Distance Learning Courses Offered in Law Stream

Distance learning courses have contributed significantly in making education accessible to the masses. Since it provides an opportunity to pursue higher education without the constraints of space and time, it is very popular among the youth. Like other fields, the demand for distance learning courses in the field of Law is also increasing rapidly. Today, legal disciplines like Cyber Law, Intellectual Property Law, International Humanitarian Law, Corporate Law, are constantly evolving and the need for experts in these is also strongly felt. At present, many reputed Law colleges and universities in India are offering legal courses through distance education mode. Most of these courses are recognized by regulating bodies such as Distance Education Bureau (DEB), Association of Indian Universities (AIU), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Bar Council of India (BCI) and the University Grants Commission (UGC). Let us know about the distance learning courses offered in Law stream:

Distance Learning Courses offered by National Law Universities (NLU) 

National Law Universities or NLUs are most popular among students in terms of law education. NLUs are ranked among the top Law schools in India and the best law schools globally by leading agencies. Regulated by the Bar Council of India and under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, these Law schools offer integrated LLB, LLM and PhD programmes. They also offer distance learning courses in various legal subjects, which students can pursue to advance in the field of Law. Some of the distance learning courses offered by NLUs are listed below:

National Law University	Course Name	Duration
National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore	Master of Business Laws (MBI)	Two years
	PG Diploma in Human Rights Law	One-year
	PG Diploma in Medical Law and Ethics	One-year
	PG Diploma in Environmental Law	One-year
	PG Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights Law	One-year
National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University of Law, Hyderabad	Post Graduate Diploma in Patents Law	One-year
	Post Graduate Diploma in Aviation Law and Air Transport Management	One-year
	Post Graduate Diploma in Media Laws	One-year
	Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Laws	One-year
	Post Graduate Diploma in International Humanitarian Law	One-year
National Law University, Jodhpur	Master's Degree in Criminal Law, Criminology and Forensic Science	Three years
	Master's Degree in Trade Related Laws	Three years
	Post Graduate Diploma in Security Laws and Management	One-year
	Post Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Laws	One-year
Indian Law Institute, New Delhi	Intellectual property Right in the Internet	Three months

Distance Learning Courses offered by other Universities 

Apart from National Law Universities, other universities in India also offer distance learning courses in law. Some distance universities offer LLB, LLM, Diploma and PG Diploma courses. Although it is necessary to do full time LLB to practice in court, but after doing distance learning course, one can get a chance to work in companies. Some of the distance learning courses offered by other universities are as follows: 

University	Course Name	Duration
Annamalai University	BAL (Bachelor of Academic Law)	Three years
	BBL (Bachelor of Business Law)	Three years
	BGL (Bachelor of General Law)	Three years
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)	PG certificate in Cyber Law	Six months- Two years
	PG certificate in Patent Practice	Six months-Two years
	Certificate in Human Rights	Six months-Two years
Dr Ambedkar Law University	Postgraduate diploma in general insurance law and practice	One-year
Symbiosis University	PG Certificate in Cyber Law	One-year
	PG Diploma in Business & Corporate Law	Two years

Eligibility Criteria for Distance Learning Courses 

The eligibility criteria for distance learning courses vary according to the institute and the course chosen. Generally, the eligibility criteria for a certificate course is graduation from a recognized university and for post graduate degree or diploma course, the eligibility criteria is graduation in law or any other subject. 

How to apply for Distance Learning Courses 

Candidates can apply for distance learning law programmes offered by popular universities in both online and offline modes. To apply online, you have to register yourself by visiting the official website of the institute. Select the course you want to pursue and fill the online application form. Submit the form along with required documents and registration fee. Most of the institutes offer admission to distance learning courses on merit basis. On selection, submit the course fee online, after which you will receive the study material by the institute. To apply offline, the form has to be taken from the campus. 

Career Prospects after pursuing Distance Learning Courses 

At times, students may have a dilemma regarding the scope and career prospects of distance learning Law courses. In such a situation, you should think about your career goal. If you want to practice Law in the courts, doing a full time LLB is a must. Whereas after doing distance learning Law course you can get jobs in private sector and various national and international NGOs. In private sector you can work as paralegal, patent agent, trademark attorney, human rights expert etc. 

List of distance learning courses offered in Law

Candidates can check the common distance learning courses offered in the Law stream in India below:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – Distance Learning

A distance learning LLB is not offered by the Bar Council of India for practice, but many universities offer law-related degrees or diplomas.

Focuses on legal theories, principles, and essential laws.

Universities: IGNOU, Annamalai University

• Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies

Specialisations in corporate law, criminal law, human rights, environmental law, etc.

Shorter than a full LLM course but covers practical knowledge.

Universities: IGNOU, Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University

• Master of Laws (LLM) – Distance Learning

Focuses on specific areas like international law, constitutional law, corporate law, etc.

Ideal for graduates looking for advanced knowledge in law.

Universities: National Law University (NLU) through distance mode, IGNOU

• Certificate Courses in Law

Short-term courses designed to provide foundational knowledge in areas like cyber law, intellectual property law, and consumer protection law.

Universities: IGNOU, Annamalai University

• Diploma in Cyber Law

Covers aspects of cybercrimes, IT Act, and digital law.

- Helps professionals and students understand internet laws and regulations.

Universities: IGNOU, Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning

• Diploma in International Humanitarian Law

Focuses on international treaties, human rights, and global humanitarian laws.

Universities: IGNOU, National Law School of India University (NLSIU)

• Diploma in Corporate Law

Emphasizes corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and business laws.

Universities: Annamalai University, Symbiosis Law School (Distance)

• Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

Covers various aspects of intellectual property law including patents, trademarks, and copyrights.

Universities: IGNOU, Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning

• Diploma in Environmental Law

Focuses on environmental regulations and policies, both national and international.

Universities: National Law University (NLU), IGNOU

• Diploma in Labour Laws

Covers topics like industrial relations, employment law, and labor legislation.

Universities: Annamalai University, IGNOU

These courses are ideal for those who wish to gain legal knowledge while managing other commitments, although not all are recognised for the practice of law in courts.