Course Overview
Course summary
Our International and Commercial Dispute Resolution Law LLM (ICDRL) is for anyone wishing to demonstrate a commitment to contentious law in public and private international and commercial legal contexts. The taught part of the course includes modules which reflect the three main forms of dispute resolution process, namely, adjudication (litigation and arbitration), alternative dispute resolution (ADR – principally mediation), and negotiation.
This course differs from the International Commercial and Corporate Law LLM (ICCL) course which is primarily concerned with non-contentious aspects of commerce (ICCL modules include competition law, trade and insurance).
Class sizes are, in general, quite small, and you'll be able to mix with students on other Master's courses at Westminster Law School.
The course provides an opportunity for in-depth study of the substantive and procedural issues involved in the field, and also the acquisition of skills involved in some of the processes. It's centrally concerned with law and other rules (international, transnational and commercial) which are applicable in adjudication and also in the other dispute resolution processes.
In addition to the taught modules, the Dissertation module gives you the opportunity to develop a specialist knowledge of a small area of the field, which might lead to a publishable article.
Top reasons to study with us
- An academic and pragmatic approach – You'll have the opportunity to engage in academic research and writing, pragmatic jurisprudence, and law-based problem solving informed by real-life scenarios
- Learn in the heart of London – Studying at our Regent Campus in central London, you'll be part of a diverse, global community
- Open to non-law graduates – You don't need to have an undergraduate law degree to study this course as all modules provide the necessary grounding in the module topics
- Be part of a vibrant law community – You'll have the opportunity to take one or two elective modules (instead of course option modules) located in our other postgraduate LLM courses in Westminster Law School, enabling you to share classes with other LLM students and expand your networking opportunities
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.
You’ll take the two core modules and choose five option modules from the list below.
We aim to offer a wide range of option modules. However, availability may be affected by timetabling, staff availability, or student demand, so preferred choices cannot always be guaranteed.
Core modules
The module explores the range of topics and issues within the field of conflict prevention and dispute resolution for the attainment of international, municipal, public and private peaceful societies by peaceful processes. The module covers non-legal and legal factors including risk, decision-making and justice.
20 credits
The dissertation module allows and supports extended independent, scholarly research of a topic chosen by the student within the field of international and commercial dispute resolution. While primarily involving independent study, the module incorporates seminars that introduce students to research methods and support them in the development of an appropriate and feasible research proposal. The research topic must be agreed between the student and supervisor and must not replicate research covered in other assessments for the award of the degree.
60 credits
Option modules
The course offers a wide range of option modules from among the School's key postgraduate specialisms (commercial law, entertainment law, law and technology, and international law), and beyond. All option modules are listed in the programme specification, but here are some examples:
- Commercial Mediation
- International Commercial Arbitration
- Investment Treaty Arbitration
- Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes
- Commercial Negotiation
- Foreign Direct Investment Arbitration
- Commercial Contracts in the Digital Age
- International Economic Law
- Regulation of Financial Technologies and AI
- Law of Mergers & Acquisitions
- Business and Human Rights
- Global Data Flows: Law and Innovation
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)
Open evenings
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.
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Careers
The International and Commercial Dispute Resolution Law LLM is designed to benefit a wide range of individuals, whether you're a graduate progressing towards a PhD; a practising lawyer; another practitioner such as an arbitrator, civil servant, diplomat, insurer, journalist, judge, linguist or mediator; or a commercial director or manager.
The course is ideal if you're having a gap year between career stages, or wanting to improve your English for career purposes.
Supporting your career
You'll benefit from support from both professional and academic staff, including careers advice from the Course Leader when you choose your option modules and dissertation topics.
Industry links
You'll have access to events and workshops with law firms, alumni, and career professionals to help you get started in your law career.
Employers around the world
Access a network of over 3,000 employers at the University’s new home of careers and enterprise, Zone29.
Career path
We offer support with your employability and career in mind, and our aim is to encourage you to achieve a strong postgraduate CV.
You're encouraged to consider career paths which include doctoral (PhD) stages as well as business, professional, international, government, and academic stages.
Guest speakers
Recent guest speakers for students on this course have included:
- Nicholas Stewart QC (barrister), sports arbitrator
- Dr Ewomazino Caulker (PhD Westminster Law School), lecturer in law at the University of Greenwich
Job roles
This course will prepare you for a variety of roles, including:
- Barrister, solicitor, or other lawyer in national private practice
- Barrister, solicitor, or other lawyer in international and transnational (cross-border) practice
- Paralegal in legal practice or government service
- Corporate counsel in a national company
- Corporate counsel in a multinational group
- Company secretary
- Government lawyer
- Legislator
- National magistrate or judge
- Arbitrator
- Mediator
- Mediation advocate
- Negotiator
- Regulator with a dispute resolution institution
- Compliance officer
- Human resources clerk and manager
- In-house researcher
- Ombudsman case officer
- PhD candidate
- University lecturer
Accelerate your career at Zone29
Zone29 is our new home of careers and enterprise.
Our doors are set to open in spring 2026, but game-changing opportunities are available now, such as:
- jobs and placements
- tailored career advice and industry mentoring
- careers events led by industry experts
- help with developing your own business or freelance career
- enhancing your career planning through the Westminster Award
Course Leader
Emek Delibas
Senior Lecturer
Course Team
Why study this course?
Gain international and transnational perspectives
Our course combines public international law, private international law (conflict of laws), and municipal laws concepts into a coherent whole, examining prevention and resolution of international, transnational (cross-border), and commercial conflicts and disputes in the contexts of law and absence of law.
Focus on conflict and dispute resolution
You'll gain knowledge of processes and procedures for preventing, managing, resolving and settling conflicts and disputes by negotiation, mediation (and other ADR processes), arbitration, and litigation at the municipal, international and hybrid levels.
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 legal resources.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) or an upper second class honours degree ( 2:1) in Law or 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 no element below 6.0.
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) or an upper second class honours degree ( 2:1) in Law or 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 no element below 6.0.
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
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) or an upper second class honours degree ( 2:1) in Law or 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 no element below 6.0.
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) or an upper second class honours degree ( 2:1) in Law or 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 no element below 6.0.
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
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
Postgraduate Law Courses at Westminster Law School
Learn new skills
Volunteer and gain new skills
Learn new skills, create connections and make a difference in the community through our volunteering opportunities.
Gain entrepreneurial expertise
Access industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and start-up support through our award-winning WeNetwork.
Get extra qualifications
Free access to online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office, and specialist training on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £6,450 (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: £9,000 (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.
UK tuition fee: £6,450 (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: £9,000 (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
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
Data from the academic year 2025/26
Research groups
Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
Find out more about our research groups related to this course:
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
Course Location
Our Regent Campus is composed of three sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
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.
This course is based at our Regent Campus, though some teaching may take place at our other central London campuses.
For more details, visit our Locations page.
CHANGES TO OUR COURSES
All content on our course pages is accurate at time of publication.
Where significant or material changes have been made, applicants will be informed of these in line with Competition and Markets Authority guidance.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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