International Corporate and Commercial Law | LLM

Welcome to LLM International Corporate and Commercial Law

In today's globalised world, the significance of national boundaries is diminishing and a comprehensive knowledge of the law governing international trade and commercial relationships is of critical importance.

This programme enables students to develop an in-depth knowledge of the law and regulations that govern corporate and commercial activities across national borders. It aims to prepare them for responding to the changing and dynamic nature of legal relations between corporations, individuals, and states, and gives them the opportunity to reflect on the private and public dimensions of the legal rules necessary to govern the world economy.

Students on this programme are expected to undertake a substantial dissertation, which is designed to enhance research skills through a detailed investigation in an area of their own choice.

Career and Personal Development

The LLM courses at Lincoln Law School are designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop a solid bedrock of knowledge and skills to pursue, or further develop their careers, whether they be in legal practice, working in business or industry, working for governmental or international organisations, for non-governmental organisations, or in academia.

For those pursuing legal careers, there has been an increasing demand for lawyers with the necessary knowledge of international law and international business law to provide services to clients both in terms of transactional and litigation work. This is particularly true in the case of commercial law firms undertaking work for multinational corporations and those businesses involved in multi-jurisdictional transactions or disputes.

Similarly our LLM programmes aim to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills required to conduct transnational work within business and industry. The understanding of the legal issues at stake in terms of international economic law, international trade law, and international investment law aim to provide a grounding for those pursuing careers in firms that either invest and operate in a number of different jurisdictions or which have strong commercial relationships with investors or customers in other countries.

How You Study

Students will study a total of eight taught 15 credit modules. Teaching will be arranged in ten-week blocks for Certificate stage and Diploma stage respectively, with four modules studied at each stage.

You will study four core modules and select four of the available optional modules. Students will be taught through interactive seminars that inculcate lectures.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Finance and Security Law 2023-24LAW9020MLevel 72023-24This module aims to give students the opportunity to develop an insight into the legal issues arising from and surrounding bank borrowing and the means by which banks seek to document these transactions. In doing so, the module will provide students with an opportunity to develop a solid understanding of the legal aspects of a lending transaction. The module will also aim to introduce the key concept of risk and how banks use various legal documents to limit and manage this risk. The module will also examine the issues which arise when the bank-customer relationship turns sour and the bank enforces its security.CoreInternational Business Law 2023-24LAW9008MLevel 72023-24The module will introduce students to the operations of international businesses and how their activities are influenced by legal frameworks. Students will be exposed to the legal and socio-economic factors that affect businesses that operate in the global marketplace. It commences by providing a primer on the nature of international businesses. Against this background, it expounds on the concept of globalisation and its link with international business. The course then focuses on the regulatory environment within which international businesses are developed and in which they operate. Proposed expansion strategies of businesses are also considered within the context of the local and global environment in which they operate.CoreInternational Corporate Governance 2023-24LAW9013MLevel 72023-24This module aims to give students the opportunity to develop a thorough insight into the theoretical, legal, practical and ethical issues surrounding corporate governance and its influence on the management structure of modern companies. It will explore the relationships which exist between directors, shareholders, management, the company itself and other internal and external stakeholders. Students will have the chance to develop a firm understanding of the concept of corporate governance and the basic principles underlying the implementation of UK and international corporate governance codes.CoreInternational Economic and Investment Law 2023-24LAW9017MLevel 72023-24The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of the principal legal frameworks that underpin the functioning of the international economy and international investment. As such students have the chance to analyse the legal architecture relating to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as well as international foreign investment and multinational corporations. The module therefore aims to provide a broad foundation for students critical understanding of the international economy and the ways that international economic and investment law can affect developing countries, human rights, and the environment.CoreLLM Dissertation (International Corporate and Commercial Law) 2023-24LAW9031MLevel 72023-24The Dissertation module comprises two elements: 1. Research methods (20%) The research methods element of the dissertation module comprises a total of four research training workshops (4 x 2hrs), two taking place in the Autumn term and two taking place in the Spring term. Students are assessed through a dissertation proposal. 2. The Dissertation (80%) The production of the dissertation itself provides the student with an opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of investigative academic work on a chosen area of international corporate and commercial law. In the dissertation the students may develop ideas encountered in the taught modules or with other issues relevant to international corporate and commercial law. The completed dissertation is expected to be an original and independent piece of work. It should, in the context of existing knowledge, demonstrate in-depth understanding, critical analysis and original thinking, as well as general academic and communication skills. Undertaking the necessary research and writing the dissertation is designed to provide academic opportunities to apply the research skills and presentational techniques developed during the programme.CoreEU Internal Market Law 2023-24LAW9012MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to introduce the basic principles of law and policy on the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital within the internal market of the European Union. Current developments in legislation and case law on freedom of movement of goods, persons and services in the European Union will, in turn, be evaluated; as will the limits of integration. The module will also seek to examine recent legislative developments in and the evolving concept of Union citizenship involving critical examination of the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union.OptionalInternational Dispute Resolution 2023-24LAW9016MLevel 72023-24In this module students will be introduced to the different methods of international dispute resolution in both a public and private law context. This module explores the legal frameworks governing international dispute resolution along with both the political and legal context and concerns relating to them. The module will examine the principal approaches to the settlement of international disputes in public international law and will also introduce students to the increasingly important area of private international law. Students will gain an understanding of the nature of international disputes, both public and private, and the options for resolving them and how a chosen option might be informed by the type of dispute presented.OptionalInternational Environmental Law 2023-24LAW9018MLevel 72023-24This module examines the development and operation of international environmental law, considering in particular the historical evolution of the law, the elaboration of multilateral environmental regimes and the increasing judicial attention given to environmental issues. The module will also consider the issue of responsibility and liability for harm from environmental degradation as it is tackled at the international level.OptionalInternational Human Rights 2023-24LAW9011MLevel 72023-24The aim of this module is to provide an opportunity for students to develop a critical understanding of international human rights, and the way in which the concept of such rights is used to promote respect for certain standards and to protect the rights of individuals. The module will involve considering the role of international organisations (such as the United Nations); regional mechanisms (such as the European Convention on Human Rights); and the enforcement of international standards at the global, regional and domestic levels.OptionalLLM Corporate Social Responsibility 2023-24LAW9030MLevel 72023-24The aim of this module is to introduce students to the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the debates surrounding it so that they are able to critically analyse the concept itself and its practical implications for companies, regulatory bodies and policy makers in a globalised environment. Students will also be introduced to the relevant areas of corporate law and practice to develop an understanding of the underlying reasons why CSR initiatives have become necessary. Finally, they will develop a critical understanding of the regulatory frameworks (both mandatory and voluntary) that exist to facilitate the implementation of CSR on national and international levels.OptionalLLM Financial Services Regulation 2023-24LAW9032MLevel 72023-24The financial services industry in various countries have undergone extensive regulatory reforms, particularly after the financial crisis. This course is focused on the law governing the regulation of the financial industry across various states. It starts by unearthing the rationale for regulation, particularly for banking institutions. It then focuses on the role and responsibilities of regulatory bodies. It specifically examines the process of authorisation and supervision throughout the lifespan of financial industries, for example banks and investment businesses. It also looks at how the regulators facilitate good governance in regulated institutions, effect sanctions to mandate compliance with the legal framework, or assist in the restructuring or resolution of such institutions.OptionalLLM International Law and World Order 2023-24LAW9034MLevel 72023-24The aim of this module is to introduce students to a dynamic area of law that has contemporary relevance in a rapidly changing world order. This module is focussed on the structure of international law. By examining theoretical and practical applications of International Law in both peaceful and non-peaceful contexts. The module will enable students to gain a critical understanding of the impact and operation of this area of law through applying what they have learned to contemporary issues.OptionalThe EU as a Global Actor: EU External Relations Law 2023-24LAW9160MLevel 72023-24This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop an insight into the international role of the European Union (EU) and its global presence in an increasing number of areas beyond the regulation of external trade. The module offers a critical and contextual analysis of the role of the EU as a global actor, which is subdivided into two main parts: the constitutional aspects of EU External Relations Law and substantive aspects of EU External Relations Law. The module covers the following policy areas: the EU Common Commercial Policy (CCP), the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (EUROMED), the role of the EU in global humanitarian and development action and EUs Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).Optional

How you are assessed

Modules are mainly assessed by written assignments, however, with some courses, modules may be assessed with student presentation. Students will also be expected to write a substantial dissertation. There are no written examinations.

Assessment Feedback

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject such as business related subjects which include an introduction to business law.

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

For each course, there may additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials, or equipment required. Some courses provide opportunities for students to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University. Where these are optional, students will normally be required to cover their own transport, accommodation, and general living costs.

With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts. However, students may prefer to purchase some of these for themselves and will be responsible for this cost.

Dr Nicolas Kang-Riou - Senior Lecturer in Law / Programme Leader

My specialisation is mainly in international human rights law but also encompasses issues of international law including international organisations.

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Key Information

LLM International Corporate and Commercial Law