International Commercial Law LLM

Study level: Postgraduate
Close up of students hands discussing details on a clipboard.

This course is designed for those who want to understand the legal rules that govern international commercial transactions – rules that have increasing importance in light of recent global events.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Up to 2 years, with professional experience

Course code

FBLT084

Start date

September 2023
January 2024

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Ask a question

Course overview

This course will give you the chance to explore contemporary issues in international commercial law, through sessions taught by experts in this field.

During this course you will have the opportunity to:

  • Develop your knowledge, understanding and critical awareness of international commercial law, with an assessment designed to test both critical understanding of the law, as well as its practical application.
  • Contribute your work for possible publication to the Coventry Law Journal, alongside expert legal academics and professionals.
  • Have the option to apply for a ‘professional experience’ opportunity2, designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.
Hand selecting a user icon in a coloured circle.

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings
City buildings next to a tree.

Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

Commercial transactions are the core of all business activity. This course aims to provide you with the chance to gain specialised knowledge and understanding of international commercial law, through the exploration of contemporary issues and developments with experts in this area of law.

The LLM in International Commercial Law offers a multitude of ways to help you develop your skills and stand out in the global graduate market.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

CMI Chartered Management Institute

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute for the 2023-24 intake. Upon successful completion of this module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost.

Memberships

International Association of Law Schools

Coventry Law School is a member of the International Association of Law Schools, an association of around 160 law schools from over 55 countries, representing around 7,500 law faculty members. Having this status allows our law students the opportunity for a variety of international experiences, including with our member institutions across the world2.

European Law Faculties Association (ELFA)

Coventry Law School is also a member of the European Law Faculties Association with over 250 members from Europe and beyond.

BILETA

Coventry Law School is currently a member of British and Irish Law Education and Technology Association, one of the largest Technology Law associations in Europe.

What you'll study

This course aims to provide you with the opportunity to further develop recognised legal expertise in the field of international commercial law. You can expect to explore diverse and specialised legal aspects of international commerce, with an emphasis on contemporary developments and their practical applications.

Additionally, you will have the chance to draw on your acquired knowledge and expertise and apply them to global issues affecting international commerce, across a variety of business sectors.

Modules

  • Many areas of commercial legal practice concern the application of broad and diffuse areas of law to particular sectors and industries. While the sectors considered in this module will vary, the purpose of this module remains the same: to give you the experience of drawing from a variety of areas of your past experience of legal study and apply that knowledge to a particular sector.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to examine the core legal element of international commerce: the contract of sale, as well as the legal aspects of the carriage of goods and international trade transactions. The components analysed being, the most frequently used sales contracts, the contract of carriage by sea, marine insurance policies which cover the goods whilst at sea and methods of financing the transaction.

    Compulsory

  • This module focuses on a legal examination of the intellectual property system used in commercial and industrial spheres. The module commences from the perspective of UK law and proceeds to examine salient issues in intellectual property law in a European and international context. The module also examines emerging issues, including those concerned with artificial intelligence and intellectual property, the protection of cultural heritage, and fashion design and intellectual property protection.

    Compulsory

  • This module examines the role of the rule of law in the regulation and liberalisation of international trade. This module also examines the role of institutions in developing international trade law, as well as the settlement of disputes.

    Compulsory

  • This module will consider the different theories on the role of the corporation in society, and the theoretical arguments for businesses taking on ethical stances. In particular, the module will examine the ways in which unethical corporate behaviour produces adverse effects on the corporate world and the broader society.

    Compulsory

  • This module examines two key issues in the taxation of business: the taxation of trading income (business profits), and the taxation of transactions, in particular, Value Added Tax (VAT) and sales taxes. This module will also introduce you to the core instrument of international tax law - the OECD Model Tax Convention on Income and Capital. The module will further consider the taxation of international sales (including the EU’s system of VAT), as well as sales taxes and the challenges posed by the digital economy.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to provide you with the research and presentation skills appropriate to scholarship at postgraduate level and thus to allow you to display enhanced research and legal skills during your programme, specifically in the preparation and writing of their written assessments.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of the module is to provide you with a basis from which to undertake a substantial research project appropriate to the master’s level. In doing so, the module will be geared towards enabling you to identify an appropriate research topic and to develop a research strategy for its completion.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people in a strategic and entrepreneurial way. You will explore for example, the influence and impact of leadership theories, culture, wellbeing, the principles of entrepreneurial practice and understand the different contexts in which entrepreneurship can flourish as well as the characteristics of entrepreneurial leadership within different types of organisational scenarios.

    Compulsory

  • In this module you will carry out a substantive piece of independent research into a legal issue relevant to your course of study. You will be expected to draw upon the knowledge acquired, and the intellectual, technical and analytical skills developed throughout your course. You will be supported in this module through a series of group supervisions and will be allocated a project supervisor.

    Compulsory

With professional experience option

The professional experience opportunity2 enables you the opportunity to apply for optional professional experience in semester 1, which, upon successfully securing an opportunity, will extend the duration of your master’s to either 16, 20 or 24 months. The professional experience provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability.

Professional experience may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Professional experience opportunities are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of our Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Find out more about the professional experience option.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

You will be taught by a team of academic staff which includes internationally recognised researchers at the forefront of their field.

You will be taught through a number of different teaching methods which may include:

  • Workshops
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Presentations
  • Group projects

This course can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.

Teaching contact hours

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the taught semesters.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Phase tests
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Our LLM in International Commercial Law course is inherently international in nature. Further supporting this international focus is the experience of our academic staff, and the typically diverse make-up of Coventry Law School students. As well as having an international focus throughout your studies, there will also be opportunities to attend field trips overseas2 and to engage in collaborative online international learning (COIL) projects with students from universities elsewhere in the world. These opportunities stand to enhance your ability to examine issues from several perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of how issues would be addressed in different legal systems.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

A minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate degree in Law, or a joint honours degree where Law has been studied to an appropriate level. This course is aimed primarily at law graduates, legal practitioners (solicitors and barristers) from the UK and other jurisdictions, and politics and business graduates with some knowledge of law.

Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with us

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international pre-master's. Upon successful completion our International Pre-Master's - Business will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this postgraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

Applicants should hold an honours degree 2:2 or above in law or a relevant subject. Applications from candidates with relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Chat with us

Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £11,200 | £15,200 (with prof. experience) per year Request fee information
International £20,050 | £24,050 (with prof. experience) per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities4.

Our learning facilities, which include modern classrooms, open learning spaces and our Moot Room, offer you the chance to get the most out of your learning experience. Our Moot Room, which is based on the ground floor of the George Eliot building will give you the opportunity to practice your legal skills.

Moot Room

Moot Room

Our Moot Room allows you the opportunity to develop those vital and practical legal skills. You can practise your legal skills in a realistic setting, as well as having the chance to take part in mooting competitions.

Legal clinic

Legal Clinic

Use the Legal Clinic to develop your practical legal skills and help you stand out in your future career. You will have access to ‘real’ clients and work alongside trained solicitors and lawyers.
 

The Library

The Library

The Lanchester Library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has 1,400 study spaces, including group and silent areas. You’ll find our Centre for Academic Writing there too - a service that can give you support with essay and dissertation writing.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you should be able to:

  • Critically assess theories, concepts, values, principles and rules of public and private laws in a global commercial context.
  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of contemporary issues and developments within commercial law.
  • Synthesise and critique relevant information from primary and secondary legal sources and draw reasoned conclusions.
  • Apply advanced legal knowledge to practical scenarios in a commercial context.
  • Work independently and collaboratively, including addressing and resolving legal and related questions.
  • Effectively communicate, explaining and conveying information at various levels appropriate to the audience.
  • Identify gaps in your own knowledge, acquire new knowledge and tolerate ambiguity.
  • Understand the importance of social responsibility and ethical behaviour in an academic and vocational capacity.
  • Undertaking complex research-based projects independently, managing your work effectively, being reflective and making effective use of feedback.
  • Critically evaluate the principles for leading and developing people and entrepreneurial practice in strategic contexts.

The skills you have the opportunity to learn and practice on the LLM International Commercial Law course can be utilised by those intending to enter the legal profession in the UK and overseas.

However, the utility of the course is not restricted to those who wish to pursue a career in commercial legal practice, as the skills and attributes developed on the course are translatable to many other positive career destinations across the global jobs market.

Graduates of the course may also seek to go on to further graduate level study (PhD) or a career in academia.

The course modules are very impactful with a blend of online, face-to-face, research, moot court presentation, and video materials. Divergent thinking is encouraged and appreciated when justified. No opinion is discountenanced. This is very encouraging and has instilled confidence in my intellectual capacity. My journey at Coventry University has improved my global integration and networking.

Suzzy Egbi Ochonu, LLM International Commercial Law Graduate 2023
two students chatting on a wall outside the university campus

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

You may also like

Coventry University (Coventry) Close up of a page from a legal book

Law LLM
Coventry University (Coventry) Female law student wearing robes and wig sitting in a court with notes in front of her, two people sitting behind her, blurred

Professional Legal Practice LLM
Coventry University (Coventry) Group of students facing forward with notes on their side tables

Understanding Legal Practice PGDip

Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding