LLM in International Commercial Law and Practice (ONLINE LEARNING) Edinburgh Law School - The University of Edinburgh

Programme description

This programme aims to provide you with a deeper understanding of how international commercial law operates in practice, with a range of course options that reflect the interests, experience and industry focus of our academic staff.

Globalisation and developments in technology have led to a marked increase in international trade in goods and services, in international investment, and in the development of global financial markets. In parallel, the world of international commerce has seen major growth in the regulation of commercial activity at a national and international level, and in international litigation and arbitration. This LLM aims to help you understand the international context in which business currently operates.

The programme focuses on the legal responses to the developments shaping international commerce today, as lawyers and business professionals are increasingly required to look beyond the domestic law to find solutions appropriate to their international business needs and opportunities.

Programme structure

To be awarded LLM International Commercial Law & Practice, you must successfully complete six courses, four of which must be compulsory courses, and a 10,000-word dissertation during your chosen duration of the study.

During your studies, you will also have the opportunity to study up to two courses from different subject areas such as information technology law, intellectual property law, and medical law.

Please note the available choice of courses in any given year may change.

Learning outcomes

The LLM in International Commercial Law & Practice will enable you to engage with a wide range of subject areas and to gain advanced knowledge and understanding of international legal principles.

The courses allow you to develop a practical understanding of the legal issues surrounding specific industries, markets, and commercial relationships. They also facilitate a broader and more generic understanding of underlying themes such as harmonization, regulation, and compliance.

The programme will enable you to look beyond the technical content of the relevant law and to think critically about the underlying problems and conflicting solutions. Having studied the programme, you will emerge with an understanding not just of legal issues, but regard to ethical principles and the social and economic context. Here, particular emphasis is placed on the economic and commercial context.

Career opportunities

The majority of students on the Law School’s LLM programmes by online distance learning are mid-career, and they often work across international boundaries. Many will already be established in their career, but wish to use the programme to consolidate skills and knowledge accumulated over time.

Graduates of our online distance learning programmes progress to a range of careers in law and related legal fields, including work in local and international firms, government legal departments, other public institutions, international organizations and in academia. The programmes are also an ideal platform for advanced research.

For some graduates, successful completion of the programme will lead to a promotion within their current positions. Others aim to develop a new professional direction altogether. The programme aims to support students in whichever outcome they aspire to, through developing their knowledge and understanding of the law, but also through acquiring transferable skills and, not least, the experience of engaging with leading academics in the field and with fellow students.

The profile of online distance learning LLM students and their needs for career guidance are recognized by the University careers service, which offers information resources relevant to international and non-Law careers, and the opportunity to arrange individual consultations with students who are based remotely.

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honors degree, or its international equivalent. Your degree does not have to be on the subject of law, but it must be from a recognized higher education institution.

We will also consider your other qualifications and professional experience as part of your application.

English language requirements

All applicants must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of their English language ability:

• an undergraduate or masters degree, that was taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country as defined by UK Visas and Immigration
• IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.5 in each module)
• TOEFL-iBT: total 100 (at least 23 in each module)
• PTE(A): total 67 (at least 61 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections)
• CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 176 in each module)
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components

Degrees taught and assessed in English must be no more than three years old at the beginning of your degree programme. Language tests must be no more than two years old at the beginning of your degree programme.

Edinburgh Law School English Language Test

Edinburgh Law School, in conjunction with the University’s English Language Education department, has developed an alternative English language test for applicants to our online distance learning postgraduate programmes in law for entry in the 2017/18 academic year.

The test is an alternative to the English language tests currently accepted by the University, such as IELTS, TOEFL-iBT, PTE(A), CAE and CPE.

Please note that this test can only be used to satisfy the English language requirements for entry into a postgraduate programme in law by online distance learning at Edinburgh Law School, the University of Edinburgh.

Application deadlines

• Programme start date: 14 January 2019
• Application deadline: 13 November 2018

We strongly recommend you submit your completed application as early as possible, particularly if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. We may consider late applications if we have places available.

We monitor application numbers carefully to ensure we are able to accommodate all those who receive offers. It may, therefore, be necessary to close a programme earlier than the published deadlines. If this is the case we will place a four-week warning notice.

How to apply

You must submit a reference with your application.