Overview of Programmes

The LL.M. (International and European Business Law) offers a comprehensive list of modules exploring the complex legal issues surrounding international business, commercial and financial services law. Academic staff engage in research-led teaching and the modules allow graduates to develop their knowledge and expertise in areas including international trade law, international dispute resolution, international business tax law, competition law, corporate governance, intellectual property and market regulation.

Programme Structure

The LL.M. (International and European Business Law) degree is taught over a period of one academic year, commencing in September. The year is divided into two semesters during each of which students are required to take three modules. Each module is offered in one semester only and involves 22 hours of classwork. Various forms of assessment are utilized in the different modules. Where modules are assessed by way of examination, as the examinations are scheduled at the end of each semester, in December and April/May. Students may be required to take Reassessment examinations in August/September. In addition, all students must complete a research dissertation over the academic year on an approved theme that relates to their LL.M degree. These dissertations must be submitted on or before end of June.

In addition to a mandatory research dissertation, students will study three modules per semester, choosing from an extensive and diverse range of modules, each worth 10 ECTS. At least two modules must be chosen from the list of Section A modules set out below. The remaining two modules may be chosen from either Section A or Section B modules. Section A modules are directly linked to your LLM degree. Section B modules are not related to your degree but may still be of interest to you.

A comprehensive list of Section A and Section B LL.M modules currently on offer is available here

*The Law School reserves the right to vary the following list and, in particular, the right to withdraw and add modules. Note that timetabling considerations may also restrict choice.

**Where a module is highly subscribed and/or becomes full, priority will be given to students enrolled in the related LL.M programme (where the module is listed as ‘Section A’).

Programme Outcomes

Having successfully completed this programme, students should be able to:

• Identify, evaluate and synthesise jurisprudential theories and concepts as they apply to international and business law at a level appropriate to masters graduates;
• Use appropriate legal, financial and economic theories, doctrines and concepts to identify, formulate, analyse and solve business and legal problems within national and international contexts;
• Critically analyse the interplay between law and social change in a variety of different contexts as they pertain to international and business law;
• Conduct effective and targeted research in case law, legislation and academic legal commentary in areas pertaining to international and business law at both national and international levels at a level appropriate to masters graduates;
• Discuss and debate different perspectives on legal, financial and economic theories and doctrines in the area of international business;
• Communicate effectively in oral and written modes in professional and academic settings and work effectively in multi-disciplinary settings;
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability and independence in order to engage productively with a changing, commercial and technological environment;
• Have the capacity to engage in life-long learning, including vocational training and continuing professional development; and
• Demonstrate the capacity to conduct effective research and to present the fruits of that research in a coherent and compelling manner.