Course Overview
Course summary
Our International and Commercial Dispute Resolution Law LLM (ICDRL) is for anyone wishing to demonstrate a commitment to contentious law in public and private international and commercial legal contexts. The taught part of the course includes modules which reflect the three main forms of dispute resolution process, namely, adjudication (litigation and arbitration), alternative dispute resolution (ADR – principally mediation), and negotiation.
This course differs from the International Commercial and Corporate Law LLM (ICCL) course which is primarily concerned with non-contentious aspects of commerce (ICCL modules include competition law, trade and insurance).
Class sizes are, in general, quite small, and you'll be able to mix with students on other Master's courses at Westminster Law School.
The course provides an opportunity for in-depth study of the substantive and procedural issues involved in the field, and also the acquisition of skills involved in some of the processes. It's centrally concerned with law and other rules (international, transnational and commercial) which are applicable in adjudication and also in the other dispute resolution processes.
In addition to the taught modules, the Dissertation module gives you the opportunity to develop a specialist knowledge of a small area of the field, which might lead to a publishable article.
Top reasons to study with us
- An academic and pragmatic approach – You'll have the opportunity to engage in academic research and writing, pragmatic jurisprudence, and law-based problem solving informed by real-life scenarios
- Learn in the heart of London – Studying at our Regent Campus in central London, you'll be part of a diverse, global community
- Open to non-law graduates – You don't need to have an undergraduate law degree to study this course as all modules provide the necessary grounding in the module topics
- Be part of a vibrant law community – You'll have the opportunity to take one or two elective modules (instead of course option modules) located in our other postgraduate LLM courses in Westminster Law School, enabling you to share classes with other LLM students and expand your networking opportunities
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.
You’ll take the two core modules and choose five option modules from the list below.
Core modules
The module explores the range of topics and issues within the field of conflict prevention and dispute resolution for the attainment of international, municipal, public and private peaceful societies by peaceful processes. The module covers non-legal and legal factors including risk, decision-making and justice.
The dissertation module allows and supports extended independent, scholarly research of a topic chosen by the student within the field of international and commercial dispute resolution. While primarily involving independent study, the module incorporates seminars that introduce students to research methods and support them in the development of an appropriate and feasible research proposal. The research topic must be agreed between the student and supervisor and must not replicate research covered in other assessments for the award of the degree.
Option modules
You will be introduced to the study of comparative international commercial arbitration (excluding international arbitration between sovereign states and non-sovereign entities in the context of cross-border direct investment). You will examine the law and practice of international arbitration in the major arbitration centres of the world, and explore how different legal systems, and arbitrators from different legal cultures interact in the course of resolution of commercial disputes by arbitration.
This module introduces you to the study of public international arbitration between sovereign states and non-sovereign entities, such as companies, in the context of cross-border direct investment. You will examine the investment and disinvestment relationships between disputing parties (State and private) and the nature, function and interpretation of foreign investment instruments. You will also explore the relationship between international law and municipal investment laws, and tribunals and awards.
You will be introduced to the study of international commercial arbitration from the perspective of the English jurisdiction as an exemplar of an international centre for commercial arbitration. The aim is to include four pairs of overlapping relationships: between parties and tribunals; between parties and courts; between tribunals and courts; and between England and foreign fora. There will be focus, inter alia, on the ICC (institutional arbitration) and the New York Convention.
This module provides a postgraduate introduction to the study of several facets of the global phenomenon of the multinational corporate entity and the foreign direct investment carried out by those cross-border corporate entities. The module includes the exploration of direct investment from home States into host States, and the treatment and regulation of multinational corporations –especially companies within such groups – by home and host States in the contexts of municipal law and international law. This includes, inter alia, claims by involuntary creditors, the role of creditor-proofing, and adjudication of disputes in municipal courts. The predominant focus is on the internal and external relationships of cross-border corporate groups in relation to their foreign direct investment activities.
This module will introduce you to the development of the modes and culture of mediation as a dispute resolution process, in the context of both commercial and other disputes, with a detailed analysis of the anthropological growth of mediation practice, mediation theory and current and possible future trends. You will become familiar with the conceptual, legal and practical frameworks for mediation, identify the various forms in which mediation is used as a method of dispute resolution both in the UK and internationally, develop basic mediation skills, appreciate the roles of the various attendees and participants in mediation processes, and acquire communication and other skills particularly useful in the mediation context. In particular, the course will aim to equip you with a thorough appreciation of the different contexts in which mediation is now successfully applied, and current mediation practice across various legal, social and political spheres.
The aim of this module is to introduce the study and practice of negotiation in the contexts of international and municipal commerce, international affairs and international law, examining inter alia issues arising out of conflicts and disputes in those contexts. Among the areas covered are the relationships between pairs of negotiators; negotiators and the law; negotiators and ambient cultures; and theories and practices of negotiation.
This module offers you an opportunity to evaluate and examine critically the law governing the international sale contract. The module will introduce you to the intricacies of international sale transactions, especially, the content of the contract of international sale, the use of standard trade terms (such as the Incoterms, or the FOB and CIF standard terms); and the rights and remedies, available to the parties. You will examine critically the legal implications of international sale transactions with respect to the use of common trade terms, the relevance of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the role of documents in certain contracts. Areas of reform and change in the context of the move to harmonise or standardise trade law will also be examined. The relative success of the United Nation Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods will be critically assessed.
Through the study of this module, you will attain an in-depth understanding of legal and regulatory tools utilised to combat financial crimes within and beyond the UK. The module examines the practices of combatting contemporary financial crimes, the actors involved, the role of gatekeepers and regulators. You will be introduced to comparative methods in dealing with complex problems affecting multinational corporations, governments, non-government institutions and actors in financial markets, commercial and trade environments. Specific mention is made of corruption and its effects, as well as the opportunities for evasion of tax and money laundering prohibitions offered by cryptocurrencies.
This module examines the various techniques and institutions available in international law for resolving disputes between states. The module examines diplomatic means of dispute settlement, including negotiation and mediation. It then examines in detail legal means of dispute settlement: arbitration and adjudication. Throughout, the module refers to specific past and pending cases and disputes. Special emphasis will be on the law, practice and procedure of the International Court of Justice, with comparative reference to other international courts as appropriate. The course considers the implications of the availability of alternative mechanisms for the resolution of inter-state disputes, and the range of international courts and tribunals that now exist.
This module examines emerging modes of normativity at the intersection of law and blockchain technology. Environmental and political crises paired with the disruptive power of blockchain technology (and the potential of web3.0 more generally) opened a new frontier of governance. This frontier is characterised by a move away from centralised structures towards decentralised networks, and from traditional public institutions to a proliferation of private actors. Consequently, it necessitates a re-evaluation of the interplay between market forces and state authority, giving rise to novel hybrid models and alternative approaches.
Throughout this module, we will meticulously examine these global and local developments, delving into concepts such as network states, the emergence of startup cities, the intricacies of jurisdictional design, innovative ReFi (regenerative finance) models, the functioning of DAOs (decentralised autonomous organisations), the emergence of blockchain-based climate commons, and the dynamics within metaverse communities. Additionally, we will critically analyse the economic, political, and societal motivations underpinning these emerging normativities, providing insight into the forces shaping their trajectory.
Cross-border data transfers are vital for all sectors, driving innovation in technologies such as AI. However, the widespread exchange of data has raised concerns, leading to a decline in trust among citizens, businesses, and governments. This module explores the landscape of policies and regulations concerning cross-border data flows and the challenges related to data privacy protection, law enforcement, and digital industrial policies. Additionally, it examines the interests and policies informing data innovation and their role in fostering trust in cross-border data sharing.
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For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
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Careers
The International and Commercial Dispute Resolution Law LLM is designed to benefit a wide range of individuals, whether you're a graduate progressing towards a PhD; a practising lawyer; another practitioner such as an arbitrator, civil servant, diplomat, insurer, journalist, judge, linguist or mediator; or a commercial director or manager.
The course is ideal if you're having a gap year between career stages, or wanting to improve your English for career purposes.
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Supporting your career
You'll benefit from support from both professional and academic staff, including careers advice from the Course Leader when you choose your option modules and dissertation topics.
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Industry links
You'll have access to events and workshops with law firms, alumni, and career professionals to help you to get started in your law career through our Legal Skills Academy.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Career path
We offer support with your employability and career in mind, and our aim is to encourage you to achieve a strong postgraduate CV.
You're encouraged to consider career paths which include doctoral (PhD) stages as well as business, professional, international, government, and academic stages.
Guest speakers
Recent guest speakers for students on this course have included:
- Nicholas Stewart QC (barrister), sports arbitrator
- Dr Ewomazino Caulker (PhD Westminster Law School), lecturer in law at the University of Greenwich
Job roles
This course will prepare you for a variety of roles, including:
- Barrister, solicitor, or other lawyer in national private practice
- Barrister, solicitor, or other lawyer in international and transnational (cross-border) practice
- Paralegal in legal practice or government service
- Corporate counsel in a national company
- Corporate counsel in a multinational group
- Company secretary
- Government lawyer
- Legislator
- National magistrate or judge
- Arbitrator
- Mediator
- Mediation advocate
- Negotiator
- Regulator with a dispute resolution institution
- Compliance officer
- Human resources clerk and manager
- In-house researcher
- Ombudsman case officer
- PhD candidate
- University lecturer
Course Leader
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Dr Catherine Pedamon
Senior Lecturer in Law
Dr Catherine Pédamon, PhD (Westminster Law School), LLM (Harvard Law School), DEA (Panthéon-Assas), SFHEA, is currently Programme Director and Course Leader for the LLM in International Commercial and Corporate Law, Corporate Finance Law and International and Commercial Dispute Resolution Law, and a Senior Lecturer at Westminster Law School, University of Westminster. Her research interests relate to comparative contract law, with a focus on comparing the law applicable to commercial contracts in England and France and arguing for responsible and sustainable contracting across borders, as well as business and human rights, particularly in the agri-food sector, corporate accountability and human rights due diligence.
Catherine holds a PhD in Comparative Contract Law from the University of Westminster, an LLM degree from Harvard Law School, where she was a Fulbright and French Foreign Ministry scholar, and DEA from the University of Panthéon-Assas (Paris). Before embarking on an academic career at the University of Texas at Austin (USA), she qualified as an Avocat in France and a Lawyer in New York, and practised with leading law firms, including Sullivan & Cromwell (New York), Gide Loyrette Nouel (Paris) and Allen & Overy (London). At Westminster Law School, Catherine teaches international trade law, business and human rights and comparative international commercial law.
The postgraduate courses offered by Westminster Law School are unique in that they enable graduates to study with legal professionals and research-active academics, with an international perspective.
Course Team
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Why study this course?
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Gain international and transnational perspectives
Our course combines public international law, private international law (conflict of laws), and municipal laws concepts into a coherent whole, examining prevention and resolution of international, transnational (cross-border), and commercial conflicts and disputes in the contexts of law and absence of law.
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Focus on conflict and dispute resolution
You'll gain knowledge of processes and procedures for preventing, managing, resolving and settling conflicts and disputes by negotiation, mediation (and other ADR processes), arbitration, and litigation at the municipal, international and hybrid levels.
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Fantastic central London location
You'll be studying in the centre of one of the world’s greatest cities, within easy reach of London's unrivalled library, cultural and legal resources.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Applicants without the standard qualifications, but with significant professional experience in the relevant field or related professional qualifications may be considered.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for application
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Applicants without the standard qualifications, but with significant professional experience in the relevant field or related professional qualifications may be considered.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for application
More information
Postgraduate Law Courses at Westminster Law School
Learn new skills
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Volunteer and gain new skills
We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.
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Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.
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Get extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £12,500 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Research groups
Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
Find out more about our research groups related to this course:
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Little Titchfield Street is the home of Westminster Law School and, as part of our Regent Campus, benefits from a central London location. The facilities include a full-size mock courtroom, high-tech learning spaces, a pro-bono clinic and a 382-seat lecture theatre.
Our Regent Campus is made up of three locations – 309 Regent Street, Little Titchfield Street and Wells Street, all of which are just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street.
For more details, visit our Little Titchfield Street page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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