complete LLM by distance mode. I am now 68+. Would you kindly inform me whether I am eligible for such a distance course? I am at present in Siliguri(W.B) and often visit Hyderabad for domestic purposes.
Kindly inform me as I am to complete L.L.M and thereafter PhD. Your co-operation is solicited.

Guest Author: Tapan Kumar Dasgupta13 Aug 2021

I am interested in advancing my legal qualification by distance mode. I am now a practising Advocate and want to complete LLM by distance mode. I am now 68+. Would you kindly inform me whether I am eligible for such a distance course? I am at present in Siliguri(W.B) and often visit Hyderabad for domestic purposes. Kindly inform me as I am to complete L.L.M and thereafter Ph.D. Your co-operation is solicited.



  • Do not include your name, "with regards" etc in the comment. Write detailed comment, relevant to the topic.
  • No HTML formatting and links to other web sites are allowed.
  • This is a strictly moderated site. Absolutely no spam allowed.
  • Name:
    Email: