LLM in International Commercial and Business Law Queen's University Belfast

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Law, Social Sciences, Humanities or a cognate discipline.

Exemption from these requirements may be considered for those applicants who hold a Master's degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) OR for those applicants with a 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) along with a minimum of 2 years relevant experience.

Admission under Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) may be considered for this course. The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 11th August 2023 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

Please note: international applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure a place on this course.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

• Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
• Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

Course Structure

Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) basis. Students must complete four core modules (80 CATS points), two optional modules (40 CATS points) and a research dissertation (60 CATS points).

The Masters is awarded to students who successfully complete all taught modules (120 CATS points) and a research dissertation (60 CATS points).

Compulsory Modules

• Issues in International Commercial Law
• Comparative Competition Law
• World Trade Law
• Dissertation (Maximum 15,000 words)

(Students who secure a summer work placement of at least 8 weeks can complete a Dissertation in Practice Module including 12,000 word dissertation and 3,000 word reflective journal of the learning experience)

Course Details

The programme is delivered through a series of taught modules and culminates in the submission of a dissertation on an original topic.

• Methodology Mini-Modules Approaches to Legal Research
• Leadership and Innovation Skills
• Data, Privacy and the Law
• Regulating Digital Communications

Optional Modules

• Governing the Firm
• Business and Human Rights
• Copyright in the Digital Environment
• International Financial Law
• Advanced Issues in Medical Law and Ethics
• UK Trade Law and Policy
• Corporate Environmental Law
• Artificial Intelligence and the Law
• Crimes of the Powerful

Please note this is not an exclusive list of the optional modules available. Optional modules are reviewed each year and subject to staff availability

*Note: students who take the module Business and Human Rights may graduate with the award of LLM in International Corporate Governance.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with the course are outlined below:

Learning Opportunities:

The Law School at Queen's is ranked as one of the top 10 Law Schools in the UK .(Complete University Guide 2023). You will be taught by scholars from all over the world, many of whom have international reputations in their fields with direct experience of engaging with key policy-makers and stakeholders, both in the UK and internationally, and all are committed teachers and researchers. Students will also have access to an excellent law section in the new library (with robust, recently further extended online resources) and extensive IT facilities.

During your study with us you will be supported in various ways. For example, each Programme has its own Programme Co-Ordinator—a dedicated academic staff who is there to guide and support you throughout your time with us, together with the School's experienced and helpful administrative staff.

Moreover, all our LLM students are able to avail of mentoring and pastoral support of academic staff. We place considerable emphasis on facilitating good communication between staff and students. To this end, a Student Voice Committee, comprised of elected student representatives, the Director of Graduate Studies and other members of academic staff, meet at regular intervals throughout the academic year. This Committee provides students with a forum in which to raise matters of concern to them and also enables the School to keep students informed about matters affecting the School and wider university.

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential.

We do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enables our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, life-long learners.

Our LLM programme provides a valuable qualification and the knowledge base for a range of careers, for example, in law, business (including consulting firms), government or NGOs.