ObjectivesThe objectives of the LLM in Commercial Law are: To provide you with knowledge, understanding and skills at LLM level, appropriate to careers in Commercial Law or areas which it affects. To provide you with an advanced knowledge and understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of Commercial Law, and the skills required in practice. To develop your capacity to understand, critically assess and provide practical solutions to problems of the type commonly encountered in Commercial Law. To develop your appreciation of the international dimensions of Commercial Law. To provide the basis for progression to PhD level study.
Academic titleCommercial Law (LLM in Commercial Law)
Course descriptionStructure and Content
The programme consists of six taught modules. Three modules are taken in both the Autumn and Spring Semesters and you will also write a 15,000 word dissertation over the period 1 June to 31 August.
At least six taught modules will run each year from the following list:
Law of International Commercial Arbitration: Key aspects of the law of international commercial arbitration.
Law of International Trade: The law of international trade, focusing on contracts for the sale and carriage of goods, marine insurance, methods of payment and dispute resolution.
Comparative Financial Regulation: Key aspects of UK, Chinese, and US financial regulation.
Competition Law: Analysis of Competition Law at UK, EC and international levels.
Information Technology Law: The impact of computers and the internet on the laws of the UK, EU and US, focusing on electronic contracting, intellectual property rights in computer software and hardware, data protection and privacy rights and freedom of speech.
Intellectual Property Law: The law relating to intellectual property, focusing on the concepts of patent, copyright and trademarks.
Insurance Law and Regulation: Analysis of the principles of English insurance law and regulation, which is the major system of insurance law in the international context.
Law of Banking and Finance: Core legal aspects of banking and the financing of international trade.
Employment Law: Employment law in the context of the UK and the EU, focusing on contracts of employment, equal pay, discrimination, maternity and parental leave, redundancy, dismissal and health and safety.
Environmental Law: The substantive and theoretical aspects of the legal regulation of the environment, focusing on UK and EU law, but with comparative discussion of US law in some areas.
European Community Law: Analysis of EC law, focusing on institutions, sources, application and enforcement in Member States, freedom of movement of persons, goods and establishment and social policy.
Delivery and Assessment
Taught modules are delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Every programme member is assigned a dissertation supervisor, who provides you with advice and guidance as the work progresses. Each taught module is assessed via an essay (40 percent) and a written degree examination (60 percent). Taught modules are worth 30 credits and the dissertation is worth 60 credits.
Career Opportunities
Employers, whether in the legal profession or business generally, are increasingly looking for staff with a specialism in Commercial Law. Graduating with an LLM in Commercial Law will significantly improve your knowledge and understanding of this key subject and will enhance your attractiveness to employers.