University of Leicester

What you'll study

This LLM combines a taught component with an independent dissertation or major research project. You study core themes that underpin international commercial activity and dispute settlement alongside options that allow you to tailor study to professional interests.

• Research methods and dissertation: training in legal research techniques, methodology and completion of a substantial piece of independent research on an international commercial law topic.
• International commercial contracts: formation, performance, remedies and interpretation of cross‑border commercial agreements.
• International sale of goods and the CISG: substantive rules governing international sales transactions, including practical problems of risk, delivery and remedies.
• International commercial arbitration: arbitration agreements, institutional and ad hoc arbitration, enforcement of awards and practical dispute resolution skills.
• Carriage of goods and logistics: legal regimes for sea, air and multimodal carriage, liability regimes and relevant transport documentation.
• International trade and regulatory law: WTO law, trade remedies, trade compliance and the interaction between public regulation and private commerce.
• Banking, finance and payment systems: cross‑border finance, letters of credit, documentary collections and regulatory aspects of international banking.
• Optional specialised modules: subjects frequently offered include competition and antitrust aspects of international business, intellectual property in a cross‑border context, corporate governance and compliance.

Teaching is typically by seminar and small group classes that emphasise case analysis, problem exercises and applied legal research. Assessment commonly uses a mixture of essays, case studies, examinations and a research dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK honours degree in law (usually a 2:1) or an equivalent international qualification. Graduates with a 2:2 may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience or strong academic references. Non‑law graduates with appropriate background in related disciplines or relevant work experience are also considered; they may be required to demonstrate readiness for postgraduate legal study through prior modules or additional bridging work.

International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements; a commonly accepted benchmark for postgraduate law programmes is an overall IELTS score around 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each component, or equivalent. Candidates will also need to supply academic transcripts and references, and are usually required to submit a personal statement outlining their reasons for study and proposed research interests.

Career prospects

The programme prepares graduates for a variety of international and commercial legal careers. Typical destinations include:

• private practice roles in firms with international commercial or arbitration practices;
• in‑house legal positions for multinational corporations and financial institutions dealing with cross‑border transactions and compliance;
• roles in international arbitration and dispute resolution, including as case managers, assistants to arbitrators or advisers;
• positions in trade policy, regulatory bodies, customs and international organisations concerned with trade and commerce;
• further academic research or doctoral study in international commercial law and related fields.

The LLM’s focus on practical issues and research skills also supports careers in consultancy, risk management and compliance functions where understanding cross‑border legal risks is essential.

Why study at University of Leicester

Leicester Law School has a long tradition of research‑led teaching and a faculty experienced in international commercial law and dispute resolution. Students benefit from small‑group teaching, opportunities to work closely with supervisors on a substantial research project, and access to a broad range of optional modules to match professional needs.

The University’s central location and strong links with legal practitioners and alumni offer networking opportunities and practical insight into commercial practice. The programme’s emphasis on analytical and research skills is designed to equip graduates both for immediate professional roles and for longer‑term career development in an international legal environment.