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International Business and Commercial Law

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What you'll need

As part of the application process, you'll need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

Our application process

  • Sign into our online portal, Apply Yourself, and start your application
  • Submit your application
  • We'll email you to let you know we're processing your application
  • Track the progress of your application using the Postgraduate Application Tracker (we'll send you a link to the tracker)
  • We'll email you when a decision has been made
  • If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

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Master of Law

A Master of Laws (LLM) is master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in law.

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Course overview

This course is designed to immerse you in a deep understanding of the global economy and the interconnected legal aspects that shape international business and commerce.

Introduction

Teaching on our International Business and Commercial Law LLM is research-connected. It allows you to engage in current and cutting-edge research-informed modules led by leading experts in the field.

At the core of this course is the unique module, ‘Law, International Business, and Society.’ This module will introduce you to International Business and Commercial Law and to our research ethos and expertise in this area. You will delve into the complex relationships between law, business, and society. Exploring three key domains—international economic governance (including sustainable trade and investment regimes), corporate governance and financial regulation, and the legal foundations of the knowledge economy (such as creations, inventions, and technology)— you will analyse how law and social justice intersect in these areas.

This course enables you to tailor your studies based on your interests and professional goals, whether focused on international trade and economic law, corporate law and regulation, or the legal aspects of the knowledge economy, creativity, and technology.

All students are given our specialised Legal Research Training as preparation for writing their dissertation. The module covers advance legal research, legal writing, as well as theoretical perspectives and research methodologies.

Upon completion of this course, you’ll emerge a graduate capable of meeting the requirements of an increasingly specialised employment market, both within and outside the legal professions.

Who is this course for?

This LLM is suitable for graduates of Law or a relevant degree subject area such as business, economics, political science, history, criminology, sociology, international relations etc.

What you'll learn

  • Advanced study in a range of subjects within the specialist field of international business and commercial law
  • A well-rounded understanding of international business and commercial law within the broader context of global relations, history, economics, politics, social policy, and modern society
  • A range of skills required for any professional environment (e.g. communication, problem solving)
  • How to apply legal knowledge to a practical situation and draw reasoned conclusions supported by legal authority
  • Digital fluency

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Semester one

During the course of this LLM, you will complete 180 credits in total, with 120 credits delivered via taught modules.
In Semester One, you will study one compulsory module and two optional modules.

Compulsory modules

Law, International Business, and Society (LAW528)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 1

The module offers you the opportunity to explore the key tenets of a complex framework governing the relationships between law, international business and society. At the heart of the module are globalization processes which have led to the internationalisation of economy and finance, the expansion of technologies and significant changes in the role of nation-states. Challenges raised by these economic and political transformations frequently converge on a question of how to reconcile and align corporate and business practices with societal well-being. This module will explore how law and social justice issues intersect in three principal domains: international economic governance (including sustainable trade and investment regimes); corporate governance and financial regulation; and law and the foundations of knowledge economy (creations, inventions, and technology).

Optional modules

DARK WEB CRIME (LAW516)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 2

In today’s technologically astute society, the way in which crime is conducted is evolving at an ever-increasing rate. Dark Web crime is the latest, most evolved, strain of cybercrime. It involves criminals accessing a hidden part of the internet, the Dark Web, in order to facilitate and commit a range of illegal activities including drug trafficking, the sale of firearms and personal information, terrorist financing, and money laundering. In so doing. Dark Web criminals utilise a range of privacy enhancing software (Tor, VPNs, and cryptocurrencies) with the aim of evading law enforcement detection. In this module, students will learn about the fundamental characteristics of the Dark Web, the challenges it presents to the law and law enforcement across a range of different criminal offences, and recent legal attempts to intervene in this space.

DIGITAL JUSTICE AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES (LAW518)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 1

Contemporary societies, including civil and criminal judging are increasingly relying on digital technologies. The use of these technologies and gradual turn to digital justice will only increase over time. New technologies range from basic video-conferencing tools to complex big data profiling and surveillance. Implementation of technical solutions does not only improve the ability of legal systems to achieve their aims but can also lead to significant challenges in various areas of law. This module will look at how new technologies and digital justice are implemented in law and what consequences they might have. Students will benefit from deeper understanding of the cutting-edge digital technologies applied in law and learn the limits of such application.

INTERNATIONAL LAW AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT (LAW542)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 1

International Law and Foreign Investment explores investment treaty law and investment arbitration practice. During the course of the module, students will be able to develop a range of fundamental and advanced legal and transferable skills, embedded in the knowledge of international legal rules on the protection of foreign business actors. The module will be delivered via weekly two-hour seminars. The module will be of interest to students wishing to specialise in international business and international economic law as well as to those who would like to deepen their knowledge of international law in general.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW AND PUBLIC HEALTH (LAW546)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 1

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for almost 70% of all deaths worldwide. Almost three quarters of all NCD deaths, and 82% of the 16 million premature deaths, occur in low- and middle-income countries. NCDs have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities; they threaten to overwhelm health systems; and they hinder development. The international community has acknowledged the scope of the problem and undertaken to act to reduce the availability, acceptability and affordability of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and unhealthy food. However, state efforts to regulate the tobacco, alcohol and food industries to prevent NCDs and promote public health have given rise to expensive challenges anchored in international trade and investment law, as illustrated by recent claims challenging tobacco control legislation in Australia and Uruguay. The regulation of alcoholic beverages and unhealthy food could face similar challenges under international trade and investment law as the food and alcohol industries become more regulated. This raises important and timely questions about how international trade and investment law can affect state regulatory autonomy in designing and implementing measures for preventing NCDs

LAW OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (LAW526)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 1

The module will explore the institutional aspects of WTO, its dispute settlement mechanism, and rules on goods, services, subsidies and dumping, intellectual property, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, safeguards, and dispute settlement. It will also examine the societal and political implications of the WTO trade regime (trade and human rights, development, environment, and sovereignty).

Contemporary Issues in Intellectual Property Law (LAW529)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 2

This module will introduce you to Intellectual Property Law and equip you with a body of essential knowledge of various intellectual property rights in a national, regional and international context. You will explore a range of important, contemporary issues affecting IP Law, such as intellectual property rights and the public interest; the emergence of patent trolls, and the protection of computer implemented inventions. Completion of the module will enable you to develop a set of intellectual tools necessary to critically engage with current debates at the intersection of law, regulation, and business. If you have previously studied any branch of intellectual property law, the module will enhance your existing knowledge, skills and understanding but the module does not presuppose any prior knowledge and is equally suited to students who are new to the subject.

Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Your experience

The Liverpool Law School has a proud tradition and over a century’s experience of inspiring and challenging its students to reach their potential.

We have developed excellent longstanding relationships, links and collaborations with the local community, international partners, policymakers and practitioners in the fields of law and social justice.

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

An exciting place to study law

  • Dedicated to small group teaching
  • Taught by leading researchers in the field
  • Access to a vibrant programme of extra-curricular activities, including visiting lecture programme
  • A friendly and fun student community with supportive staff
  • Excellent links with employers and employability opportunities including the possibility of participation in our own award-winning Law Clinic.

Careers and employability

Our LLM programme is designed to enhance your academic profile and to ensure that you leave us with highly marketable skills, whatever you decide that market to be.

We offer extra-curricular networking, skills and research events, plus access to our full range of Law Extra events. We will arrange specific visits from professionals and researchers working in the field, and you will also be encouraged to actively participate in the activities of the department’s Corporations, Law and Society research unit.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

An LLM in International Business and Commercial Law provides rigorous training in legal analysis and promotes critical thinking, independent research and project management skills. As such, it is excellent preparation for pursuing a career in legal practice and developing knowledge and skills in matters of contemporary importance in international business and commercial law.

Graduates will be able to pursue careers in areas of trade, investment, financial, or regulatory legal interest, including international organisations, government, or industry.

For those interested in the political and social dimensions of global economic regulation and responsible business, third-sector organisations such as NGOs or charities. The LLM also serves as an entry into post-doctoral studies.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £11,700
Part-time place, per year £5,850
International fees
Full-time place, per year £24,100
Part-time place, per year £12,050
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

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Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship – Course

  • International students

If you’re an international student joining one of 30+ selected master’s courses, you could be eligible to receive a discount worth £5,000 off your tuition fees, if you haven’t studied with us before.

Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

If you’re a Chilean student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Chile
  • China
  • Columbia
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • Dominica
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt
  • El Salvador
  • Ghana
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iraq
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Libya
  • Malaysia
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Moldova
  • Mongolia
  • Montserrat
  • Morocco
  • Nepal
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Russia
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • South Sudan
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sudan
  • Taiwan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turkey
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela
  • Vietnam
  • Zimbabwe

If you’re an international student from an eligible country, joining a one-year master’s course, you could be eligible to apply for a Chevening Scholarship. If your application is successful, you could expect to have your master’s fees paid, up to a maximum of £18,000, and receive additional help with living costs.

Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACyT) Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 30% discount on your tuition fees with a CONACyT Award.

Fund for the Development of Human Resources (FIDERH) Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FIDERH graduate loan, you could be eligible to benefit from a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a FIDERH Award.

Fulbright Scholarship

  • International students
  • United States

If you’re a USA student joining a master’s degree, you can apply to be considered for a tuition fee discount of £20,000 with a Fulright Scholarship. One Fulbright Scholarship for master’s study is available in each academic year.

FUNED Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FUNED loan, you can apply to be considered for a 20% tuition fee discount. A total of up to 50 awards will be available to master’s and PhD students per academic year.

Hong Kong Graduate Association & Tung Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

If you’re a master’s student from Hong Kong or the People’s Republic of China who can demonstrate academic excellence, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship worth up to £10,000 in partnership with the Tung Foundation.

Hodgson Law Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re an international student joining one of our LLM master’s courses, you could be eligible to apply for a Hodgson Law Scholarship. If your application is successful, your LLM fees will be paid in full and you’ll receive an additional cash bursary while you study.

HRH Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

If you’re a student from Thailand joining a one-year master’s degree, you might be eligible to apply to have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with living costs. One award is available and only students who are new to the University will be considered.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

  • Home students

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a resident of the state of Guanajuato in Mexico joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees with a JuventudEsGto Scholarship.

Law Humanitarian Scholarship

  • International students

Do you have recognised status as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection outside the UK? If you’re joining one of our LLM master’s courses, you could be eligible to apply for the full payment of your master’s fees and additional financial support.

Liverpool Law School Hong Kong Scholarship

  • International students
  • Hong Kong

If you’re an international student from Hong Kong joining one of our LLM master’s courses, you could be eligible to be awarded one of two scholarships worth £1,000 each.

Liverpool Law School LLM Bursaries

  • Home and international students

Joining one of our LLM master’s courses in the Liverpool Law School? You could be eligible for one of four bursaries worth up to £1,000. The bursaries are awarded based on previous academic performance and other relevant achievements.

Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

  • Home and international students

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

The Aziz Foundation Scholarship

  • Home students

If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

If you’re a Turkish student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students

If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Pre-Master’s at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of master’s study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical master’s courses from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a fee discount worth £3,000 off the first year of your master’s course.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for Mainland China

  • International students
  • China

Are you a high-achieving graduate from the People’s Republic of China with a degree from a Chinese university? You could be eligible to apply for a £5,000 fee discount if you’re joining an eligible master’s course. Up to 15 eligible students will receive this scholarship.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Law (BA or LLB) or a closely related subject, including Political Science, Sociology, Philosophy, International Relations, Banking, Management Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics.

Candidates whose first degree is in a discipline other than Law may be admitted at the discretion of the Programme Director, e.g. if they have relevant work experience (relevant work experience might include work in the legal or corporate sectors) or a degree in a relevant discipline, such as Business, Economics, Political Science, History, Criminology, Sociology, International Relations etc.

International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC C6 or above

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 6 weeks On campus
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 6.0, for further details.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

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Discover more about the city and University.

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Why Liverpool?

Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.

Accommodation Postgraduate students walking through the campus.

Accommodation

To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.

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Fees and Finance

Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.

Changes to International Business and Commercial Law LLM

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.