The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements. In the event of changes made to the government advice and social distancing rules by national or local government, the University may need to make further alterations to the published course content. Detailed information on the changes will be sent to every student on confirmation in August to ensure you have all the information before you come to Oxford Brookes.
LLM in Commercial Law and International Trade
LLM or PGDip
Key facts
Start dates
September 2021 / September 2022
Location
Course length
Full time: LLM: 12 months; PGDip: 9 months
Part time: LLM: 24 months; PGDip:18 months
Department
Overview
On our LLM in Commercial Law and International Trade you will study how the law relates to commercial endeavours within a globalised economy. Particularly from the perspective of the private business.
The course is ideal for students from a commercial law, business, management, or economics background. And who are looking to gain advanced knowledge of the application of legal principles and mechanisms to the world of international commerce.
The course enables you to specialise in areas such as:
- international commercial arbitration
- cross-border transactions
- international investment law
- intellectual property law
- anti-corruption
- corporate governance
- corporate social responsibility.
Your course tutors, fellow students and alumni come from countries around the world. This gives you the opportunity to build a truly international network of contacts.
As well as the LLM in Commercial Law and International Trade, we offer two other specialised LLM courses:

How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
You will normally be required to have (or to be expecting) a good honours degree, or an equivalent degree awarded by a university outside the United Kingdom. The degree may be in Law or in a related discipline. We welcome applications from both non-Law graduates and work experience-based candidates.
Those of you new to the academic study of law will be advised to read a number of recommended texts by way of induction before you begin the course. You are also encouraged to attend the induction sessions provided in the week prior to the beginning of the course.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
An IELTS minimum score of 6.5 (with 6.0 in reading and writing) is required.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
Financial support and scholarships
There are International Student Scholarships available for 2020 and other scholarships and funding options for postgraduate international students.
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
Learning and assessment
In Semester 1 you will take three compulsory modules and one elective modules.
In Semester 2 you will take two compulsory modules and one elective module.
You will complete your studies by completing your LLM dissertation. This is an extended and supervised piece on work on a particular aspect of international law, chosen in consultation with your course tutors. It is an opportunity for you to:
- gain knowledge through systematic academic enquiry
- demonstrate your ability to explore and present legal arguments.
The style of research may range from empirical investigation to textual analysis. You will develop transferable skills in research and information and project management.

Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
You'll experience high-quality learning through the diversity of methods used throughout the LLM courses. These include:
- lectures
- seminar discussions
- individual and small group tutorials
- case studies
- group presentations
- individual presentations
- moots.
You will acquire and practise legal reasoning as well as research and IT skills. Particular emphasis is placed on skills training.
Research
Our academics are at the forefront of a wide range of internationally recognised and world-leading research and projects.
Our LLM course team consists of researchers working within the following research groups:
You can attend the programme of research seminars and other events that underpin the research culture of the School of Law. You will have the opportunity to become involved in research through specialist modules in which teaching staff have expertise. Your dissertation in their specialist subjects will be supervised.

After you graduate
Career prospects
Graduates from the LLM succeed across an impressive range of careers from policy makers and human rights activists through to high flying diplomats and commercial lawyers. LLM staff can advise you and direct you to possible careers and employers depending on your particular needs and ambitions.
"I have joined a corporate law team at a leading multinational law firm in Beijing, thanks to my LLM."
LLM Alumna, Lin Zheng
Our Staff
Dr Chieh Huang
Much of her work concerns the interaction between the global economic legal system and China, the development of regional/bilateral economic agreements in East Asia, and more recently the trade and investment between China and West Africa.
Read more about ChiehScott Morrison
Read more about ScottProgramme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.
For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.