LLM International Business and Commercial Law

Summary 2012/13

• Prepare for a career in international law;
• Gain a solid grounding in the legal aspects of business globalisation;
• Become skilled in legal reasoning and engage in sustained, independent research;
• Develop key transferable employment skills which are of great value for a wide range of legal and non-legal careers, of both national and international dimension.

This LLM provides an opportunity to study international business and commercial law at postgraduate level. You will conduct advanced analysis of the major regulatory areas relating to international business conduct, choose from a selection of optional modules, and immerse yourself in advanced legal research methods in preparation for completing a highly specialised piece of original research of your own.

On successful completion of the programme you will be well placed to pursue a career within law firms, governmental and non-governmental organisations and be able to demonstrate an impressive array of transferable skills to employers.

2012 Entry Requirements

To join this LLM you should have a law degree at lower second class honours or above. You can demonstrate a similar level of achievement with 360 European Credit Transfer Accumulation System (ECTS) credits.

For overseas applicants, IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is also required. Applicants are expected to possess English at a level sufficient for meaningful advanced legal study.

Summary 2013/14

• Prepare for a career in international law;
• Gain a solid grounding in the legal aspects of business globalisation;
• Become skilled in legal reasoning and engage in sustained, independent research;
• Develop key transferable employment skills which are of great value for a wide range of legal and non-legal careers, of both national and international dimension.

This LLM provides an opportunity to study international business and commercial law at postgraduate level. You will conduct advanced analysis of the major regulatory areas relating to international business conduct, choose from a selection of optional modules, and immerse yourself in advanced legal research methods in preparation for completing a highly specialised piece of original research of your own.

On successful completion of the programme you will be well placed to pursue a career within law firms, governmental and non-governmental organisations and be able to demonstrate an impressive array of transferable skills to employers.

2013 Entry Requirements

To join this LLM you should have a law degree at lower second class honours or above. You can demonstrate a similar level of achievement with 360 European Credit Transfer Accumulation System (ECTS) credits.

For overseas applicants, IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is also required. Applicants are expected to possess English at a level sufficient for meaningful advanced legal study.

Details

Who is this course for?

The programme is aimed at law graduates who wish to deepen their understanding of law in the fields of international business and commercial law.

What will I gain from this programme?

The LLM will develop your skills in legal reasoning, communication and research as you engage in critical analysis of the distinct but inter-related issues presented within the framework of the programme.

How we will support you

You will be allocated a personal tutor who will support your academic progression and provide pastoral support throughout the programme. Ongoing support and guidance will also be available from module tutors and the programme leader.

A range of additional support mechanisms are in place for international students, including a dedicated 'orientatation week' to familiarise you with the campus, university life and the academic culture at Edge Hill. Staff from the Centre for International Education will be on hand throughout the programme to provide advice and support. International students will also have access to a dedicated 'English as a Second Language' online cafe, where a range of academic planning resources are available, in addition to a dedicated discussion forum and 'instant chat' facility.

What will I study?

The LLM International Business and Commercial Law includes two core modules which cover international business law and advanced legal research.

These core modules prepare you to undertake detailed study of four optional modules, choosing from general interest topics, including competition law and international economic law, to specific sectoral examinations such as the international regulatory framework for sport.

The culmination of the programme is the completion of a 15,000 word dissertation on a relevant subject of your choice.

How will I study?

The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars and workshops wich will typically account for up to nine hours per week during term-time on the full-time programme. Tuition will generally be focused on discussing the issues arising from recommended reading and questions presented for consideration.

You can also expect to typically spend around thirty hours a week in self-managed group and independent study. Timetabled teaching sessions take place in the fall and spring semesters, with the summer dedicated to independent research on your dissertation.

Who will be teaching me?

The teaching team comprises experts in the fields of EU law and EU internal market law. Their work has been cited by bodies including the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Parliament and the European Commission. Guest lecturers and associate lecturers, who are typically practitioners at other universities, will assist in the delivery of the programme.

How will I be assessed?

Modules are typically assessed through research assignments of approximately 5,000 words. You will also complete a 15,000 word dissertation.

What are my career prospects?

You will develop legal reasoning, research and writing skills. Typical employers of LLM graduates are law firms as well as governmental and non-governmental organisations.

In addition, the programme provides the development of a range of key transferable skills for those who wish to pursue a career without legal or international dimensions. These are valued by employers and include legal analytical skills, effective communication, time management, teamwork, independent learning and information retrieval.

Related Programmes

• MRes Criminology
• LLM International Justice and Human Rights Law
• LLM Research

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise and 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online at www.ukpass.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyukpass for more information on the application process.

Fees and Finance

Tuition fees are £4,320pa for full-time study on this programme in academic year 2012/13. Part-time postgraduate students in academic year 2012/13 will pay £250 per 10 credit module, £500 per 20 credit module and £1,500 per 60 credit module. 180 credits are required to complete the LLM. Information for UK and EU students only. Full-time fees for international postgraduate students are £11,500pa for academic year 2012/13.

Edge Hill graduates joining an eligible postgraduate programme at the University in academic year 2012/13 could benefit from a 20% reduction in tuition fees. If you're a UK or EU student and will be paying the fees yourself, you might be eligible to receive this discount. See www.edgehill.ac.uk/reducedfees for more information.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradopendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many postgraduate study fairs taking place across the UK and Ireland.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Samuli Miettinen, Department of Law and Criminology, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657627
• Email: miettines@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should contact the Centre of International Education by calling +44 1695 584489 or emailing international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries.

Modules

You will study the following three compulsory modules:

LLM4004 International Business Law provides advanced analysis of the major regulatory areas relating to international business conduct. The module covers issues relating to legal form, jurisdiction, entry and establishment, controls and liberalisation, tax, company law competition and technology transfer. Prominent demands for corporate social responsibility, covering labour rights, human rights and the environment, will also be considered. The legal aspect of the globalisation of business is the general theme of the module, with particular focus on the problems of corporate liability, jurisdiction and enforcement.

LLM4005 Advanced Legal Research will acquaint you with the research skills, methods and methodologies appropriate for research at this level. The module will also equip you with a suitable awareness of research ethics and ethical considerations

LLM4003 Dissertation is the culmination of your critical engagement with the subject area of international business and commercial law and offers the opportunity to study a topic in considerable depth.

Four additional modules are chosen from the following options:

LLM4008 International Economic Law critically examines the institutions and legal rules governing the international economic system. At the core of the module is the relationship between power disparities and the fundamental principles shaping international regulation. The focus of the module is the law and policy of the World Trade Organisation that is one of the institutional pillars of global economic governance.

LLM 4009 International and EU Competition Law examines competition law and policy. The module focuses on European Union competition law as laid down in Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Regulation 1/2003 regarding the implementation of the Treaty provisions. The case law of the Court of Justice interpreting the rules will constitute a central aspect of the course, whilst the system of enforcement, jurisdictional tests and the operation of the network of competition authorities will also be considered. The module will also examine the American approach to competition law enforcement and the problem of enforcing competition law in increasingly integrated and borderless global markets.

LLM4006 EU Economic Law explores the EU's internal market which contains a significant proportion of international trade and serves as a model of regional integration through legal means. Its legal structures are also becoming very significant sources of national and international law, much of which is thanks to the exceptional purposive approach of the Court of Justice of the European Union and the equally exceptional adherence of national legal systems to its judgments. An understanding of domestic, and indeed international, legal systems increasingly requires an understanding of EU law. This module focuses on the constitutional foundations of EU law and the freedom of movement for goods.

LLM4007 Advanced EU Economic Law offers an in-depth examination of current issues in EU law, typically focusing on the freedom of movement for individuals. Issues such as the personal and material scope of provisions, the meaning of relevant concepts such as market access or purely internal situations, or current case law before the court of justice receive detailed examination. Prior study of EU economic law (although not necessarily the EU Economic Law module on this programme) is recommended.

LLM4011 International Intellectual Property Law critically examines the key principles of international intellectual property (IP) law. The module will consider the nature and scope of IP rights and procedures, on a national, regional and international level, for the granting and recognition of the rights, mechanisms for enforcement, and defences against the enforcement. It critically reviews the role of international institutions concerned with IP, namely the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and the European Union and other regional bodies. The module focuses on the international protection of copyright and related rights, patents, trademarks, designs, and geographical and other denominations of origin. This includes the study of the WIPO Treaties, the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (the TRIPs Agreement), as well as the relevant European legislation.

LLM4010 Regulating the International Business of Sport examines the complex pattern of international regulatory frameworks affecting sport. The module assesses claims that sport should be self regulating as a consequence of its unique characteristics. The key sources and institutions of international sports regulation are explored, with particular emphasis given to the role of the Olympic Movement, the international sports governing bodies, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the Council of Europe and the European Union (EU). The module explores the impact of these bodies on sports broadcasting, the rights of athletes, sports governance and the staging of large-scale sporting events.