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.

This LLM 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.

Core Modules

• Foundations of International Commercial Law
• Legal Research and Writing Skills

Optional Modules

Previously, a selection of the following options have been offered:

• International Commercial Law in the Digital Economy
• International Arbitration
• International Sale of Goods
• Law of International Financial Transactions
• International Commercial Litigation
• The Regulation of Mergers and Acquisitions

You will take a selection of modules totalling 120 CATS followed by a 10,000 word dissertation worth 60 CATS. All our 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. If you choose to study part-time, this will be split over two years of study. You will be required to select modules covering traditional commercial law subjects and a selection of modules which provide a contextual perspective

Teaching

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 leading research, often providing expert advice to outside bodies.

How the course 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 around 11 hours of contact time per week on the full time course 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 course 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.

Skills from this degree

• An understanding 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

Minimum requirements 2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject

English language requirements Band B
IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above

International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.

For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.

Scholarships

Please see the Warwick Law Department website for details of funding available.

Additional Course Costs

There are no other integral aspects of the course where additional costs are incurred. We may offer extracurricular events (trips) but these are not an integral part of the programme.

Studying at postgraduate level can provide a platform to a wide range of career opportunities in the commercial and legal sectors, in management consultancy, international development, government and NGOs and in compliance and regulation to name but a few. 

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

The School of Law has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant (part of the Student Opportunity careers team) to help with your personal career journey during your time at Warwick.  She offers impartial advice and guidance (one to one support) and delivers workshops and events tailored to the needs of Law students.

This is in addition to specialist speakers who may be invited to contribute to your LLM programme.  Events are also organised by the wider Student Opportunity team.  They include:

• Careers fairs and sector events including Law Fair, Business and Finance Fair, Management Consultancy, HR and Management, Working in the Public Sector
• Career Pathways to International Development (presentations and networking)
• Don’t want to be a lawyer? (Alumni presentations and networking)
• Becoming a Solicitor
• The Journey to the Bar
• Workshops on all aspects of the recruitment and selection process including applications, CVs, covering letters, interviews and assessment centres.

There are a number of different ways to visit the University of Warwick throughout the year. We host bespoke PG visits, where you can talk directly with your chosen department and explore our campus through a personalised tour. Some departments also host their own events and open days, where you can learn more about your department or course of study. To find out more about all of these opportunities, visit our Postgraduate Visits page.