International Commercial Law LLM

Study level: Postgraduate
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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

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

January 2025


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.
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Ranked 11th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

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Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

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 2024-25 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

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.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. 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 2024/25 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.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


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.


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £11,200 | £15,200 (with prof. experience) per year Request fee information
EU £11,200 | £15,200 (with prof. experience) per year with EU Support Bursary**
£20,050 | £24,050 (with prof. experience) per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
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).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


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 gives 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.

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Routes into a Legal Career

Find out more about how Coventry University can kick start your legal career through our preparation courses.



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
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How to apply

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