University of Macau

What you'll study

This programme combines core modules in international commercial law with specialised options and a research component. Teaching is delivered through seminars, case studies, problem-based workshops and supervised research.

• Core subjects: international trade and investment law, international sale of goods, comparative company law, international commercial arbitration and dispute resolution.
• Specialist topics: cross-border M&A, banking and finance law, competition and antitrust law, international taxation principles relevant to multinational operations, intellectual property in global commerce, maritime and shipping law where relevant to trade flows.
• Regulation and compliance: anti-money laundering, compliance frameworks for multinational corporations, corporate governance and regulatory regimes in the Greater China region and Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions.
• Research and writing: legal research methodology, supervised dissertation or major research paper on a topic in international business law; many students also undertake practical projects or internships with law firms, arbitration centres or corporate legal departments.
• Skills training: negotiation and advocacy, drafting of international contracts, structuring cross-border transactions and client-counselling simulations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate law degree (LLB) or an equivalent degree in a related discipline. Graduates with substantial relevant professional experience, such as practising lawyers, compliance officers or corporate counsel, may also be considered.

• Academic transcripts and degree certificate demonstrating qualifying degree.
• Proof of English proficiency if your prior degree was not taught in English (examples accepted by the university typically include IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent).
• Curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional experience.
• Personal statement outlining your reasons for study and proposed areas of interest for research or practice.
• References (academic and/or professional) and, where applicable, an interview or additional assessment requested by the admissions committee.

Career prospects

Graduates progress to a wide range of legal and business careers that require expertise in transnational commercial law. Typical paths include:

• Private practice in international or regional law firms, specialising in corporate transactions, arbitration, trade or banking and finance.
• In-house legal roles with multinational companies, banks and financial institutions, particularly those engaged in cross-border trade and investment.
• Positions with arbitration centres, dispute resolution institutions and consultancy firms offering regulatory and compliance advice.
• Government ministries, trade and regulatory authorities, and agencies dealing with international trade policy, investment promotion and bilateral/multilateral legal frameworks.
• Further academic research or doctoral study in international business law or related fields.

Why study at University of Macau

The University of Macau sits at a strategic crossroads between Mainland China, the Greater Bay Area and Lusophone countries, offering unique exposure to comparative legal systems and cross-border commercial practice. The Faculty of Law has a growing international profile and offers English-taught instruction alongside opportunities for bilingual study and regional legal placements.

• Strong regional relevance: proximity to major commercial hubs and regulatory institutions in the Pearl River Delta facilitates internships, fieldwork and professional networking.
• Comparative and multilingual emphasis: students benefit from courses that address Chinese, common law and Lusophone legal perspectives, useful for transactions involving diverse jurisdictions.
• Research and practical focus: a combination of doctrinal study, practical skills training and a supervised research dissertation prepares graduates for both practice and further study.
• International faculty and partnerships: access to scholars and visiting practitioners with experience in international arbitration, trade law and corporate practice across Asia and beyond.