LLM International Commercial Law Online

Program Overview

The University of Law's online LLM in International Commercial Law is designed for law and non-law graduates seeking to enhance their legal knowledge. The program focuses on the practical aspects of international commercial law, covering topics such as sales of goods, cross-border transactions, and dispute resolution. Modules are learner-centered and taught by practitioners and academics, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the field. This online degree offers flexible study options, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

An online Master of Laws (LLM) in International Commercial Law, offered by The University of Law, is a postgraduate degree designed for law and non-law graduates to enhance their academic legal knowledge. This internationally recognized Master’s focuses specifically on developing an in-depth knowledge of International Commercial Law in practice and can open up pathways to careers such as business owner, shipping industry specialist, legal specialist, maritime governance, and more.

Outline:

Course Content:

This online course provides an introduction to commercial law and managing supply chains. You’ll examine the domestic sale of goods, relevant legislation and compliance; the structure of standard terms and conditions for the sale of goods; risk management in domestic sale of goods, retention of title and exclusion of liability; marketing arrangements: agency agreements, relevant legislation and compliance; cross-border commercial transactions; harmonisation and uniform law initiatives; CIF, FOB and other shipment terms. It will also focus on cross-border transactions under the law of England and Wales, however, other international principles, regulations and conventions will also be studied, such as the Vienna Convention on the International Sale of Goods; the UNCITRAL Model Law and the New York Convention in international commercial arbitration.

Course Structure:

• Terms 1-2 (full-time) or 1-4 (part-time):
• General induction to the program
• Two-week induction covering the Key Principles of the English Legal System (compulsory for non-law students, optional for others)
• Compulsory modules:
• International Commercial Law
• Research Methods Training
• Elective modules (choose three):
• Construction Law
• International Trade Law
• Maritime Law
• Term 3 (full-time) or 5-6 (part-time):
• Dissertation in International Commercial Law

Course Schedule:

• Start Dates:
• September 2024
• February 2025

Modules:

• International Commercial Law: This module provides a comprehensive overview of international commercial law principles and their application in real-world scenarios.
It covers topics such as the Vienna Convention on the International Sale of Goods, international trade finance, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Research Methods Training: This module equips students with the necessary skills to conduct independent research and write a high-quality dissertation.
It covers topics such as research design, data analysis, and academic writing.
• Construction Law: This module explores the legal framework governing construction projects, including contracts, disputes, and liability.
It covers topics such as the JCT standard form contracts, the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, and the adjudication process. It covers topics such as the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1992, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions, and the law of admiralty.

Assessment:

• Modules:
• Assessed by a three-hour unseen written examination or a 4,500-word coursework assignment.
• All assessments are conducted online.
• Dissertation:
• Assessed by submission of a thesis (15,000 words).
• Provides an opportunity for sustained, in-depth, and intensive investigation into a specialist area of International Commercial Law.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Predominantly learner-centered approach.
• Each taught module is divided into Units presented using the Prepare, Engage, Consolidate approach.
• Prepare: Students complete work before attending workshops.
• Engage: Interactive element, including workshops, synchronous online activities, or asynchronous online activities.
• Faculty:
• Taught by a combination of former and current practitioners, as well as research and teaching academics who are focused on legal practice, not just theory.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Business owner
• Shipping industry specialist
• Legal specialist
• Maritime governance
• Opportunities:
• Improve employability by gaining important transferable skills.
• Increase earning potential (postgraduates on average earn £6,500 more than their graduate counterparts).
• Gain a competitive edge in the job market by becoming a subject expert.
• Outcomes:
• 95% of postgraduate students in employment were in highly skilled employment 15 months after graduating (2020/21 Graduate Outcomes data).

Other:

• Flexible Study:
• Legal Technology:
• The program includes modules in legal technology, providing insight into this emerging area of law.
• Quality Assurance:
• The program benefits from strategic partnerships with firms, regulators, and accreditation bodies, which inform program development.