Villa College Launches Three New LLM Programmes

Villa College launched three new LLM programmes yesterday, aimed at equipping legal professionals with advanced knowledge and practical skills to address the evolving economic and legal landscape in the Maldives and beyond.

The newly introduced courses include the LLM in Corporate Governance, the LLM in Alternative Dispute Resolution, and the LLM in Islamic Finance. The programmes were officially launched by key figures from the college, including Dr Ali Najeeb, Vice Rector, and Uza. Asna Ahmed, Dean of the Faculty of Shariah and Law.

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According to Villa College, the specialised postgraduate courses are designed to cultivate a new generation of legal experts by providing focused pathways for professionals seeking to advance in high-demand areas of law.

The LLM in Corporate Governance aims to enhance professionals’ expertise in corporate law, compliance, and practical application. Modules such as Transnational Corporate & Capital Markets Law, International Commercial Law, and The Principles and Practices of Corporate Governance provide in-depth knowledge for those aspiring to careers in the corporate sector.

The LLM in Alternative Dispute Resolution focuses on equipping graduates with the skills needed to resolve disputes outside traditional court proceedings. The programme emphasises negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, with key modules including Public International Law, Negotiation and Mediation, and International Dispute Settlement. Graduates are prepared for roles as mediators, arbitrators, and negotiation lawyers.

The LLM in Islamic Finance is designed to develop experts in the legal frameworks of Islamic financial and commercial transactions. The programme includes three micro-credential modules that offer internationally recognised professional certification, giving graduates a competitive advantage in the global Islamic finance sector. Core modules cover Shariah Aspects of Business and Finance, Islamic Banking Practices, and Risk Management in Banks.

All three programmes are accredited by the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) and the Bar Council of the Maldives. They are offered fully online, allowing working professionals across the country to participate while combining theoretical learning with practical application.

The Faculty of Shariah and Law at Villa College emphasises experiential learning. Students engage in initiatives such as the Street Law programme, Legal Aid Clinic, Judge Residency Programme, and moot and trial advocacy competitions, developing competencies in legal research, case preparation, and public speaking.Villa College has opened applications for the September 2025 intake, with a deadline of 3 September 2025. Prospective students can find more information and submit applications via the Villa College website.