International Business Law LLM | PGDip | PGCert | PGAward – Online Course
This fully online and part-time Master of Laws (LLM) International Business Law is designed to give students from varied academic backgrounds an in-depth understanding of the legal skills and knowledge required in today’s global business environment. Students will gain a thorough understanding of techniques applicable to their own research and acquire the legal knowledge, skills and training to work efficiently in the legal and wider business sectors.
The aim of the online LLM International Business Law programme is to provide graduates from varied academic backgrounds (including those working in the financial services and business sectors) with a strong foundation for enhancing research, problem-solving and communication skills; to develop the knowledge and understanding of the interaction between law, business and governance integral to enhancing their career prospects and demands of the work environment.
The programme is specifically designed for graduates from diverse disciplines as well as legal professionals who already have some practical commercial and business experience and who want to enhance their knowledge and skills to assist them in advancing their career, whether that is a career change or assuming a more senior-level role in a business, organization, or commercial enterprise.
Core modules on the online LLM International Business Law programme cover International Business Law, Critical Thinking in International Business Law, International Trade Law, EU Trade Law, Conflict of Law in Business and Commerce and Competition Law.
The programme also provides the opportunity to personalise your master’s with two elective modules chosen from Corporate Governance, Aspects of Banking, Intellectual Property Law, International Sale of Goods and International Financial Crime. Finally, you complete your LLM programme with an original dissertation on a topic relevant to international business law.
Assessments are strictly coursework-based and there are no exams to complete as part of the programme. Shorter PG Diploma (PG Dip), PG Certificate (PG Cert) and PG Award (PG Award) awards are available which you can use as a stepping-stone to the full LLM or as a respected qualification on their own.
The indicative study duration is 30 months to complete the LLM, 20 months for the PG Dip, 10 months for the PG Cert and six months for the PG Award.
What will I study?
This programme consists of the following modules. You are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full Master of Laws (LLM), 120 credits to achieve the postgraduate diploma (PG Dip), 60 credits to achieve the postgraduate certificate (PG Cert) and 30 credits to achieve the postgraduate award (PG Award).
| Modules | LLM | PGDip | PGCert | PGAward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Business Law (15 credits) | x | x | x | x |
| Critical Legal Thinking in International Business Law (15 credits) | x | x | x | x |
| International Trade Law (15 credits) | x | x | x | |
| EU Trade Law (15 credits) | x | x | ||
| Conflicts of Laws in Business and Commerce (15 credits) | x | x | x | |
| Competition Law (15 credits) | x | x | ||
| Elective modules: choose two: Corporate Governance (15 credits) Aspects of Banking Law (15 credits) Intellectual Property Law (15 credits) International Sale of Goods (15 credits) International Financial Crime (15 credits) | x | x | ||
| Dissertation (60 credits) | x |
Each module (other than the dissertation) is run over an eight-week period and includes a wide variety of learning activities and assessments, supported by the key teaching principles of collaboration and critical reflection.
You will grow as you learn in collaboration with other students from across the world, gain new perspectives and develop a strong professional network.
For more information on the modules, including syllabus and learning outcomes, please download our programme booklet.
All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you want to discuss your previous qualifications and experience before applying, please contact us now via LiveChat.
Applications should possess:
- Preferably a 2:2 class degree in a relevant subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree; or
- Professional work experience in a related field and/or other prior qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
All applicants must provide evidence that they have an English language ability equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in all components).
If you don’t have an IELTS or equivalent certificate, you can take our free online English test to assess your proficiency. You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries. This requirement will generally be waived if the candidate’s first degree was obtained at an institution using English as the language of instruction.
Fees for the academic year 2024/25
LLM: £16,868
PGDip: £11,246
PGCert: £5,623
PGAward: £2,811
These fees* are fully inclusive of all costs, including all teaching materials, core textbooks, assessments and resits.
Executive Scholarship
An Executive Scholarship of 15%** is available for our January 2025 intake. Contact our admissions team for more information.
Other scholarships and discounts
You may also be able to benefit from the following scholarships and discounts:
- Regional Scholarships of up to 20%. To find out about the scholarship offered in your region, please make an enquiry now.
- 10% UK Scholarship for students residing in the United Kingdom is available for our intakes in the 2024/25 academic year for all full master’s awards.
- 10% discount for University of Liverpool alumni.
- 5% discount for up-front full tuition fee payment.
- 15% Executive Scholarship available for our January 2025 intake.
Further support
We aim to make it as easy as possible for you to cover the costs of your studies. You could benefit from:
- Simple monthly payment plan provided to spread the cost over the duration of study
- Students living in England may be eligible for a postgraduate loan to cover some of the programme cost.
Please speak to our admissions team for more details of fees, scholarships, discounts and support.
*All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed.
**Please note that the Executive Scholarship can only be used with the Up-Front Payment Discount.
Teaching and assessment
The learning, teaching and assessment strategies for all online programmes are aligned with the three University of Liverpool Hallmarks of research-connected teaching, active learning and authentic assessment – as well as the three University of Liverpool Graduate Attributes of confidence, digital fluency and global citizenship.
Teaching methods
Studying online allows you to study in your own time and from wherever works best for you – whether that is from your home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.
All our online programmes are delivered through a specially designed online learning platform. This allows 24/7 access to your study materials, which includes:
- innovative lecturecasts consisting of audio recordings, infographics, videos, animation, short tasks, and written content
- a comprehensive eLibrary of ebooks and academic journals
- forums for you to discuss programme content with peers
- support from academic staff and a dedicated Student Support team
Assessments
Online programmes are assessed based on work carried out in the virtual classroom. Reflecting the hallmark of authentic assessment, this may include report writing, reflective practice, research projects, and individual or group presentations that represent the kinds of tasks you would be expected to undertake in a professional setting.
We are committed to:
- providing frequent and transparent feedback
- ensuring our assessment criteria are simple and clear
- making it easy for you to clearly view your marks in your gradebook when you log into the learning platform
- delivering provisional marks and feedback of assessed work usually within seven days for taught modules
- ensuring academic support through weekly lecturer office hours
- providing access to our Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns or issues
Online learning experience
We will support your online learning experience with high-quality learning materials and resources, which can all be found on our state-of-the-art virtual learning platform.
Typically, your learning experience will include the following:
- directed learning – including participation in virtual discussions with peers, led by the lecturer, working through relevant and specially prepared videos and lecturecasts; completing interactive exercises on the learning platform; appointments with your lecturer during office hours
- self-directed learning – including wider reading and research in your subject area to further develop your knowledge and understanding
- assessment – time taken to prepare and complete assignments and activities which contribute to your overall assessment
On average, you will need to dedicate a minimum of 15-20 hours of study per module, per week.
Study duration
Our master’s award has an approximate study duration of 30 months, studied online and part-time. Our PG Diploma award has an approximate duration of 20 months, our PG Certificate has an approximate duration of 10 months, and our PG Award has an approximate duration of five months.
Please note, that the actual study duration may be longer depending on study options chosen, speed of study, and module availability.
Students pursue the programme in a linear fashion, which is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules, and a three-week break for the Christmas period. You will receive an indicative module timetable during the enrolment process.
On successful completion of your degree, and payment of any outstanding tuition fees, you will receive an invite to attend an in-person graduation ceremony in the vibrant city of Liverpool
Academic staff
We are committed to delivering an enriching online study experience, and all our lecturers are experienced subject specialists with demonstrated learning and teaching proficiency.
They play an integral part in ensuring the latest theories and research feature in our programmes and are dedicated to providing a high level of support throughout your studies.
All lecturers and supervisors are honorary faculty at the University of Liverpool.
Quality and assurance
As one of the Russell Group’s 24 members, the University of Liverpool is recognised as a world-class, research-intensive institution, that adheres to strict quality standards.
The University is registered with the Office for Students and an established member of the Quality Assurance for Higher Education.
Apply for this programme by completing a simple online form.
In order to apply, you will need to provide copies of the following supporting documentation:
- School or college transcripts/certificates
- University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
- Degree certificates
- Evidence of English language proficiency (EU and international applications only)
- Personal statement
- An up-to-date CV.
Acknowledgement of your application
The admissions team will acknowledge receipt of your application and will pass it to the Department Head and/or appropriate academic department(s) for consideration.
Students with disabilities
We welcome applications from students with disabilities and consider them on the same academic grounds as those of other students. If you have a disability, medical condition and/or support needs it is important that you inform the University so that you receive appropriate support.
Deadlines
We have start dates throughout the year with regular application deadlines. As an applicant, you are encouraged to apply in good time, particularly if you have special needs.
The programme is designed to enhance the existing knowledge base and understanding of candidates with an undergraduate degree from diverse legal backgrounds, providing a stepping-stone for career development within the legal profession, business environment or the wider financial services sector.
For non-law graduates, or those whose first law degree is from a civil law jurisdiction, the programme will provide a good foundation of the Common Law legal system, with specific focus on its commercial environment
For non-law graduates but those who have experience working in the business or financial services sector, the programme will provide a solid and first exposure to the operation of the legal environment governing commercial operations and decision making.
The programme will also provide a solid base for those working in government or non-government agencies.
More generally, students will graduate with enhanced skills and knowledge that enable them to be highly effective professionals, managers and leaders who are able to respond to emerging and ongoing policy and legal challenges in a strategic and innovative way within their organisations.
Established in 1892, the Liverpool Law School is one of the oldest law departments in the UK. We are committed to contributing, through the excellence of our research and policy work, to critical exploration of the role of law in promoting, or inhibiting, social justice. We strive for social relevance and to influence public debate and policy at the local, national, European, and international levels.
By studying online with Liverpool, you can gain a highly regarded qualification from a prestigious redbrick university and a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 research-led UK universities committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of research and education. You will acquire new skills and knowledge, all while continuing to work in your current role.
The University of Liverpool has been offering online programmes since 2000. We are recognised as one of Europe’s leading providers of wholly online postgraduate degrees. All our programmes are designed for online delivery, and our state-of-the-art learning platform encourages collaboration with fellow professionals from around the world.
Study Online with the University of Liverpool
Emmanuel Oji – International Business Law LLM Student
Why did you choose to study online with the University of Liverpool?
The University of Liverpool LLM International Business Law programme stood out because it equips students with advanced knowledge of international sales, cross-border insolvency restructuring, banking law and intellectual property law. The overall impression, as well as the numerous positive testimonials of some past students, confirmed my impression and conviction of the course and university.
Read Emmanuel’s full testimonial
Rebecca Berners – International Business Law LLM Student
What advice would you give to prospective students thinking of studying law online?
Studying online is perfect for anyone who is working full-time or has other commitments that restrict them from attending in person. The flexibility is great, isn’t restricted by time zones, and all the materials are provided online and can be accessed at any time. The deadlines are spread out and I particularly like that there is a break between modules to provide time to recharge before the next module begins. Even though the course is not on campus, the same level of support is provided as if the course was held in person.
