This course is your stepping stone to a rewarding and fulfilling career. Taught by academics and industry professionals, this course will enhance your knowledge of the law and how it’s applied in the world of international business. This course will further your understanding of global commerce and help you gain valuable practical skills.
The course is delivered in partnership with Aston Business School. This means you will get the best of both worlds, benefiting from a first-class law and business education, which will enhance your employability and allow you to fulfil a variety of roles.
This varied and stimulating course is open to graduates in law and other academic backgrounds.
International Commercial Law
LLM
Examine and explore commercial law within an international context, with a focus on the relationship between law and business.
Location: Aston University, Birmingham
Course type
Full-time
Entry requirements
Duration
One year
Start date
Course overview
"I chose to study this course because I have always wanted to be a commercial lawyer; I believe that studying this course will help me achieve my career goals. I love the course content at Aston University, I enjoy the one-to-one relationship with the lecturers and I like that the programme has imparted a lot of new knowledge about the international commercial law space."
Oluwapelumi Odetoyinbo
LLM International Commercial Law
Why International Commercial Law at Aston University?
Gain expertise
Develop your understanding of global commerce and gain valuable practical skills
Gain the advantage
Get ahead of the competition with the Aston Global Advantage professional development module
Excellent prospects
Aston University was named runner-up in the University of the Year for Graduate Employment Award (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024)
Well connected
Connections to a wide range of organisations, from in-house legal divisions to specialist law firms
Satisfied students
Aston University was ranked top 20 in the UK for ‘student satisfaction’ (Law; Complete University Guide, 2024)
Gold-standard teaching
Aston University was ranked 10th in the UK for ‘teaching quality’ (Law; Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024)
We're serious about employability
As a postgraduate student, you will have access to dedicated careers guidance with specialist support from our experienced team of careers consultants
More than just a law school
At Aston Law School our students experience much more than just the lecture theatre. Gain the knowledge industry is asking for.
Gain a competitive edge
As well as opening doors, an Aston University postgraduate degree builds on your experience, develops your skills and gives you a competitive edge in a crowded job market.
Course description
LLM International Commercial Law
With globalisation making international commercial law increasingly significant, our programme offers a detailed insight into these topics.
What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. We will ensure the course is taught in a stimulating and thought-provoking way through a variety of teaching methods, and you’ll be taught by an experienced group of academics with a wide range of research interests.
We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.
What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, a willingness to learn and an ambition and drive to excel.
What skills we teach
The LLM International Commercial Law course teaches established techniques of research and enquiry that you will apply to real-life business scenarios. We also provide opportunities to develop your research and writing capabilities, as well as enhancing other transferable skills, such as decision-making, problem-solving and oral communication skills.
Career prospects
You will develop a wide range of business and transferable skills and knowledge demanded by graduate employers. Whether you want to secure a job in law or land a management position in another area of business, we can help you to achieve your career ambitions.
How you will learn
We ensure the course is taught in a stimulating and thought-provoking way through a variety of teaching methods. Seminars are used to convey essential knowledge and develop your abilities to critically reflect on the themes of the course. Group activities and discussions allow you to explore issues, share ideas and develop your understanding of legal concepts and the application of law in a global business setting.
There are case studies and guest lectures from legal and business professionals which help you to apply your learning to real-life business scenarios. This focus on practical skills will help to enhance your employability and will provide you with a competitive edge when applying for graduate positions.
At the start of your course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who can offer individual study advice and guidance. You will also benefit from access to the University Library's extensive collection of over 25,000 books and electronic journals. Aston University's virtual learning environment supports your journey, providing resources like lecture slides, e-books and online journals.
In the Aston Global Advantage module, you will enhance your employability and global citizenship through experiential learning and reflective practice. Dedicated employability support, skill-building workshops and diverse learning streams will prepare you for both academic and professional success.
Gain the advantage
Our flagship professional development module provides a range of opportunities to apply your learning and increase your employability.
What you will learn
Benefitting from a mix of practical and academic experience, our highly regarded and widely published academics will educate you on the realities of working within business from both a legal and business perspective, connecting the two from both an academic and practitioner perspective.
In the taught stage, you will examine the basis of the relationship between law and business. In doing so you will gain an appreciation for how a variety of commercial legal disciplines help to regulate markets and enable international business transactions to take place. You will also explore current insights and challenges in international commercial law. This will provide you with a comprehensive understanding and a critical awareness of the field. You’ll learn to solve complex legal issues and effectively advise clients or employers in specialist areas, studied as part of your optional modules.
In the dissertation phase, you will complete a research project on an international commercial law topic of your choice, showcasing your ability to conduct independent research with a clear consideration of ethics, theory and methods.
This course offers an Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway, meaning you can spend an additional year at one of our international partner institutions. If successful, you will graduate with two masters degrees.
Gaining a global perspective
In the Aston Global Advantage module, Oluwapelumi learnt how to improve her CV, excel in interviews, develop commercial awareness skills and how to work and be effective in a team.
Rooted in the business environment
We prepare students for a diverse range of careers in law and other industries. Many of Aston Law School's academics are qualified lawyers, and are passionate about their subjects.
Course objectives
- Provides a programme of study that meets the needs of both local, national and international candidates (including recent graduates and those in the early stages of their employment) in enabling them to develop and/or refine their knowledge of commercial law in an increasingly globalised context.
- Provides you with opportunities to enhance your employability by developing advanced legal research and writing skills.
- Produces well-qualified and balanced graduates who can effectively apply their acquired knowledge and skills in both legal and business contexts.
Modules
Modules and learning outcomes
Taught stage modules
In the taught stage you will study the following core modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
| Law and Business in a Global Context This module will consider, and critically analyse key legal areas underpinning international businesses and commercial transactions in emerging markets. It will offer you the opportunity to develop an advanced understanding of the law governing commerce and trade in today's international emerging market. | 30 |
| The Aston Global Advantage This integrated module focuses on professional development and employability, helping you identify and apply key transferable skills acquired throughout the year. | 15 |
| Ethics in Academic Practice This module introduces the Academic Offence framework. By completing the resources you will understand the key principles underpinning the submission of academic assignments. | 0 |
| Total | 45 |
You will choose 75 credits of the following optional modules:*
You may combine both law and business options but must take no more than 30 credits of business options.
Law options:
| Module Title | Credits |
| Internet Law The growth of the internet has raised challenges for the law in many areas including: computer integrity crimes, child pornography, obscenity, image-based abuse and online privacy etc. This module will consider some of these issues from a broader legal and regulatory perspective. Due to the nature of the topics a background in law (LLB/relevant experience) will be advantageous. | 30 |
| International Commercial Dispute Resolution This module covers, from a comparative perspective, challenges that frequently arise before state courts around the world in commercial disputes. This include topics such as jurisdiction, class actions and the recognition and enforcement of civil judgments in cross border disputes. Particular emphasis will be placed on the English and European rules in these areas. The latter part of the course aims to introduce students to international commercial arbitration so that they may gain an introductory insight into a specialised aspect of dispute resolution. | 30 |
| International Perspectives of Corporate Insolvency and Rescue A strong and reliable corporate insolvency framework is an important element of the attractiveness of an economy to investors. It is therefore important to understand the nature of corporate insolvency, its impact on corporations, and the options available to companies in financial distress. The module will explore the concept of corporate insolvency and rescue in an international context. This will include consideration of the factors that determine the insolvency of a company and the mechanisms available to it, whether in terms of rescuing the company and/or its business or leading to the winding up of its operations. This will extend to a consideration of the inter-relationship of various states' insolvency legislation and the co-operation between them to facilitate effective resolutions of corporate insolvencies across multiple jurisdictions. | 15 |
| International Arbitration The aim of this module is to provide students with a legal foundation in international commercial arbitration. The module provides an introduction to the area and addresses some of the challenges created by arbitration practice. | 15 |
| Competition Law and Policy This module aims to show you how corporations function locally and internationally, and under what circumstances the regulation of competition may benefit consumers. Mechanisms exist to ensure that pro-competitive measures are adopted in the marketplace. We aim to introduce these concepts and mechanisms and critically analyse forms of anti-competitive conduct and how they are regulated in an ever-changing context. | 30 |
| Legal Risk Legal Risk introduces you to the analytical framework and methodology which general counsel and other trusted legal advisers in business, government and the non-for-profit sector use in order to manage legal risk, compliance and ultimately lead the legal governance functions of the organisations that they advise. | 15 |
| Law of Banking and Financial Services This module introduces students to the core features of banking law and financial services law in the UK, the EU and at international level. It is designed to show how and why law intervenes in the operation and activities of financial institutions and markets. | 15 |
| Corporate Governance Regulation and Compliance This module has an interdisciplinary focus and its main objective is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the UK corporate governance framework. The influence of the UK framework in other countries is considered and comparisons with the frameworks in other jurisdictions is also made. | 15 |
| Intellectual Property Strategy and Management This module will look at intellectual property strategy and management, exploring intellectual property rights that are relevant to an innovative business, which will allow you to practice your understanding of the strategy and strategic management and valuation in commercialising these valuable rights. | 15 |
| Law of Digital Economy and Financial Technology Technology innovations bring opportunities and challenges to businesses, investors and regulators. This module seeks to provide students with comprehensive understanding of technology innovation in the financial market and the wider economy. It inspires students’ critical legal response to how the commercial world adopt to cutting edge technology to increase efficiency, accessibility, and profit. | 15 |
| Financial Crime Fraud, the classic example of financial crime, is committed in ways that challenge detection, deterrence and law enforcement. The module explores fraud and other financial crimes, with a particular focus on what is expected of businesses in respect of anti-money laundering and the ‘failure to prevent’ corporate criminal offences relating to bribery, tax evasion and fraud. | 15 |
Business options:
| Module Title | Credits |
| Employment Law This module will develop your understanding of the UK legal framework and its practical application in a wide range of work place situations, from recruiting to dismissing people. You’ll learn how to comply with employment law but also consider how organisations can go beyond their legal requirements and treat people fairly. | 15 |
| Economics Environment of Business This module focuses on key economic concepts and principles that are most useful for businesses and managers. Throughout we stress their application in an international context, drawing on their real-world significance and the importance of communicating economic ideas in a clear and precise manner. In this way you will understand the significance of economics in a globalised world. | 15 |
| International Business Strategy This module aims to broaden and deepen your knowledge of the key issues and activities involved in international business strategy. In addition this module aims to develop skills related to interpreting and analysing complex real-world issues using theoretical perspectives, concepts and models. The emphasis will be on using theory to inform practice and addressing real-world complex problems. | 15 |
| Blockchain and FinTech This module offers theoretical and technical insights into blockchain technology, a key driver in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. You will learn about its architecture, advantages and the security challenges it presents in financial markets, including payments, insurance, lending and fundraising. | 15 |
| Business Finance In this module you will learn the key principles and challenges of financial management decisions, develop an understanding of the characteristics influencing factors and the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of financing. You'll also apply mathematical techniques to support a range of business decisions such as the valuation of shares and the evaluation of investment opportunities. | 15 |
| CSR, Sustainable Development and Public Policy Topics of this module are complex and this complexity make this module unique. With growing awareness on issues such as modern slavery and climate change almost everyone has now heard of these topics and hold views and opinions. At the core these are applied topics with implications for individual’s businesses societies and economies. Your learning will be very relevant. | 15 |
| International Finance This module explores current challenges and issues faced by organisations in the global market place. We look at how the international financial environment can affect firms and their strategies, specifically what steps they take to negate these risks. For example, firms hedging against currency fluctuations. | 15 |
*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.
Dissertation stage modules
In the dissertation stage you will study the following core modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
| Researching Law: Process, Questions and Decisions | 15 |
| LLM International Commercial Law Research Project You will carry out an original piece of work applying material that you have learnt in the taught element of your degree. Specific requirements will be explained relating to different degree programmes but in summary you must demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of your chosen area of specialism. | 45 |
| Total | 60 |
Programme outcomes
On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of, current problems and/or new insights in international commercial law, including how businesses function and how this may intersect with the law.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to legal
and/or interdisciplinary research and writing. - Demonstrate originality in your application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in specialised areas within the broad framework of international commercial law, including the impact of the law on businesses in both a local and global context.
- Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the interaction between law and business which enables you to critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship, develop critiques thereof, and propose new arguments and solutions where relevant.
- Solve complex legal issues in relevant areas covered by the course and effectively advise clients or employers accordingly.
- Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.
- Advance your own learning after the course and develop new skills with confidence.
- Demonstrate and further develop qualities and transferable skills relating to effective communication, decision-making and problem-solving in order to optimise or further your prospects for employment within the broader field of legal or commercial practice.
We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.
Entry requirements
One of the following:
- 2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent
- Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University (see international students tab below for more information)
You will also need to provide:
- A professional reference
- If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
- If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
- An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
- A completed application form.
Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study but also a great place to live.
Qualifications in your country
For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:
- Africa
- Americas
- Australia
- North East Asia
- Europe
- Middle East and North Africa
- South Asia
- South East Asia
- Western and Central Asia
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.
How to apply
Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.
Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.
Post-study work visa
Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Pathway programmes
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.
We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.
The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications.
Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
Speak to our Admissions Team
If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:
Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk
Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09:30-16:30)
Meet your programme director
Rhonson Salim
Programme Director,
LLM International Commercial Law
If you have any questions about the course or modules you will be studying, you can get in touch via email and I will be happy to answer your queries.
Fees and scholarships
Course fees
UK students
(2024/25)
| Annual tuition fees: | £12,000 |
International students
(2024/25)
| Annual tuition fees: | £23,500 |
More information on fees
The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.
Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.
Scholarships
At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.
Assessment
We use a mix of assessments as part of this course. Predominantly coursework based, you’ll be given a number of reflective writing tasks and essays to tackle. You will also get the chance to develop a skills portfolio and give presentations, which helps to enhance your communication abilities and equip you with the skills to deliver information confidently in a professional context.
Career prospects
This course prepares you for a wide range of professional and management careers across law and business sectors including accountancy, marketing, operations, HR and strategic management and a variety of roles in the legal profession.
Our graduates achieve amazing things all over the world – whether it’s setting up their own businesses, landing jobs with high profile organisations, or making real differences within their communities.
Be part of our community
Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.
Frequently asked questions
Why study International Commercial Law at Aston University?
As well as an active group of researchers in this field, our course has been designed with industry input to equip you with the right knowledge and applied experiences to excel whether you’re interested in a career in law or a management position across another business area.
You will be taught by highly regarded academics across both Aston Law School and the triple-accredited Aston Business School. Our focus on employability ensures you’ll be exposed to opportunities to gain practical experience and develop your skills to equip you for the transition into your chosen career path.
What is the ‘Aston Global Advantage’?
Embedded in all our masters degrees, this assessed, year-long credit-bearing module aims to develop professional and personal transferrable skills relevant to any workplace and create a bridge between the degree and the world of work.
Why should I study my postgraduate degree at Aston University?
There are lots of benefits of studying a postgraduate degree at Aston University.
Watch this video from MBA student, Monique, who talks about just a few of them:
Is Birmingham a good place to study?
Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.
- Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
- Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
- World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
- Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
- Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
- Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.
What will my timetable look like?
We understand how important it is to know your timetable in advance for planning around work, childcare, or other responsibilities. Here's some basic guidance on what to expect regarding your student timetable.
| Full-time programmes |
| As a rough estimate, full-time postgraduate students in the College of Business and Social Sciences should expect to spend about 12-15 hours per week in lectures and on-campus seminars. This is in addition to independent study, and there may be additional guided learning activities during certain weeks. The exact distribution of these hours will vary depending on your course and module choices. |
| Part-time programmes |
| Part-time students will have fewer weekly on-campus hours compared to full-time students. This reduction is proportional to the number of modules you're enrolled in. |
| Timetable availability |
| Complete timetables are usually released shortly before the start of your programme. This timing is necessary to ensure that we accommodate all course requirements and that rooms are allocated based on the number of students likely to enrol on each programme. We aim to provide these timetables as early as possible, to assist you in your planning. |
As your induction week approaches, you will be sent more information about your timetable via email, and you will be able to access your timetable by logging into MyAstonPortal. For any further queries or information regarding your timetable, you can reach out to your programme director or the Student Support team.
Hello, what would you like to ask us?
Hello! We are a team of current Aston University students from various parts of the world, studying a wide range of postgraduate subjects.
Feel free to ask us anything about studying at Aston University.
