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.
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.
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.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| LAW, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, AND SOCIETY (LAW528) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Your course concludes with a 60-credit supervised research project (dissertation) undertaken following completion of the taught modules.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (LAW540) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching methods depend upon the module, but most modules are taught via in-person seminars on campus.
Independent study is an important part of your learning at this level, and you’ll be expected to prepare in advance through guided reading and independent learning activities.
Your weekly seminars prioritise collaborative discussion and group work based on the reading and learning tasks you’ll be asked to complete before the seminar. This allows you to apply your skills, knowledge and understanding, enabling your tutor to provide immediate feedback on the tasks.
You will usually study six modules, three modules in each of the first two terms. In the third term, over the Summer, you will complete a dissertation.
The assessment of our LLM courses takes different formats according to the module’s learning objectives. This includes research-focused coursework, direct written papers, group presentations and seen examinations. For semester one modules, the formal assessment period is January; for semester two modules, the assessment period is May-June.
Your 12,000-word dissertation will be completed during Semester 3 (July to September). We provide legal research training, and you will have an allocated expert supervisor so you are properly prepared and have support and guidance each step of the way.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
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:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
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.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Part-time place, per year - £5,850
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.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
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 paying for your studies..
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.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
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.
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.
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 qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
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 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
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.
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.
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.
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Last updated 8 November 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions