Coursework Programmes

Faculty of Law

Degrees Offered

Curriculum Structure & Degree Requirements

Juris Doctor

The Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a graduate law degree that may lead to qualification for the practice of law in Singapore. At NUS Law, the JD programme comprises a:

2-year single graduate degree programme for candidates with a basic law degree from another jurisdiction; and
3-year single graduate degree programme for candidates with a non-law degree.

The JD, whether in the 2-year or 3-year programme, is made up of a number of prescribed compulsory courses and elective courses which may be chosen from a number of specialisation clusters. Candidates enrolled in the 2-year programme will have to complete 84-86 units of such courses while those enrolled in the 3-year programme will have to complete 120-124 units. In exceptional circumstances, the 3-year JD may be completed in 2.5 years.

For more information, please visit law1a.nus.edu.sg/student_matters/grad_prog/jd_deg_reqm.html

Master of Laws (LLM) by Coursework

The LLM degree is a one-year programme conducted on a full-time basis. Candidates must possess a good LLB Honours Degree from a reputable University. They may opt from the outset to complete any 40-44 units of courses and graduate with an LLM degree with no specialization, offering them maximum flexibility in course selection according to individual preferences and interests.

For more information, please visit: law1a.nus.edu.sg/student_matters/grad_prog/gdc_deg_reqm.html

Specialised Master of Laws (LLM) by Coursework

NUS Law offers the following specialisations:

Master of Laws (Asian Legal Studies)
Master of Laws (Corporate & Financial Services Law)
Master of Laws (Intellectual Property & Technology Law)
Master of Laws (International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution)
Master of Laws (International & Comparative Law)
Master of Laws (Maritime Law)

The specialised LLM is a one-year programme conducted on a full-time basis. For LLM Maritime Law, candidates may also choose to study part-time over two academic years. Classes may be conducted on weekdays during office hours. Candidates must possess a good LLB Honours Degree from a reputable University and will have to complete 40-44 units of courses comprising at least 24 units in the relevant specialisation to graduate with an LLM degree with specialisation.

For more information, please visit law1a.nus.edu.sg/student_matters/grad_prog/gdc_deg_reqm.html.

Master of Laws (International Business Law)

This specialised LLM is a one-year programme conducted on a full-time basis. Candidates must possess a good LLB Honours Degree from a reputable University. Candidates will spend the entire first semester in NUS, and spend the second semester in Shanghai at premises set aside for NUS Law within ECUPL’s campus. Candidates will read a total of 40-44 units of courses in the programme.

For more information, please visit law1a.nus.edu.sg/student_matters/grad_prog/gdc_deg_reqm.html.

Graduate Diplomas

NUS Law offers the following part-time graduate diplomas for legal practitioners:

Candidates must have obtained Graduate Certificates in the relevant specialisation with at least an overall average C+ grade to apply. Direct admission into the Graduate Diploma programme is not available. Applicants are required to complete the Graduate Certificate programme first before applying.

Candidates must pass all courses and successfully obtain an additional 12 to 14 Units (generally 3 courses) to stack their graduate certificate credits to the relevant Graduate Diploma. The coursework programmes are conducted on a part-time basis over a maximum candidature of four semesters (ie. 2 years).

NUS Law also offers the Graduate Diploma in Maritime Law & Arbitration programme which is designed for master mariners and non-legal professionals working in the maritime industry. Candidates work directly towards the diploma; there is no option to exit the programme with a graduate certificate.

Candidates in the programme are required to read 32-36 units of courses. Twelve of these units may be taken from the courses offered in the Graduate Certificate in International Arbitration programme, with the remaining 20-24 units taken from courses in the Maritime Law course grouping.

Overseas candidates accepted into the programme must pursue it full-time within two semesters. Candidates working for companies based in Singapore who are supported by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore will normally pursue the programme part-time and complete it within four semesters. The programme is conducted fully by coursework.

The minimum period of candidature for full-time programme is one year (two semesters) and the maximum is three years (six semesters). The minimum period of candidature for part-time programme is two years (four semesters) and the maximum is three years (six semesters).

NUS Bulletin AY2025/26

Faculty of Law