ObjectivesThis unusual course allows you to specialise in different aspects of trade, including looking at the implications of different methods of transport, from air to sea. The course is centred on the needs of the modern professional lawyer working or intending to work in an international banking or insurance law environment. The course of legal study is set in a specific context to provide you with a detailed knowledge and depth of understanding of international trade law. Tuition is through seminars for which you will be expected to come prepared and willing to contribute to a discussion. Participation will help you develop analytical, critical, communication and research skills useful not only for your studies but on which you can build in your future career. A compulsory one-week foundation programme precedes the first semester to provide you with a foundation in common law and EC legal principles, skills of information technology, legal writing, library research and examination techniques.
Entry requirementsNormally a UK or overseas degree in law of at least lower second class or its equivalent. Alternatively, a non-law degree plus a professional legal qualification. Prior certificated learning may be given credit.
Academic titleLLM International Trade Law
Course descriptionCourse structure
You can choose to take either eight taught modules and a research essay or six taught law modules and a dissertation. Students who wish to undertake a dissertation or are required to do so by employers/sponsors must discuss the topic of the dissertation with the Course Leader before undertaking it, so that an appropriate topic can be approved and an appropriate supervisor allocated.
You will study some compulsory modules, and then may choose from those modules listed here or from any of the extensive list of comparative business law modules OR from approved modules in related non-law postgraduate courses offered by other departments of the University. You will not be permitted to take modules from other courses if broadly the same material is covered.
All students must additionally take Researching Business Law.
The Trade Law modules include:
-Carriage of Goods by Sea
-Arbitration
-EC Trade Law
-International Sale of Goods
-Principles of International Insurance Law
Complementary law modules:
-E-commerce and the Law
-Intellectual Property Rights: Competition and World Trade Laws
-Law of Multimodal Transport
-Legal Issues of Airline Liability
-Negotiating Techniques in International Commercial Contracts
Assessment
Assessment is through a mix of seen and unseen examination questions and independently researched work.
Career opportunities
This degree provides highly specialised knowledge and skills for those who wish to be practitioners. A Masters degree in law is a natural stepping-stone towards an MPhil or PhD.
Attendance & duration
-Full-time: 1 year
-Part-time (eve): 2 - 5 years
-Part-time (day): 2 - 5 years