Financial Crime (LLM)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Open day
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Why study this course
Develop the expertise to tackle global financial crime – from money laundering to terrorist financing – protecting financial systems and preventing harm to people and economies.
Careers with purpose and potential
Meet industry needs and help protect the integrity of financial systems with the specialist skills and legal expertise to work in financial crime prevention, compliance, regulation, banking, fintech, law and policy roles.
Gain a global perspective
Develop your understanding of international banking and finance regulation and the complex corporate structures exploited by cross-border criminal networks and examine the global response options to disrupt them.
Expert and experience-driven teaching
Taught by active researchers in financial crime – noted for expertise and practical experience working with international governments and organisations to tackle financial crime and reveal strengths and shortcomings in best practice.
Combat fast-moving, tech-led criminality
Stay ahead of the curve with a deep, nuanced understanding – and forensic awareness - of how law, regulation and enforcement adapt to meet the challenges of fast-moving, digitally sophisticated, and organised financial crime.
Influence policy and practice
Lead the charge against financial crime with the skills and knowledge to undermine complex criminal networks, improve compliance, tailor regulation, and innovate transnational policy.
Financial crime is a defining and pervasive challenge of the modern world. Operating through global criminal networks, it demands coordinated, strategic international responses.
From fraud and bribery to market manipulation and terrorist financing, these crimes damage people and economies, and threaten global security. Rapid technological change and alternative forms of finance - including cryptocurrencies - add new layers of complexity for those working to detect financial crime, prevent harm and recover assets.
You’ll engage directly with these issues on our LLM in Financial Crime – thinking critically and creatively about how financial crime operates and the ways it can be disrupted. Through a distinctive socio legal lens, you’ll examine international standards and analyse real world cases, developing a clear view of where global practice aligns and where it falls short.
You’ll study the regulation of banking and finance and investigate how by exploiting legal techniques and corporate structures illicit wealth is concealed and laundered. You’ll also gain a practical insight into enforcement in action, exploring the roles of compliance professionals, regulators and law enforcement agencies, as well as the use and effectiveness of international sanctions.
Taught by leading researchers in financial crime who advise governments, international organisations and regional forums, each module is shaped by their expertise. This means you’re connecting with current and developing research, real world experience and emerging challenges.
You’ll also conduct your own research, applying international standards through the lens of your own local knowledge and experience. By comparing how different jurisdictions respond to financial crime, you’ll assess what works, what doesn’t and where change is needed – engaging with global frameworks like the UN, EU, and Financial Action Task Force.
Graduate with specialist legal expertise in anti money laundering, sanctions, bribery, proceeds of crime and counter terrorist financing combined with strong regulatory and compliance insight. You’ll also have a deep forensic and technical awareness that supports investigation, analysis and case-building, supporting cross-border, global careers in law, compliance, regulation, enforcement, prevention and policy.
Understand financial crime today, the challenges of tomorrow, and the role you can play in safeguarding financial systems and protecting people.
Where you'll study
School of Law and Politics
Our vibrant student body combined with highly qualified academic staff provides the perfect environment to explore the dynamic and fast-paced fields of law, politics and international relations.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in law, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates. We also consider degrees in relevant subjects other than law. These are considered on a case-by-case basis by the admissions tutor.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in all other subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Er mwyn cael eich ystyried am gynnig ar gyfer y rhaglen hon bydd angen i chi fodloni'r holl ofynion mynediad. Ni fydd eich cais yn cael ei ddatblygu os na ddarperir yr wybodaeth a'r dystiolaeth a restrir.
Gyda'ch cais ar-lein, bydd angen i chi ddarparu:
- Copi o'ch tystysgrif gradd a'ch trawsgrifiadau sy'n dangos eich bod wedi cyflawni gradd anrhydedd 2:2 yn y gyfraith, neu radd ryngwladol gyfatebol. Os yw eich tystysgrif gradd neu ganlyniad yn yr arfaeth, llwythwch unrhyw drawsgrifiadau dros dro neu dystysgrifau dros dro. Rydym hefyd yn ystyried graddau mewn pynciau perthnasol heblaw am y gyfraith. Caiff y rhain eu hystyried fesul achos gan y tiwtor derbyn myfyrwyr.
- Copi o’ch tystysgrif IELTS gyda sgôr gyffredinol o 6.5 gyda 6.5 yn ysgrifennu ac 6.0 ym mhob is-sgil arall, neu dystiolaeth o gyfateb derbyniol. Cynnwyswch y dyddiad eich profion disgwyliedig os yw’r cymhwyster hwn ar y gweill. Os oes gennych dystiolaeth arall dderbyniol, fel gradd israddedig a astudiwyd yn y DU, rhowch hyn yn lle IELTS.
Dyddiad cau ar gyfer ceisiadau
Rydym yn dyrannu lleoedd ar sail y cyntaf i'r felin, felly rydym yn argymell eich bod yn gwneud cais cyn gynted â phosibl. Fel arfer, bydd ceisiadau'n cau ddiwedd mis Awst ond gallant gau'n gynt os llenwir pob lle.
Broses ddethol
Byddwn yn adolygu eich cais ac os ydych yn bodloni'r holl ofynion mynediad, byddwn yn gwneud cynnig i chi.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
This is a 1-year, full-time programme. You’ll complete 180 credits in total, comprised of 120 credits at the taught stage plus a 60-credit dissertation.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
During the taught stage, you’ll take 5 core modules. These include one core research preparation module in which you’ll build the knowledge and skills required to undertake legal research, and 4 modules across the different areas of financial crime. You’ll also choose one optional module from a small range relating to other areas of law.
After successfully completing the taught stage, you’ll progress to the dissertation stage of the programme, during which you’ll write a 15,000-word dissertation with support from your supervisor. The dissertation stage is weighted to count for one-third of the final degree result.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research Ready (Financial Crime) - Mastering Essential Skills | CLT005 | 20 credits |
| Money Laundering, Regulation, Compliance and Supervision | CLT025 | 20 credits |
| International Financial Crime | CLT026 | 20 credits |
| Financial Crime: Corporate Misconduct | CLT027 | 20 credits |
| Finance and the Law | CLT028 | 20 credits |
| Dissertation | CLT001 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Law in the Real World | CLT010 | 20 credits |
| Carriage of Goods by Sea | CLT014 | 20 credits |
| Insurance Law | CLT015 | 20 credits |
| International Energy Law | CLT019 | 20 credits |
| Inernational Criminal Law | CLT033 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
Teaching will be through a mixture of lectures and seminars, with seminar discussion being the central focus.
Lectures may take a range of forms but generally provide a broad structure for each subject, introduce key concepts, and convey relevant up-to-date information. In seminars, you'll then have the opportunity to explore themes or topics in greater depth, consolidate and get feedback on your individual learning, and develop skills in oral presentation. You’ll make individual contributions to group study that supports the development of your communication skills. Participation in diverse learning activities, such as small-group discussions, debates, oral presentations, independent research tasks and written assignments will develop your intellectual and presentation skills.
Modules are typically led by experienced staff actively engaged in research relevant to their subject area, who can explore both theoretical perspectives and practical insights tied to the seminar topics.
Our aim is to ensure that you graduate with the self-reliance, transferable - and law-specific - skills that will equip you for the future. We’ll help you to develop these attributes outside the classroom by providing you with a range of teaching and learning materials and activities that you’ll complete in your own time, either individually or in groups with other students. Class preparation and independent study will form a key part of your learning.
Our in-person, face-to-face teaching and learning is supported and complemented by various digital tools. Each module makes extensive use of Learning Central, which is the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). On Learning Central, you’ll find discussion forums, pre-recorded videos, links to relevant web-based resources, multimedia materials and course materials.
How will I be assessed?
The taught stage is assessed by a variety of methods that are designed to develop your ability to undertake research, present your own thoughts, and develop your academic writing. The nature of the summative assessments will vary by module. Summative assessment in Stage 2 (dissertation) comprises the dissertation (up to 15,000 words).
Preparation for assessment may be undertaken through class tests, in class feedback on individual student presentations, group discussions and sharing of ideas with the module leaders. There will also be feedback on written coursework.
How will I be supported?
We’ll support you in developing your research and study skills across your modules and also via your dissertation supervisor. You’ll also be supported through e-learning including Learning Central, a virtual learning environment that is available on and off campus through which you will access a wide range of materials for your modules.
You’ll also have access to both a physical and online law library, with access to a wide range of primary and secondary materials, including books, journals, and online databases for accessing cases, legislation, and other digital materials that are relevant to your studies.
You’ll receive general academic and pastoral support through a personal tutor and where appropriate your personal tutor will be able to signpost you to other areas of student support. Welsh speaking students will have the option to be allocated a Welsh speaking personal tutor.
A designated Disability and Diversity Officer ensure that reasonable adjustments are made if you declare a disability. In addition to this, the University has a range of services to support you, including the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, and the Student Support Service.
We offer an extensive programme of careers, advice and workshops with an in-house Law Careers Consultant and a Pro-bono Scheme Co-Ordinator, in addition to the University’s Student Futures (careers) service.
You’ll receive regular feedback on your progress throughout your programme. Feedback is designed to help you develop as a learner so that you can improve your performance in future summative assessments. In addition to regular seminar hours, all teaching staff have Student Support Hours when you can meet and discuss any learning queries arising from the module or from your studies in general.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
- Critically analyse and evaluate complex and specialised areas of financial crime law, frequently working at the cutting edge of developments in this area.
- Critically evaluate the influence of international law and stakeholders on efforts to tackle financial crime.
- Critically analyse and give sound advice relating to existing global, regional and national financial crime laws and regulations.
- Draw on and apply emerging financial crime typologies in a variety of complex situations.
Intellectual Skills:
- Examine complex and specialised legal norms and explore the current limits of legal knowledge concerning financial crime.
- Critically analyse, at an advanced level, rules of law and to apply them to complex and developing factual financial crime situations.
- Analyse and synthesise abstract concepts and theories.
- Independently evaluate complex legal issues and suggest practical alternatives.
- Develop a structured argument at both abstract and concrete levels.
- Critically examine a research topic of your choosing in an appropriately structured dissertation.
Professional Practical Skills:
- Plan and undertake research on complex and specialised financial crime legal issues.
- Organise information and knowledge effectively.
- Formulate and articulate ideas, develop arguments and present them effectively.
- Identify and address ethical dilemmas and financial crime related issues.
Transferable/Key Skills:
- Professional research skills using the latest professional information technology.
- Demonstrate initiative by taking responsibility for structuring and time-managing a research or client-focused task.
- Develop creative solutions to problems.
- Develop and utilise a reflective and self-aware approach to your work.
Tuition fees for 2027 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £11,950 | None |
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £25,450 | £3,000 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
If you choose to take the optional clinical module, there may be additional costs for travel, depending on the location of your placement.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
Cardiff University is committed to enabling all students to develop the skills and attributes to become socially, economically, and environmentally aware global citizens. Our graduate attributes have been developed to reflect the needs of employers and support you to develop your skills to a higher level and be well prepared for the world of work.
We expect our graduates to be collaborative; effective communicators; ethically, socially, and environmentally aware; independent and critical thinkers; innovative, enterprising, and commercially aware; and reflective and resilient. Some of these attributes can be developed through the LLM programme itself, and others by taking advantage of opportunities offered through Student Futures and other extra-curricular options.
Core skills and knowledge on the LLM Financial Crime that employers value include:
- Specialist legal expertise – anti-money laundering, bribery, sanctions, proceeds of crime, asset recovery, counter-terrorist financing and counter fraud compliance knowledge.
- Regulatory and compliance – ability to interpret statutes, guidance and supervisory expectations and the ability to translate these into counter financial crime controls and policies.
- Investigation and evidence skills – case-building, open-source documentary review and report drafting.
- Forensic and technical awareness – familiarity with transaction monitoring, data sources and how technology changes detection.
- Research and drafting – producing legal opinions, regulatory submissions and operational guidance.
- Client-facing and communication skills – explaining complex legal and technical issues succinctly to non-specialist and stakeholders.
- Technology Development - awareness and understanding of the cross-sector impacts of developing technologies and practices.
The advanced skills you’ll develop are highly favoured by employers in the public, private and third sectors, including law firms and legal organisations as well as the Civil Service, local government, charities, banks, and professional services firms. Law graduates also find careers in a range of professions, such as social work, police, human resources, accountancy, journalism, marketing and management.
The emphasis on research skills and independent study throughout the programme makes it ideal preparation for PhD study. You may also wish to pursue legal practice qualifications by choosing one of the professional programmes we offer such as the Solicitor’s Practice Course (LLM) or Bar Training Course.
Placements
The optional clinical module (Law in the Real World) allows you to develop your employability skills and undertake work experience placements. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with casework or policy work, volunteering, or delivering legal information to the public, in or related to one of the law department’s law clinic/pro bono/volunteering schemes. Fluency in English will be required for any client-facing role, and some placements may be capped or have specific requirements. For example, some of the schemes will require you to be successful in selection processes required by our partner organisations, such as interviews. Prior knowledge of a specific area of English/Welsh law may be necessary, but for some schemes the appropriate training will be provided.
Next steps
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
