Course Overview
Course summary
The International Commercial and Corporate Law LLM balances the best of a rigorous, traditional legal education with a contemporary perspective. Our areas of specialisation address today’s most important business and legal challenges, including the study of commercial relationships in the international arena, the role and impact of electronic commerce, and the gradual harmonisation of international commercial law.
This Master's is not merely about what you learn in the classroom, it's also about actual practice in today’s world of globalisation and international commerce. That is why the LLM provides, in addition to a strong academic dimension, a concentrated, real-world-oriented legal education.
The course offers you the opportunity to develop strong academic and practical skills in a highly competitive and intellectually satisfying area of law. It's ideally suited to you if you come from a commercial law, international business, management, or economics background. You'll have the opportunity to explore your own ideas, gain knowledge and enhance transferable skills in a supportive environment. You'll benefit from a strong programme of visiting speakers, excellent online materials and learning resources, top-quality instruction and a professional and practical focus in a School with a strong research profile.
Top reasons to study with us
- Learn in the heart of London – Studying at our Regent Campus in central London, you'll be perfectly placed to access London's legal, business and cultural resources
- Study on a vibrant multicultural course – Our course is notable for the diversity of students and the varied specialisms of our teaching staff (both academics and practitioners), which creates a uniquely stimulating learning environment
- Suitable for both law and non-law graduates – The course is for you whether you're a new lawyer exploring the field of commercial law or a non-lawyer graduate acquiring the legal knowledge to liaise with legal specialists in the commercial field
- An introduction to the different legal systems – Our course is aimed at students from both civil law (Roman law) and common law (English law) jurisdictions
- Be supported – Our friendly and approachable teaching staff prioritise personal contact, and you'll be supported by a personal tutor
- Learn in top facilities – Westminster Law School has a full mock courtroom, hi-tech learning spaces and a pro-bono clinic, as well as a state-of-the-art lecture theatre
Course structure
To be awarded the LLM in International Commercial and Corporate Law, you'll study three core modules and choose four option modules.
The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.
Core modules
The dissertation module allows and supports extended independent, scholarly research of a topic chosen by you within the field of international commercial and corporate law. While primarily based on independent study, the module incorporates seminars introducing students to research methods and supporting you in the development of an appropriate and feasible research proposal. The research topic must be agreed between you and the supervisor and must not replicate research covered in other assessments for the award of the degree.
This module enables you to analyse the key principles for the application of international commercial law, and the context within which it operates. You will develop your understanding of the legal rules affecting the international sale of goods contract, and high-level research skills in this subject and its related fields.
This module enables you to critically analyse principles essential to the application of international corporate law. It will identify the ideas and concepts that underpin the theoretical framework of the specialist area of corporate law, which includes the areas of company law, finance, market regulation, competition law, and mergers and acquisitions. By focusing on domestic, European and International jurisdictions, the module will stress comparative perspectives whilst evaluating the fundamental knowledge base.
Option modules
This module relates to a multidisciplinary field of study; it will enable you to evaluate and critically analyse the norms, policies and processes governing business and human rights through a series of case studies from a business and legal perspective. Since the early 1980s, there has been a recognition of the expectation that businesses will respect human rights wherever they operate. However, “governance gaps” have been identified, which have called for a global norm of expected conduct, under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). The module will study the UNGPs through their three normative pillars: (1) the state duty to protect against human rights abuses, (2) the corporate responsibility to respect human rights, and (3) the access to effective remedy for victims. Ten years after the unanimous endorsement of the UNGPs, challenges persist, which the module will explore. You will be able to discuss and consider the human rights risks linked to trade and foreign investments and the relationship between environmental damage caused by business activities and human rights in their national and extra-territorial dimensions. The module seeks to expose you to a variety of issues from a range of perspectives in various sectors through the use of governmental, non-governmental and corporate materials.
You will explore the contractual and legal relationships of persons involved in a carriage of goods arrangement. This module covers the international carriage of goods by sea, air, road and rail, with sea carriage as the main focus. The module deals with the two principal forms of contracts used for the carriage of goods by sea, the charter party, and the contract of affreightment. The emphasis of the module is to examine legal principles against the backdrop of current shipping practice and documentation.
The module explores the nature of comparative arbitration in the commercial context, comparing the procedural arbitration laws of a variety of legal systems. In doing so, students acquire a strong, practical knowledge of the alternative seats of arbitration in the major arbitration centres and the availability of a number of international arbitration institutions. The module also examines matters such as drafting arbitration agreements, professional organisations and professional conduct rules, and the recognition and enforcement of Awards.
The module explores the nature of direct investments by foreign investors in host States, including: the disputes arising from the taking of foreigners’ investments by host States’ governments; the resolution of disputes by investment arbitration tribunals; the application of customary international law; and the governing procedural rules and laws.
You will develop your knowledge of intellectual property law, combined with an appreciation of how modern intellectual property rights (IPR) operate in the international online environment. The module analyses commercial property rights in an international context, with a particular focus on challenges to IP in the new online environment. Topics covered include copyright and fair use, trademarks and domain names, patents and design rights, and confidentiality rights.
The aim of this module is to provide a postgraduate introduction to the study of international banking law. This module provides you with a deep understanding of how banks are regulated, especially in a European and international context. The first part of the module is focused on markets and the second on banking transactions. The module covers the operation of financial markets, banking and financial services regulation, payment systems, lending, financing and security. You'll also be exposed to how the law regulates the bank-customer relationship and banking instruments.
This module explores the nature of municipal (ie national) commercial arbitration in the transnational domain (international commercial arbitration), with specific focus on the jurisdiction of England and Wales. The exploration covers the whole range of issues from the drafting of arbitration agreements to the successful execution of Awards against unsuccessful respondent parties, and includes examination of topics such as ad hoc and institutional arbitration proceedings, challenges to Awards, recognition and enforcement of Awards (including foreign Awards), and international legal instruments relevant to international commercial arbitration.
The module explores the nature of (mainly) corporate taxation in the contexts of competition between States and taxpayers seeking to avoid or evade liability to taxation, and competition amongst States for the tax revenue which might be collected from taxpayers. Within this exploration there will be examination of customary international law, procedural and substantive municipal laws, the taxing jurisdictions of States, the use of tax planning techniques such as ‘tax havens’, and the anti-avoidance and anti-evasion approaches of States and their international organisations such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
This module will give you the opportunity to evaluate and critically examine the law governing the international sale contract. You will be introduced 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 2010), and the rights and remedies available to sellers and buyers. You will also examine the role of documentation in international sales, and will have the chance to discuss the role of the Vienna Convention on the international sale of goods.
The nature of incorporation. International and national consequences of incorporation and non-incorporation of businesses. The role and effect of multinational enterprises in cross-border trade and investment. Property and risk issues. The power balance between multinationals and sovereign states. International and municipal approaches to control and regulation of multinationals. Accountability of personnel of multinationals. Provision of an overview of the law relating to incorporation and non-incorporation.
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.
This module explores the concepts, theories and legal issues underpinning the process of mediation, the evolution of the concepts and practice of mediation, and the contexts in which mediation is effective. The module also provides the opportunity to acquire some of the skills of mediation by offering experience of, and assessment of a practical mediation process.
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.
The module explores the nature, function, and practice of negotiation and the several theories of the process in relation to conflict and dispute prevention and resolution in the many contexts in which negotiation is essential or ideal. The module investigates the whole range of approaches, styles, and stages in negotiation, starting with the preparation stage and ending with the performance stage and successful outcome or, in the alternative, unsuccessful outcome.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open evenings
Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
Our graduates have typically gone on to (or returned to) a professional legal career in a UK or overseas law firm, quite often in a civil law jurisdiction, interacting with the English common law in such areas as shipping or sales disputes. Other graduates have gone on to study to become a solicitor or barrister in the UK or abroad.
The International Commercial and Corporate Law LLM also equips you to work in a legal liaison role within small to medium enterprises, especially those involved in the transnational provision of goods and services. In a liaison role, you'll be able to informally assess legal risk, and to advise and take legal advice from specialist lawyers, on behalf of their company.
Supporting your career
We offer 1-2-1 appointments with careers advisors, advice on your CV and job applications, and mock assessment centres and interviews. We also run a law vacancy jobs bulletin.
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.
Course Leader
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
Meet the Head of Westminster Law School
Why study this course?
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 archive resources.
Develop your legal knowledge and skills
You'll gain both a strong legal academic grounding as well as knowledge of real-world practice in contemporary international commercial law.
Enhance your career prospects
You'll develop your analytical skills and ability to evaluate issues in international commercial law, equipping you for your career in the practice of law.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in Law or an upper second class honours degree (2:1) in a non-related degree with a demonstrated legal interest.
Applicants without standard qualifications will also be considered, providing they are sufficiently motivated to study effectively on a Masters programme and/or have had a significant amount of relevant experience.
If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components
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) in Law or an upper second class honours degree (2:1) in a non-related degree with a demonstrated legal interest.
Applicants without standard qualifications will also be considered, providing they are sufficiently motivated to study effectively on a Masters programme and/or have had a significant amount of relevant experience.
If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components
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
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
Postgraduate Law Courses at Westminster Law School
Learn new skills
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.
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.
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: £12,700 (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: £17,500 (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 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
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
Your Westminster
Book an open day. Order a prospectus. Sign up for newsletters.