International Economic Law (LLM) (2025 Entry)
Explore our International Economic Law Master's degree at Warwick
On our International Economic Law LLM you will think deeply and critically about issues surrounding the shifts in global economic power and reconstituted global networks. This LLM is suitable for those wishing to practice in a government agency or private industry. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), Warwick Law School was ranked equal 10th out of 69 Law Departments in terms of its Research Environment, 8th in terms of the Quality of its Research, and equal 8th overall.
Course overview
International economic law broadly refers to the legal and regulatory architecture that governs our global economy.
The rules and institutions of international economic law constitute the framework within which cross-border economic transactions, for example, trade, finance and investment, take place.
On this programme, you will study the legal and other regulatory foundations of the global economy. You will be introduced to the operations of the main global institutions and frameworks governing international economic relations, including trade and investment treaties, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
You will examine both the wider issues of governance and regulation, and specific legal issues arising from various types of international economic transactions ranging from trade, foreign direct investment, competition law, international taxation, intellectual property and international arbitration.
The course also develops your understanding of, and asks you to consider, legal implications of the changing roles of international economic institutions in both global and regional contexts.
Skills from this degree
- Understanding of the economic principles and legal institutions that govern the negotiation of regional and international trade agreements, foreign direct investment, international financial transactions, project finance and technology transfer
- Drafting of international investment transactions and project finance instruments
- Transferrable skills for careers in a government agency or private practise
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in law or a related subject with a law component.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band B
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 or equivalent, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Core modules
International Economic Law
The module aims to give students an understanding of the key rules, institutions and actors in the field of International Economic Law (IEL). It will also explore IEL’s social, environmental and developmental impacts.
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
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
- Law and Economics
- Legal Aspects of International Trade and The World Trade Organisation
- Issues in the Taxation of International Business
- International Arbitration
- Global Competition Law
- Intellectual Law in Context
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.
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.
Typical 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.
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.
Reading lists
If you would like to view reading lists for current or previous cohorts of students, most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library on the Talis Aspire platformLink opens in a new window.
You can search for reading lists by module title, code or convenor. Please see the modules tab of this page or the module catalogueLink opens in a new window.
Please note that some reading lists may have restricted access or be unavailable at certain times of year due to not yet being published. If you cannot access the reading list for a particular module, please check again later or contact the module’s host department.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.
Your career in Law
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.
It enables students to differentiate themselves for opportunities where a postgraduate qualification is a requirement or desirable. Graduates go on to work in:
- International commercial law firms and working in-house
- Financial services industry
- Government, NGOs and research institutes
- National and International Charities and development organisations
The School of Law has a dedicated careers consultant (part of the Student Opportunity careers team) to support 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 previously organised by the wider Student Opportunity team include:
- Careers fairs and sector events including a Law Fair, a Social Impact careers programme, a Graduate Recruitment Fair, Management Consultancy events, HR and Management, Working in the Public Sector, and International Development
- Workshops on all aspects of the recruitment and selection process including applications, CVs, covering letters, interviews, psychometric testing and assessment centre practice
School of Law
From the first intake of students back in 1968, Warwick Law School has developed a reputation for innovative, quality research and consistently highly rated teaching. Study with us is exciting, challenging and rewarding. Pioneers of the 'Law in Context' approach to legal education, and welcoming students and staff from around the world, we offer a friendly, international and enriching environment in which to study law in its many contexts.
Get to know us better by exploring our departmental website.Link opens in a new window
Our Postgraduate courses
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
How to apply
The application process for courses that start in September and October 2025 opens on 2 October 2024.
Applications will close on 2 August 2025 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.
How to apply for a postgraduate taught course
After you’ve applied
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Applicant Portal
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Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
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Explore ways to connect with us
We understand how important it is to visit and explore your future university before you apply. That's why we have put together a range of online and in-person options to help you discover more about your course, visit campus, and get a sense of postgraduate life at Warwick. Our events offer includes:
- Warwick hosted events
- Postgraduate Fairs
- Live chats
- Talk and Tours
- Department events