International Commercial Law LLM

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Course Overview

UK Fees £6,250 *
International Fees £8,500 *
Alumni Discount See details
Duration 2 years

* Price per academic year

Course summary

The International Commercial Law LLM balances the best of a rigorous, traditional legal education with a contemporary perspective. Our areas of specialisation address today’s most important business and legal challenges, including the study of commercial relationships in the international arena, the role and impact of electronic commerce, and the gradual harmonisation of international commercial law.

This Master's is not merely about what you learn in the classroom, it's also about actual practice in today’s world of globalisation and international commerce. That is why the LLM provides, in addition to a strong academic dimension, a concentrated, real-world-oriented legal education.

The course offers you the opportunity to develop strong academic and practical skills in a highly competitive and intellectually satisfying area of law. It's ideally suited to you if you come from a commercial law, international business, management, or economics background. You'll have the opportunity to explore your own ideas, gain knowledge and enhance transferable skills in a supportive environment. You'll benefit from a strong programme of visiting speakers, excellent online materials and learning resources, top-quality instruction and a professional and practical focus in a School with a strong research profile.

Top reasons to study with us

  • Learn in the heart of London – Studying at our Regent Campus in central London, you'll be perfectly placed to access London's legal, business and cultural resources
  • Study on a vibrant multicultural course – Our course is notable for the diversity of students and the varied specialisms of our teaching staff (both academics and practitioners), which creates a uniquely stimulating learning environment
  • Suitable for both law and non-law graduates – The course is for you whether you're a new lawyer exploring the field of commercial law or a non-lawyer graduate acquiring the legal knowledge to liaise with legal specialists in the commercial field
  • An introduction to the different legal systems – Our course is aimed at students from both civil law (Roman law) and common law (English law) jurisdictions
  • Be supported – Our friendly and approachable teaching staff prioritise personal contact, and you'll be supported by a personal tutor
  • Learn in top facilities – Westminster Law School has a full mock courtroom, hi-tech learning spaces and a pro-bono clinic, as well as a state-of-the-art lecture theatre

Course structure

To be awarded the LLM in International Commercial Law, you'll study three core modules and choose four option modules. 

The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.

Core modules

The dissertation module allows and supports extended independent, scholarly research of a topic chosen by you within the field of international commercial and corporate law. While primarily based on independent study, the module incorporates seminars introducing students to research methods and supporting you in the development of an appropriate and feasible research proposal. The research topic must be agreed between you and the supervisor and must not replicate research covered in other assessments for the award of the degree.

This module enables you to analyse the key principles for the application of international commercial law, and the context within which it operates. You will develop your understanding of the legal rules affecting the international sale of goods contract, and high-level research skills in this subject and its related fields.

This module enables you to critically analyse principles essential to the application of international corporate law. It will identify the ideas and concepts that underpin the theoretical framework of the specialist area of corporate law, which includes the areas of company law, finance, market regulation, competition law, and mergers and acquisitions. By focusing on domestic, European and International jurisdictions, the module will stress comparative perspectives whilst evaluating the fundamental knowledge base.

Option modules

This module relates to a multidisciplinary field of study; it will enable you to evaluate and critically analyse the norms, policies and processes governing business and human rights through a series of case studies from a business and legal perspective. Since the early 1980s, there has been a recognition of the expectation that businesses will respect human rights wherever they operate. However, “governance gaps” have been identified, which have called for a global norm of expected conduct, under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). The module will study the UNGPs through their three normative pillars: (1) the state duty to protect against human rights abuses, (2) the corporate responsibility to respect human rights, and (3) the access to effective remedy for victims. Ten years after the unanimous endorsement of the UNGPs, challenges persist, which the module will explore. You will be able to discuss and consider the human rights risks linked to trade and foreign investments and the relationship between environmental damage caused by business activities and human rights in their national and extra-territorial dimensions. The module seeks to expose you to a variety of issues from a range of perspectives in various sectors through the use of governmental, non-governmental and corporate materials.

You will explore the contractual and legal relationships of persons involved in a carriage of goods arrangement. This module covers the international carriage of goods by sea, air, road and rail, with sea carriage as the main focus. The module deals with the two principal forms of contracts used for the carriage of goods by sea, the charter party, and the contract of affreightment. The emphasis of the module is to examine legal principles against the backdrop of current shipping practice and documentation.

The module explores the nature of comparative arbitration in the commercial context, comparing the procedural arbitration laws of a variety of legal systems. In doing so, students acquire a strong, practical knowledge of the alternative seats of arbitration in the major arbitration centres and the availability of a number of international arbitration institutions. The module also examines matters such as drafting arbitration agreements, professional organisations and professional conduct rules, and the recognition and enforcement of Awards.

The module explores the nature of direct investments by foreign investors in host States, including: the disputes arising from the taking of foreigners’ investments by host States’ governments; the resolution of disputes by investment arbitration tribunals; the application of customary international law; and the governing procedural rules and laws.

You will develop your knowledge of intellectual property law, combined with an appreciation of how modern intellectual property rights (IPR) operate in the international online environment. The module analyses commercial property rights in an international context, with a particular focus on challenges to IP in the new online environment. Topics covered include copyright and fair use, trademarks and domain names, patents and design rights, and confidentiality rights.

The aim of this module is to provide a postgraduate introduction to the study of international banking law. This module provides you with a deep understanding of how banks are regulated, especially in a European and international context. The first part of the module is focused on markets and the second on banking transactions. The module covers the operation of financial markets, banking and financial services regulation, payment systems, lending, financing and security. You'll also be exposed to how the law regulates the bank-customer relationship and banking instruments.

This module explores the nature of municipal (ie national) commercial arbitration in the transnational domain (international commercial arbitration), with specific focus on the jurisdiction of England and Wales. The exploration covers the whole range of issues from the drafting of arbitration agreements to the successful execution of Awards against unsuccessful respondent parties, and includes examination of topics such as ad hoc and institutional arbitration proceedings, challenges to Awards, recognition and enforcement of Awards (including foreign Awards), and international legal instruments relevant to international commercial arbitration.

The module explores the nature of (mainly) corporate taxation in the contexts of competition between States and taxpayers seeking to avoid or evade liability to taxation, and competition amongst States for the tax revenue which might be collected from taxpayers. Within this exploration there will be examination of customary international law, procedural and substantive municipal laws, the taxing jurisdictions of States, the use of tax planning techniques such as ‘tax havens’, and the anti-avoidance and anti-evasion approaches of States and their international organisations such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

This module will give you the opportunity to evaluate and critically examine the law governing the international sale contract. You will be introduced to the intricacies of international sale transactions, especially the content of the contract of international sale, the use of standard trade terms (such as the INCOTERMS 2010), and the rights and remedies available to sellers and buyers. You will also examine the role of documentation in international sales, and will have the chance to discuss the role of the Vienna Convention on the international sale of goods.

The nature of incorporation. International and national consequences of incorporation and non-incorporation of businesses. The role and effect of multinational enterprises in cross-border trade and investment. Property and risk issues. The power balance between multinationals and sovereign states. International and municipal approaches to control and regulation of multinationals. Accountability of personnel of multinationals. Provision of an overview of the law relating to incorporation and non-incorporation.

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

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(Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GMT)

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Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Careers

Our graduates have typically gone on to (or returned to) a professional legal career in a UK or overseas law firm, quite often in a civil law jurisdiction, interacting with the English common law in such areas as shipping or sales disputes. Other graduates have gone on to study to become a solicitor or barrister in the UK or abroad.

The International Commercial Law LLM also equips you to work in a legal liaison role within small to medium enterprises, especially those involved in the transnational provision of goods and services. In a liaison role, you'll be able to informally assess legal risk, and to advise and take legal advice from specialist lawyers, on behalf of their company.

Supporting your career

We offer 1-2-1 appointments with careers advisors, advice on your CV and job applications, and mock assessment centres and interviews. We also run a law vacancy jobs bulletin.

Industry links

You'll have access to events and workshops with law firms, alumni, and career professionals to help you to get started in your law career through our Legal Skills Academy.

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Course Leader

Why study this course?

Fantastic central London location

You'll be studying in the centre of one of the world’s greatest cities, within easy reach of London's unrivalled library, cultural and archive resources.

Develop your legal knowledge and skills

You'll gain both a strong legal academic grounding as well as knowledge of real-world practice in contemporary international commercial law. 

Enhance your career prospects

You'll develop your analytical skills and ability to evaluate issues in international commercial law, equipping you for your career in the practice of law. 

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in Law or an upper second class honours degree (2:1) in a non-related degree with a demonstrated legal interest.

Applicants without standard qualifications will also be considered, providing they are sufficiently motivated to study effectively on a Masters programme and/or have had a significant amount of relevant experience.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in Law or an upper second class honours degree (2:1) in a non-related degree with a demonstrated legal interest.

Applicants without standard qualifications will also be considered, providing they are sufficiently motivated to study effectively on a Masters programme and/or have had a significant amount of relevant experience.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

More information

Postgraduate Law Courses at Westminster Law School

Learn new skills

Volunteer and gain new skills

We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.

Get extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £6,250 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).

Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £8,500 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.

Find out more about funding for international students.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you’ll be taught

Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
1
16%84%
2
14%86%
Scheduled hoursIndependent study

How you’ll be assessed

Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:

  • Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
  • Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Year
1
12%88%
2
10%90%
PracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2022/23

Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course location

Little Titchfield Street is the home of Westminster Law School and, as part of our Regent Campus, benefits from a central London location. The facilities include a full-size mock courtroom, high-tech learning spaces, a pro-bono clinic and a 382-seat lecture theatre.

Our Regent Campus is made up of three locations – 309 Regent Street, Little Titchfield Street and Wells Street, all of which are just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street.

For more details, visit our Little Titchfield Street page.

Contact us

Call our dedicated team on:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

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