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LLM International Commercial Law

LLM International Commercial Law

Course Code: P-M223

Start Date:
30 September 2024

Entry Requirements:
2:i UG degree or equivalent

Duration:
1 year (Full-time)

Qualification:
Master of Laws (LLM)


What is International Commercial Law?

The objective of Commercial Law is to facilitate commercial transactions, whether a sale of goods, dealing in digital content or data, secured financing arrangements, or mergers. Once a commercial transaction crosses jurisdictional borders, complex questions arise regarding the enforceability of all the terms in a commercial agreement, the law(s) which apply to the transaction, and where any disputes which might arise from the transaction can be resolved.

What makes our LLM special?

This LLM is distinctive because it brings the unique Warwick ‘law in context’ approach to the study of International Commercial Law. You will learn how:

  • Law interacts with and supports or constrains large commercial deals
  • The boundaries of law in dealing with international commercial transactions
  • Wider policy and ethical questions operate within the commercial context


Image of Alumni Arshia Qazi

My academic experience at Warwick has surpassed my expectations. Being part of a large international community of students at the University of Warwick has provided me with the opportunity to meet people from all around the world and learn a lot from different cultures.

Arshia Qazi, Legal Advisor in UAE (ICL LLM, 2017-18)

Our LLM in International Commercial Law (ICL) will provide you with a solid foundation for understanding the legal challenges of international commerce, and will allow you to explore how a range of international transactions are regulated through a combination of contracts, domestic law and internationally-agreed rules.

This course is suitable for law graduates or practising lawyers seeking to develop specialist knowledge in international commercial law and business people who wish to gain an understanding of the legal context for international business deals. It is also ideal for anyone seeking to understand the process of facilitating and regulating international commerce, those who wish to influence international law making, and anyone preparing for further research in this area.

You will take our core study modules to give you a firm grounding in the subject as well as legal research and writing skills, along with two optional modules in term one and three optional modules in term two. You will undertake a dissertation in term three.

Core Modules

  • LA9FN - Foundations of International Commercial Law: The aim of this module is to introduce students to fundamental legal issues affecting international commercial transactions. There will be three broad strands to this: a) the specific issues associated with the international commercial contracts; b) the different instruments and institutions, the process of harmonisation and the lex mercatoria; c) specific areas such as agency and security interest in mobile equipment.
  • LA984 - Legal Research and Writing Skills: The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to develop critical reading, writing and research skills in preparation for undertaking independent research and writing up academic work. It brings together experts from the Law School, Library and Student Careers and Skills.

Optional Modules

There are a range of optional modules available. See which modules are currently running in the Law School.

The modules due to run next year may vary from the list above, depending on staff availability, research priorities, and student uptake. While we do our best to run as wide a variety of subjects as possible, it is not always possible to offer every module.

With permission, it is possible to take up to two modules external to your programme, as optional choices.

Teaching

You will take a selection of modules totalling 120 CATS followed by a 10,000 word dissertation worth 60 CATS. All assessed modules are worth 20 CATS and run for one term. Modules will be taken during terms one and two, leaving you term three and the summer to complete your dissertation. You will also be required to attend a research and writing skills module for two terms. If you choose to study part-time, this will be split over two years of study.

You will be taught by academics who are recognised subject experts with UK and international experience. As well as teaching, most are involved in producing world leading research, often providing expert advice to outside bodies.

How the programme will be taught will depend on the modules you opt to take, but you can expect a mixture of lectures, seminars and group work.

Contact Hours

You will typically have up to 12 hours of contact time per week on the full-time programme, depending on your LLM programme and modules selected, but will be expected to do additional research and reading outside of the classroom.

Class Sizes

This will depend on the popularity of the modules you select but class sizes can range from between 10 and 40 students per module.


Assessment

The programme incorporates a wide and varying range of assessment methods, which may include essays, examinations, portfolios, presentations and the dissertation.

We regard feedback as a vital part of the assessment process. We seek to help you reach your full potential by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your work and the actions needed to develop your understanding. You will be given feedback after your assessments each term.

Dissertation

With help and support from our world-class academic staff, you will write a 10,000 word dissertation on a suitable topic in your third term. We will help guide you in choosing a topic and title, and train you in how to research and how to structure your dissertation, setting you in excellent stead if you should choose to continue your studies with a PhD.


Teaching and assessment methods may be subject to change. If you have concerns about changes to teaching and assessment formats before applying or taking up your offer to study with us, please contact us via email.

What sort of careers can I go on to?

Studying at postgraduate level can provide a platform to a wide range of career opportunities. It enables students to differentiate themselves for opportunities where a postgraduate qualification is a requirement or desirable. We have recently had graduates go on to work in careers such as:

  • Practicing lawyers with a specific focus on international commercial law
  • Commercial Arbitrators
  • Civil Service work in departments dealing with aspects of international commerce
  • Work in NGOs representing international businesses

Skills from this degree

  • An understanding of the complexity of the legal environment for international commercial transactions
  • The ability to develop a reasoned critical discussion of a contested issue in international commercial law, drawing on a wide range of legal and scholarly resources
  • Specialist knowledge of the process of making international commercial law
  • An understanding of the wider economic, social and environmental context within which international commercial transactions are conducted

Course Director:

Director of LLM in International Commercial Law - Dr Velimir Zivkovic

Velimir's work focuses on the interplay of international investment law and other areas of international and national law, as well as rule of law issues affecting these areas. He explores these topics by considering both the more traditional, doctrinal insights and critical legal studies. Find out more about Velimir.