Introduction
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This pathway enables you to understand the complex issues emerging in the area of international trade. In the modern world, it is vital to understand the principles and main tenets of international trade; such as tariffs and customs regulation, as well as understanding how it affects societies, regions, and the environment.
This pathway draws on our research strengths in the areas of international trade law, EU law, the law of comparative regional integration and transnational economic relations more widely. The principal focus is on the multilateral trading system and the law of the World Trade Organisation. Our modules will allow you to develop an in-depth specialization in key related areas, such as the environment, public procurement, or competition law.
This pathway is an excellent choice for those who want to grasp the foundations of international trade, but also engage with critical contemporary issues. This pathway will also provide a unique opportunity for a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the United Kingdom in the Brexit context.
Why study this course
Module choice - one of the widest ranges of LLM modules available in the UK
Employability - this programme provides a rare set of specialised modules leaving graduates uniquely qualified for growing international employment markets
Professional links - annual law fair, visits to and from leading firms
Modules
You follow a modular programme (180 credits in total), which comprises six taught modules (20 credits each) and a dissertation of 15,000 words (60 credits); the latter to be submitted at the end of the year of study. Students following the International Trade Law pathway will study a minimum of three of their six modules from the list below;
Commercial Conflict of Laws
Environmental Energy Law
Financing of International Trade
Global Competition Law
International Corporate Governance
International Trade Law and Policy: Foundations
International Trade Law and Public Procurement
Public International Law
Students can choose their remaining three modules from the full Birmingham LLM Module list.
Learning and teaching
Birmingham's LLM pathways have been designed to provide an in-depth analysis of important legal topics. Modules are all 20 credits in value, comprising 10 two-hour seminars to enable students to develop significant expertise in each area of law.
The LLM course last 12 months, running from September to September. All LLM pathways follow the same basic structure:
In part I of the course, you take six 20 credit modules: the range available depends on the pathway you decide to follow. Assessment in those modules, by essay or formal examination, is in May and June.
In part II of the course, your research and write a 15,000-word dissertation on a selected topic of law under the supervision of a member of staff.
Law School induction
At the start of the course, there is a comprehensive welcome and induction programme designed to help you settle in and gain an understanding of the Birmingham LLM. You will familiarise yourself with the various ways in which we can support you throughout the year to ensure that your LLM course is an exciting and rewarding experience.
Students can register for modules before arrival as well as at the start of the academic year. As part of the induction process, you will get the opportunity to learn more about the various modules available and make choices that correspond to your interests.
Studying part-time
All the LLM pathways may be taken part-time and completed over a period of two years. This mode of study is particularly suitable for barristers and solicitors who wish to combine professional practice with the university-level study, gaining CPD points in the process.
Classes for part-time students on the LLM will be scheduled between 9 am-6 pm and students will typically have between 2-4 hours of teaching each week. Fees are the same as for full-time study but are split over two years.
For students from outside the UK, there will be an opportunity for induction to familiarise themselves with the English legal system, as it forms the basis for the modules on offer. The English for International Students Unit provides a range of support in reading and writing academic English.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a good Honours degree in law or a degree in another discipline augmented with a pass in the Common Professional Examination.
International students
Academic requirements: we accept a range of qualifications from different countries use our handy guide below to see what qualifications we accept from your country.
English language requirements: for this course, we ask for IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band or PTE with 67 in all four skills. If you are made an offer of a place to study and you do not meet the language requirement, you have the option to enrol on our English for Academic Purposes Presessional course – if you successfully complete the course, you will be able to fulfil the language requirement without retaking a language qualification.
IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band is equivalent to:
TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any band
Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 in all four skills
Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced or Proficiency - minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component
