About the course
Globalisation and the increase in cross-border business activities have created even more demand for legal experts with specialisation in various aspects of international business law. This LLM is designed for graduates who wish to gain a deep understanding of the complexities of transnational business transactions or who intend to pursue a legal career in global business.
The course focuses on various aspects of international business law and examines the procedural mechanisms available to businesses to resolve transnational commercial disputes, including international arbitration and litigation. The course enables you to develop knowledge of the legal rules and policies regulating a variety of business activities across the world and provides you with the tools to apply this knowledge to a range of transnational business scenarios.
In line with our practice-oriented approach to learning, you approach business problems from a legal perspective, examining the applicable rules and policies, effectively evaluating business solutions and providing suitable legal advice.
Intermediate qualifications available:
- Postgraduate certificate – 60 credits at Master’s level
- Postgraduate diploma – 120 credits at Master’s level
Why choose this course?
- Acquire a solid foundation in international business law while developing your knowledge and skills of the legal rules regulating a variety of business activity across the world
- Develop the legal analysis and research skills required to provide effective evaluations of the legal options that apply in international business contexts
- Learn from internationally recognised lecturers with an outstanding reputation in their field
- Take advantage of our vibrant programme of guest speakers, featuring practising City lawyers and renowned academics

Units
- Intellectual Property Law (LAW046-6) Compulsory
- International Commercial Litigation (LAW011-6) Compulsory
- International Corporate Governance And Company Law (LAW045-6) Compulsory
- Investment Treaty Arbitration (LAW041-6) Compulsory
- Law Dissertation (LAW043-6) Compulsory
- Law Live Project (LAW044-6) Compulsory
The assessment strategy for the LLM International Business Law is designed to ensure your full participation in the learning process. A number of different assessment methods will contribute to your development and will enhance your employability. The LLM Course Team considers it essential that comprehensive feedback is provided in due time so it is integrated in your learning process. In some cases, different kinds of assessment may be used in combination, making sure however that there are no hidden tasks. The intensive character of this course's delivery, as outlined in its Teaching and Learning philosophy, is consistent with the needs of todays world for graduates who accumulate knowledge fast and are able to express the outcome of this process in a way that is meaningful and comprehensive. All units have two assessment points, containing different types of assessment which are intended to enable you to demonstrate both breadth and depth of subject knowledge. For each unit, a week of intensive direct contact time, followed by your own contribution through individual learning, will take you to your first assessment point in week 3 of the teaching block. Your final assessment will be due at the end of the 6-week block. The types of assessment which you will encounter in this course include: - Individual Written Report or Research Essay: these assessments will enable you to develop your knowledge, legal research and critical analysis skills. The whole process will contribute to your development when it comes to conducting postgraduate level research and developing your enterprise. You will be required to perform literature informed research, to review and evaluate the relevant sources and to use an appropriate methodology in order to analyse and evaluate the relevant concepts. Your close adherence to the principles of academic integrity will also be assessed. - Case Study: this will require you to apply your subject-specific knowledge in the context of a specific factual scenario. - Oral Presentation: by presenting your research and arguments in a formal setting, you will develop a number of transferable skills, including in particular the ability to present your ideas and findings in a professional, clear and concise manner. Mooting: this will develop your legal research, writing and advocacy skill, by requiring you to develop legally-sound and effective legal arguments in support of your (fictional) clients position and articulate and defend those arguments during a simulated trial / arbitration. - Dissertation / Live Project: regardless of which Master capstone experience you opt for, you will have to produce an individual, independent piece of work. You will be asked to identify the research question or problem under investigation, review the relevant literature, develop a sound methodology in order to explore the problem, proceed with the analysis, discuss your findings and make recommendations. This project is the capstone of the LLM and builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in all taught units. Academic integrity The notions of accountability and academic integrity will be an integral part of your course. The ability to use of a wide range of sources, both academic and non-academic, is a requirement for a postgraduate degree. All coursework assignments will require a thorough evaluation of the sources you have used and appropriate references. References should follow the Oxford University Standard for the Citation of Legal Authorities (OSCOLA). During the Welcome week at the beginning of the course, you will receive training on how to reference your sources properly so at to avoid plagiarism; you will also be introduced to the University regulations on academic misconduct. Throughout the course, you will then receive detailed guidance on referencing and proper academic practice in the context of each individual unit. The Course Team and the University adopt a zero-tolerance approach to plagiarism and academic misconduct. Turnitin will be used for all submissions. In addition, for individual projects, you will be asked to present to your tutor/supervisor the various stages of your work as the project is developing or to present your work in its entirety upon completion. Marking criteria All assessments will be given a percentage mark. The pass mark is 40%; commendations and distinctions will be applied to achievement within prescribed bands. Full details of assessment and relevant marking criteria will be provided in the Unit Handbooks. The notions of accountability and academic integrity will be an integral part of this course; plagiarism and any other attempt to deceive in the context of assessments will not be tolerated. Students will be given extensive training on how to evaluate and appropriately reference sources and how to avoid plagiarism both during the `Welcome week at the beginning of the course and in the context of each unit. Turnitin will be used for all submissions; in addition, for individual projects, students will be asked to show the different stages of their work as it progresses or to present it in its entirety upon completion.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree at Honours level, or equivalent.
To apply for a place on a postgraduate course (MA/MSc/MBA) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good first degree and the required English language qualification
Find out more about specific entry requirements for your country
To apply for a postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate subject from a recognised university or HE institution.
We will also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications or appropriate work experience.
You also need to have the required English language qualification
Contact your country’s International Admissions Team for more information.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree at Honours level, or equivalent.
To apply for a place on a postgraduate course (MA/MSc/MBA) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good first degree and the required English language qualification
Find out more about specific entry requirements for your country
To apply for a postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate subject from a recognised university or HE institution.
We will also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications or appropriate work experience.
You also need to have the required English language qualification
Contact your country’s International Admissions Team for more information.
- LLB or Joint Law degree with a minimum classification of a 2.1, or
- In the case of degree holders in disciplines other than law with sufficient and adequate legal content on the basis of merit, or
- Applicants with foreign qualifications on the basis of individual merit.
Applicants with English as their second language must show proof of competency in speaking and writing English to IELTS 6.5 band or above or its equivalent.
For all other elements, the requisite level of competency for which again proof must be shown is: IELTS 6.0 band or above or its equivalent.
How will this course improve my career prospects?
The course will equip you with the perspective and skills necessary for a wide range of legal careers, including within international law firms - many of which have departments specialised in business law - or as in-house counsel within international corporations.
Other potential careers include working as legal advisor to governmental and non-governmental organisations, as well as international and intergovernmental organisations, such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA); the World Trade Organisation (WTO); the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
The course also provides an excellent pathway for further studies, including postgraduate research at MPhil or PhD level.
Fees and funding
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £8,500 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is available at www.beds.ac.uk/intfees
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,350 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £14,600
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees and funding
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £8,500 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is available at www.beds.ac.uk/intfees
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,350 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £14,600
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Extra Costs
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student