LLM International Business Law

On successful completion of the Intellectual Property Law module, you will be able to critically examine international, regional and national legal systems that protect human creativity, technical innovation and other intangible assets. Through the course you will discuss motivations and different perspectives behind protecting the moral and material interests of authors and inventors, through an innovative lens of intellectual property and social justice. In this module, you will investigate traditional intellectual property categories that protect creativity (copyright), technical innovation (patents), and commercial symbols (trademark law). You will use new, inclusive theories of intellectual property, to investigate emerging challenges for the creative industries and the innovation sector. You will also explore other intellectual property rights, which have been discussed globally for the past few decades, including geographical indications and forms of protection over the knowledge and expressions of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. With this module, you will develop critical tools to assess how well countries have adapted their national intellectual property rules compared to the international minimum standards, binding on World Trade Organization and World Intellectual Property Organization Member States. You will develop a practical awareness of the remit of mandate international intellectual property organisations have in this policy space.

On successful completion of the International Alternative Dispute Resolution module, you will be able to critically examine international, regional and national legal systems that facilitate dispute resolution outside international and national courts. You will consider the multiple facets of access to justice from the perspective of multiple stakeholders, including state, corporate and marginalised communities. You will investigate state and non-state international rules. In this module you will combine research and practical skills to examine areas of international mediation, international commercial arbitration and investment treaty arbitration. You will understand the key elements of all three types of ADR and appreciate the key differences among the three types of ADR. You will also investigate specialised ADR mechanisms specialised areas, such as international intellectual property disputes or insolvency disputes. The key concepts will include the basis of ADR (relevant agreements and rules) and the role of decision-makers in these disputes (mediators and arbitrators). You will fully investigate the attributes of successful and effective appointments of mediators and arbitrators. The course will focus on the legal profession and ADR, especially on the inclusivity and diversity in the legal professional for individuals and representation across many different jurisdictions from developed, developing and least developed countries.

This module provides an advanced exploration of the legal frameworks that shape international business transactions and global trade. You will develop a critical understanding of the principles, institutions, and regulatory frameworks governing cross-border commercial activity, including international sale of goods, trade regulation, investment protection, dispute resolution, and commercial diplomacy. Through engagement with contemporary case studies and cutting‑edge scholarship, you will evaluate how globalisation, emerging markets, and geopolitical developments influence law-making and international commercial practices. You will become confident in analysing complex legal issues, applying advanced legal reasoning, and offering innovative, evidence‑based solutions to real-world business challenges. The module further develops your digital literacy, communication skills, and ability to navigate diverse legal sources across multiple jurisdictions. You will enhance your professional identity as a global legal practitioner capable of addressing ethical, sustainability, and governance issues that arise in international business contexts. This module equips you with advanced knowledge, analytical capability, and practical insight essential for careers in international law firms, multinational corporations, international organisations, NGOs, and academia.

In today’s legal environment, leaders and professionals must base decisions on sound evidence and reliable knowledge. This module develops the research skills and critical understanding needed for success in postgraduate study and throughout your career. On completion, you will be able to critically appraise existing knowledge, research, new evidence, and emerging innovations in legal practice. You will enhance your analytical skills to make reasoned, creative, and original judgements about the practical application of law. The module also enables you to engage with complex legal norms, explore the limits of current legal knowledge, and evaluate advanced scholarship within your chosen practice area. You will develop intellectual autonomy as an independent learner and strengthen your ability to reflect on professional practice and manage your ongoing development as part of lifelong learning. As part of the module, you will undertake an independent master’s-level research project, choosing one of two pathways: Route A: Dissertation / Final Project – a traditional academic dissertation allowing in‑depth exploration of a topic of personal interest, supported by research philosophy and core legal principles. Route B: Investigating a Business Issue Project – a practice‑focused project based on a micro‑placement, professional activity, or networking opportunity. You will examine a live legal issue arising from this experience and apply research skills in context. Across both routes, you will learn to design and plan a research project, carry out your research confidently, and present your findings clearly and professionally. By the end of the module, you will be equipped to conduct independent research and to commission, manage, and evaluate research undertaken by others—capabilities that enhance effectiveness in a wide range of legal careers.