International Commercial Law and ADR LLM

Program Overview

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The International Commercial Law and ADR LLM at Ulster University is a full-time postgraduate program that equips graduates with a deep understanding of commercial law and alternative dispute resolution. It offers practical negotiation and mediation skills through the accredited Hunt ADR training course, preparing students for careers in commercial law practice, dispute resolution, and other related fields. The program combines theoretical exploration with hands-on skill development, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern legal landscape.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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International Commercial Law and ADR LLM at Ulster University - Full-time Postgraduate Study in Belfast

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Overview:

• Relevant for aspiring legal and business professionals seeking specialization in Commercial Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
• Developed in consultation with industry experts.
• Provides opportunities to develop practical negotiation skills and become a fully accredited mediator, opening professional development doors in this field.

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Objectives:

• Equip graduates with a profound understanding of Commercial Law.
• Impart expertise in current developments relating to financial markets, derivatives, commercial property, and international intellectual property.
• Develop practical negotiation and mediation skills through the Commercial Mediation module, delivered and accredited by Hunt ADR training course.
• This qualification is also accredited by OCN Northern Ireland, equating to NVQ Level 3 or Advanced Diploma, being a widely recognized mediator qualification in the UK and Ireland.

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Structure:

• Full-time postgraduate study program commencing in September 2024 or January 2025.
• Combines theoretical exploration of commercial conflict resolution, with hands-on skill development in mediation.
• Provides the opportunity to obtain a professional mediator accreditation through the recognized Hunt ADR training course.

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Outline:

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Year One

• Commercial Alternative Dispute Resolution: Introduces the nature of conflict and disputes, explores numerous resolution options including adjudication, arbitration, and mediation.
• International Commercial Law: Provides a foundation for comprehending key concepts, challenges, and issues in commercial law.
• Mediation Project 2: Offered in partnership with Ulster University and Hunt ADR, allows students to explore conflict resolution and practice the role of mediator.
• Intellectual Property and Data Protection Law: Examines both law areas regulating information control: intellectual property and data protection.
• Innovation in Legal Work: Introduces students to LegalTech, exploring its integration into legal work and the administration of justice.

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Optional Modules:

• Corporate Law: Familiarizes students with various legal concepts and principles relevant to establishing and operating small businesses, including contract, tort, employment, and intellectual property.
• Commercial Property Law: Guides students through key acquisition, development, and letting aspects of land for business purposes.
Focuses on site acquisition, commercial development in planning contexts, and business tenancy law.
• Derivatives and Financial Markets: Offered in partnership with Ulster University and Fieldfisher LLP's Belfast and London offices.
Guides students through financial markets trading and regulation, emphasizing derivatives and securities financing. The Master Agreement for cross-border market transactions is covered.
• Commercial Clinical Legal Practice: A clinical legal education/practice module where students interact with real clients and gain commercial awareness during this process.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary but commonly include coursework assignments, essays, reports, presentations, and examinations.
Specific assessment components may vary depending on the module.
• All modules have set learning outcomes, typically accompanied by no more than two assessments each.
An assessment may combine more than one task with standardized workload and equivalence across diverse assessment types.

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Teaching:

• Classes are a blend of online and in-person sessions, depending on the module's characteristics.
• University staffing comprises qualified professionals, with 60% holding PhDs in their specialty and many possessing professional body recognition.
• Teaching involves Professors, Readers, Senior Lecturers, and Lecturers, with the majority qualified for higher education teaching.
• Most staff, both academic and learning support, are recognized fellows of the Higher Education Academy by Advance HE, the professional teaching and learning body for the university sector.
Some hold professional body affiliations relevant to their fields or scholarly practices.

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Careers:

• Graduates are equipped for careers in Commercial Law practice, Dispute Resolution, Finance & Banking, Intellectual Property Law, International Trade Law, and as Accredited Mediators.
• Internship opportunities may assist with career development.
For instance, Cleaver, Fulton and Rankin award internship prizes to top students in the Commercial ADR module, providing valuable work experience with their firm.

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Other:

• The University regularly refreshes course content and conducts periodic reviews or "revalidations" to ensure they meet professional standards and remain current and relevant.
This specific course will undergo revalidation soon, potentially leading to modifications.
• Graduates acquire commercial property understanding through case studies drawing on examples from experienced commercial practices.
• Cleaver Fulton Rankin, a premier Northern Ireland commercial law firm, partners with the program, acknowledging its practical aspects and value in preparing graduates for commercial workplaces.
• An estimated £3,300 cost covers tuition, additional mandatory costs, study materials, graduation ceremonies, examination resits, and library fines.