LLM International Commercial Law – February or September entry

Compulsory modules

Dissertation

Develop high-level skills in research design, management and implementation as you embark on a major independent research project. You’ll demonstrate detailed knowledge of your chosen topic as you critically analyse your subject matter and consider it within the wider legal and socio-political landscape.  

Advanced International Commercial Law Issues

Develop a critical understanding on the different types of contractual relationships that may take place within the firm, the market, or other hybrid forms of governance. As you study, you’ll explore the concept of mergers, property rights, and the role of institutions in providing governance of societal interaction.

Optional modules

Research Methods for LLM Students  

Formulate a research question for your dissertation and identify an appropriate methodological approach for your research. You’ll gain relevant knowledge and develop skills vital to plan and execute your dissertation.  

or

Advanced Research Methods

Engage with the process of designing, refining and executing your research projects. You’ll identify appropriate research methods, theoretical frameworks, and genres of academic legal writing that are applicable to your master’s dissertation.   

International Banking and Finance Law 

Examine the regulatory and private law aspects of banks and banking including both commercial and investment banks. You’ll analyse the law governing the structure, operation and function of banks and banking markets from a national and international perspective.   

International Corporate Governance and the Law 

Explore a contextual analysis of corporate governance systems with particular reference to the ‘Comply or Explain’ model introduced by the UK. You’ll examine the structure and components of the system while, learning about its rich history and underlying political and theoretical debates.  

Legal Aspects of International Mergers, Acquisitions and Takeovers 

Evaluate mergers, acquisitions and take overs in the UK, US and EU while analysing core commercial and financial law principles. You’ll consider the extensive work of policy makers and consider views of shareholders, bankers, investment funds, stakeholders, management, and ‘society’ in relation to corporate and financial regulation.  

Financial Services Law and Compliance

Examine the regulation of financial institutions and markets in the context of banking and securities framework. You’ll consider the relevance of financial services law in response to the global financial crisis and consider issues of regulation, supervision and crisis management in legal, economic and political debates.  

Legal Aspects of Corporate Rescue 

Acquire critical understanding of the notion of corporate rescue and  reflect on the effects of insolvency on the main methods of corporate funding. You’ll consider key legal and policy issues implicated in the creation of effective rescue systems and stimulate debates on the political economy of failure and rescue.  

International Commercial Arbitration (CIArb Accredited) 

Discover the importance of arbitration as a form of dispute resolution in both domestic and international contexts. You’ll gain a critical understanding of the important aspects of international commercial arbitration, as well as the economic and legal concepts determining the choice of dispute resolution methods by commercial parties.   

Emerging Issues in Data Protection and Copyright Law

Analyse the legal protection afforded to privacy and personal data and consider the processing of personal information in the UK and EU regulatory framework. You’ll gain advanced knowledge of the legal, regulatory and policy issues related to data protection and copyright law, with a particular focus on creative works and authors.  

Contemporary Issues in IP Law

Explore intellectual property law through the lens of contemporary debates. You’ll critically engage with the role and impact of intellectual property law while studying key areas such as copyright, performers rights, trademark and patents as you assess statutory provisions and case law.  

International Investment Law and Arbitration

Study the law of foreign investment and investment treaty arbitration through a close analysis of bilateral investment treaties. You’ll acquire an in- depth understanding of the law, politics and economics related to the investment treaty regime while considering the perspective of host states, multinational corporations and other interest groups.  

International Organisations and Global Governance

Examine key international organisations from universal organisations such as the UN, regional organisations such as the EU, and intergovernmental ones such as NATO. You’ll consider their role in global governance as you explore relevant legal principles and obligations through case studies.  

Financial Markets and Institutions

International Corporate Finance and the Law 

Corporate Governance and Ethics

Digital Marketing

Management in Creative and Cultural Organisations

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods. 

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. 

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.