Lorna Hewitt
Introduction
Enhance your CV, hone your knowledge, and explore the topics of rules and treaties, negotiating, and contract agreements with our International Commercial Law postgraduate degree. Our Top 6 UK ranking (Complete University Guide 2021) law school offers a comprehensive range of courses that careful combine both the academic theory with the professional skills that you’ll need to operate successfully in the field.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- LLM
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September or January
This programme provides the perfect opportunity for you to mould your studies and specialise in the complex but rewarding area of International Commercial Law. With a comprehensive range of courses combining theory and practical professional skills, you’ll be guided by our team of world-class experts. The last 50 years have shown high growth in the field of international commerce, with trade being particularly prominent as the powerhouse behind legal development. Due to the introduction of the internet, international transactions are now so common that people barely realise they are conducting them, whilst at the other end of the scale, multinational companies conduct million, even billion pound transactions. International commercial law is now relied upon more than ever to support these transactions and provide protection where necessary, making this subject more in demand than ever before. In contrast to the LLM International Commercial Law with Dissertation, the LLM International Commercial Law with Professional Skills offers students the opportunity to develop key practical skills in arbitration rather than research skills through the writing and submission of a thesis. Students on this programme undertake an intensive summer school programme, followed by a simulated practical exercise and submission of an extended piece of writing. The School has Recognised Course Provider (RCP) status from the prestigious Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) in connection with this programme. Students who successfully complete this programme are thus exempt from some or all of the academic requirements for Membership of the CIArb.
Available Programmes of Study
- LLM 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January View
-
Programme Information
- Semester 1
-
Semester 1
For January students, the first semester covers courses with the prefix LS55.
Compulsory Courses
Students must complete LS551T and LS552P.
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS551T)
-
This compulsory course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which would be required to excel in LLM-Taught courses. It commences with a few lectures and progresses to working in a workshop environment and finally to the submission of an individual assignment. It also incorporates elements such as library workshops to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.
View detailed information about this course - International Arbitration: Energy & Natural Resources (LS552Z)
-
30 Credit Points
The complex interaction between investment protection and the sovereign right of states to regulate has been most acute in the energy sector. On the one hand, investors require strong guarantees that states will respect the “rules of the game” that constitute the basis of their investments. On the other, states can be tempted to interfere with foreign energy investments because of their particular strategic and social importance. This course aims to analyse if existing investment disciplines are adapted to the specific regulatory risks that investors face in the energy landscape of the 21st Century.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
Thereafter three optional courses must be selected from the list below and in semester 3. Students may not select both LS5083 and LS5085 together.
Alternatively, three optional courses can be selected from the list below and in semester 3 and one from another LLM programme (excluding LS501E, and LS551K).
In 2020-2021 WTO: GATT runs in both semesters. September start students must not choose this- Corporate Environmental Liability (LS551L)
-
30 Credit Points
Corporate environmental liability is a significant area of concern not only for those corporations engaged in activities which exhibit environmental risk but society as whole. An efficient, effective liability regime must be present to ensure that corporations do not shirk their financial liabilities. The course draws attention to the conflicting goals of corporate law (i.e. the limitation of liability) and environmental law (i.e. ensuring that polluters pay for damage caused) and encourages students to consider and develop solutions to this problem. Whilst the course focuses on EU environmental law, many of the concepts covered are relevant to other jurisdictions.
View detailed information about this course - Trade Marks and Brand Development (LS5584)
-
30 Credit Points
This course tracks the ongoing interactions between trade mark and related laws on the one hand and the social and commercial practices of branding on the other. Through the use of cases and contemporary examples throughout, the course views trade mark and related laws within their historical, current, and developing social and commercial contexts. It offers a critical view of certain developments in the laws, their roles in and responses to the evolving practices of branding. It provides students with both an analytical and a practical view on the protection of trade mark and related rights.
View detailed information about this course - International Trade and Finance Law (LS5588)
-
30 Credit Points
This course considers issues relating to international trade and finance law and addresses the legal and commercial aspects of export-import transactions. It covers trade risks and risk assessment, the law and practice relating to international sale of goods, carriage of goods and insurance matters, international trade finance, digitalisation of international trade and international commercial dispute resolution.
View detailed information about this course - Commercialising Innovation and Law (LS5595)
-
30 Credit Points
Students will explore the diversity of laws and practices relevant to commercialising innovation. We will consider patents, trade secrets, copyright and database rights, new business models, competition, natural resources and activities in developing areas. Visiting speakers from practice and industry are regularly invited. In the first session, students develop an innovative idea, as a base for discussion in each session. Seminars involve individual and group work, and the preparation of posters.
View detailed information about this course - Contracting in Hydrocarbon Operations (LS551K)
-
30 Credit Points
A good knowledge and understanding of the commercial purpose and key features of the principal contracts used in the oil and gas industry is essential for an oil and gas lawyer. This course will examine the contracts entered into between the state and the commercial actors involved in the exploration for and production of oil an gas and the contracts entered into between the oil companies themselves, and those between oil and gas companies and the contractors making up the supply chain. The course will be taught by means of a mix of lectures, seminars and interactive workshops.
View detailed information about this course - Corporate Governance (LS5582)
-
30 Credit Points
This course will discuss the trajectory of the development of corporate governance over the past three decades, especially in the UK and the US, with a view to understanding the extent to which underlying theoretical assumptions and policy decisions impact legislative, regulatory and self-regulatory arrangements as well as reform options. Students will gain an understanding of why the company as a legal entity has the shape and form that it does; why certain actors are regarded as internal to corporate governance arrangements and others external; and why ongoing (and sometimes apparently futile) reform efforts take the form that they do.
View detailed information about this course - Carriage of Goods By Sea (LS5592)
-
30 Credit Points
We look at the issues arising from the use of a ship to transport goods from buyer to seller when each is based in a separate legal system. We examine the contract of affreightment; the relevance of charter parties; the possibilities offered by Bills of Lading and analogous ‘documents’ (whether electronic or not). We consider the law concerning a cargo claim as it may involve the Hague Rules, the Hague-Visby Rules, the Hamburg Rules. We also evaluate the Rotterdam Rules. We consider international commercial dispute resolution of cargo claims by arbitration and litigation.
View detailed information about this course - Cultural Property Issues: Law Art and Museums (LS55UU)
-
30 Credit Points
Taught by museum and law academics, this course will examine cultural property issues such as treasure trove, looting and repatriation, forgery, sacred and street art, and the derogatory treatment of art. Objects from the University Museum and collections worldwide will be drawn on to illustrate aspects of the course. Museum practice and operational experience will also inform certain aspects. Students will be encouraged to explore and develop their own ideas. Facilitating this, the course will include a programme of case studies and/or issue papers to be presented by students for class discussion.
View detailed information about this course - Commercial Tax Law and Policy (LS552N)
-
30 Credit Points
Tax law is an integral aspect of all international commercial activities; it is crucial for commercial lawyers to have an understanding of tax law even if they are not tax lawyers. This course is a tax law course for general commercial lawyers, providing a gentle introduction to the varieties of tax laws and policies. The course enables a general commercial lawyer to understand tax law and policy discussions, both as public policy concerns and as issues related to clients' commercial matters. The course covers the basics of tax models and introduces a variety of tax law systems, such as income tax, property tax, sales tax and VAT taxes. The course also explains how tax policy can affect corporate and commercial interests, such as the role of tax law in environmental protection, in energy resource stewardship, or in corporate social responsibility. In conclusion, the course is designed for general commercial lawyers to increase their professional skills and legal knowledge related to commercial tax law and policy.
View detailed information about this course - International Arbitration: Energy & Natural Resources (LS552Z)
-
30 Credit Points
The complex interaction between investment protection and the sovereign right of states to regulate has been most acute in the energy sector. On the one hand, investors require strong guarantees that states will respect the “rules of the game” that constitute the basis of their investments. On the other, states can be tempted to interfere with foreign energy investments because of their particular strategic and social importance. This course aims to analyse if existing investment disciplines are adapted to the specific regulatory risks that investors face in the energy landscape of the 21st Century.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 2
-
Semester 2
The Professional Skills module is delivered through an intensive summer school during June followed by a piece of writing. All students must complete the Professional Arbitration Skills module from June - August.
Compulsory Courses
- Professional Arbitration Skills (LS5905)
-
60 Credit Points
This course is taught over two weeks in June each year. It is highly practical and interactive, involving group discussion and debate, drafting, role play and presentations. Students are taken through the international arbitration process from drafting the arbitration clause, to jurisdiction, preliminary proceedings, the hearing, the award (judgement) and enforcing and challenging the award. Practitioners in international arbitration deliver some of the tuition. There is no exam, assessment is by presentation, preparing written arguments and award (arbitral judgement) writing. Successful completion of the course can lead to exemption from the Membership examinations of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 3
-
Semester 3
In September, January start will take courses starting with LS50
Optional Courses
In 2020-2021 WTO: GATT runs in both semesters. September start students must not choose this.
- Comparative Contract Law for International Transactions (LS502K)
-
30 Credit Points
When international commercial lawyers work with contracts, those contracts often engage parties from multiple countries with differing legal perspectives on how to interpret that same singular contract. This course is designed to enable commercial lawyers to understand how various legal traditions provide their own unique perspectives on a variety of contractual issues. The course will explore how different aspects of contract law can lead to unexpected differences or similarities across national legal cultures, enabling an international commercial lawyer to coordinate those issues for their clients. The course will focus on a variety of European legal systems, with additional discussions drawn from transnational contract law instruments such as the Principles of European Contract Law and the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods.
View detailed information about this course - International Intellectual Property: Framework and Challenges (LS502L)
-
30 Credit Points
Students will explore the diverse elements of law which constitue international intellectual property law. We will consider the historical development of international intellectual property rightds, framework of international treateis and organisation, copyright (with a particular focus on new developments in the digital age), geographical indications, patents and designs. Throughout the course, the challenge is to identify conflicts and synergies, and areas for future development, through regard to cases, scholarship, and the activities of policy makers and activists. Assesment is by an essay, an individual presentation adn discussion board submissions. Description: The course considers key issues relating to international intellectual property law which may vary from year to year consistent with the legal and social evolution of the fields; the course will explore copyrightt, georgraphical indiciations, patents, designs, and their relationship with regional and international treateis and international organisation; keyu themes will be drawn together in a practical presentation session.
View detailed information about this course - Copyright and Patents (LS502P)
-
30 Credit Points
This course is a substantive and critical analysis of two key areas of intellectual property law, copyright and patents, with a UK and European focus, and their impact on innovation and creativity. This course complements other innovation law LLM courses which focus on commercial, policy and sector matters.
View detailed information about this course - International Commercial Arbitration (LS5083)
-
30 Credit Points
The demand for international commercial arbitration has increased significantly over the last 20 years. Empirical surveys conducted consistently report figures that suggest around 60% of businesses prefer arbitration over other dispute resolution methods. This course provides students with a solid understanding of how arbitration works both in principle and in practice. Topics covered include the arbitration agreement, arbitral jurisdiction, the arbitral tribunal, applicable laws in arbitration, the arbitral procedure, and challenging and enforcing awards. Change Course Description to The demand for international commercial arbitration has increased significantly over the last 20 years. Empirical surveys conducted consistently report figures that suggest around 60% of businesses prefer arbitration over other dispute resolution methods. Hence, it is becoming more and more important for law students to get acquainted with the international arbitration framework. This course explores the theoretical and practical underpinnings of arbitral law and provides students with a holistic view on different aspects of the arbitral procedure. The main substantive topics are: (1) The Role of the Seat, (2) Arbitration Agreement and Arbitral Jurisdiction, (3) Applicable Substantive Law, (4) The Arbitral Tribunal, (5) Arbitral Procedure and Evidence, (6) The Arbitral Award. The topics have been chosen to give students a good knowledge of international commercial arbitration law. The teaching pattern comprises recorded lectures and seminars at which the above-mentioned topics are discussed in depth. Besides the essential reading for the lectures, students are provided with relevant case law and different scenarios/questions for discussion at seminars. The course also provides a lecture on the introduction to international commercial arbitration.
View detailed information about this course - World Trade Organisation: Gatt (LS5098)
-
30 Credit Points
The course aims to provide a thorough and critical understanding of fundamental concepts, principles and institutions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with emphasis on trade in goods (GATT). The main topics covered include relevant historical and institutional developments, WTO dispute resolution, core principles such as the non-discrimination, most-favour-nation (MFN) and the prohibition of quantitative restrictions on international trade. The security, environment, human rights, labour standards, economic emergencies and free trade areas and customs unions based exceptions and their challenges are also analytically explored. These are studied in light of relevant WTO panel and Appellate Body cases and recommendations.
View detailed information about this course
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £21,500 Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year Home / RUK £11,300 Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year - LLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September View
-
Programme Information
- Semester 1
-
Semester 1
All students must complete Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship at the start of the programme.
All students must take two LS50xx courses and two LS55xx courses.
Compulsory Courses
Students must complete LS501T and either LS5083 or LS5085 or LS5585 (semester 2).
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS501T)
-
This compulsory course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which would be required to excel in LLM-Taught courses. It commences with a few lectures and progresses to working in a workshop environment and finally to the submission of an individual assignment. It also incorporates elements such as library workshops to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.
View detailed information about this course - International Commercial Arbitration (LS5083)
-
30 Credit Points
The demand for international commercial arbitration has increased significantly over the last 20 years. Empirical surveys conducted consistently report figures that suggest around 60% of businesses prefer arbitration over other dispute resolution methods. This course provides students with a solid understanding of how arbitration works both in principle and in practice. Topics covered include the arbitration agreement, arbitral jurisdiction, the arbitral tribunal, applicable laws in arbitration, the arbitral procedure, and challenging and enforcing awards. Change Course Description to The demand for international commercial arbitration has increased significantly over the last 20 years. Empirical surveys conducted consistently report figures that suggest around 60% of businesses prefer arbitration over other dispute resolution methods. Hence, it is becoming more and more important for law students to get acquainted with the international arbitration framework. This course explores the theoretical and practical underpinnings of arbitral law and provides students with a holistic view on different aspects of the arbitral procedure. The main substantive topics are: (1) The Role of the Seat, (2) Arbitration Agreement and Arbitral Jurisdiction, (3) Applicable Substantive Law, (4) The Arbitral Tribunal, (5) Arbitral Procedure and Evidence, (6) The Arbitral Award. The topics have been chosen to give students a good knowledge of international commercial arbitration law. The teaching pattern comprises recorded lectures and seminars at which the above-mentioned topics are discussed in depth. Besides the essential reading for the lectures, students are provided with relevant case law and different scenarios/questions for discussion at seminars. The course also provides a lecture on the introduction to international commercial arbitration.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
Thereafter three optional courses must be selected from the list below and in semester 2. Students may not select both LS5083 and LS5085 together.
Alternatively, one of your three choices could be selected from another LLM programme (excluding LS501E, and LS551K).
- Comparative Contract Law for International Transactions (LS502K)
-
30 Credit Points
When international commercial lawyers work with contracts, those contracts often engage parties from multiple countries with differing legal perspectives on how to interpret that same singular contract. This course is designed to enable commercial lawyers to understand how various legal traditions provide their own unique perspectives on a variety of contractual issues. The course will explore how different aspects of contract law can lead to unexpected differences or similarities across national legal cultures, enabling an international commercial lawyer to coordinate those issues for their clients. The course will focus on a variety of European legal systems, with additional discussions drawn from transnational contract law instruments such as the Principles of European Contract Law and the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods.
View detailed information about this course - International Intellectual Property: Framework and Challenges (LS502L)
-
30 Credit Points
Students will explore the diverse elements of law which constitue international intellectual property law. We will consider the historical development of international intellectual property rightds, framework of international treateis and organisation, copyright (with a particular focus on new developments in the digital age), geographical indications, patents and designs. Throughout the course, the challenge is to identify conflicts and synergies, and areas for future development, through regard to cases, scholarship, and the activities of policy makers and activists. Assesment is by an essay, an individual presentation adn discussion board submissions. Description: The course considers key issues relating to international intellectual property law which may vary from year to year consistent with the legal and social evolution of the fields; the course will explore copyrightt, georgraphical indiciations, patents, designs, and their relationship with regional and international treateis and international organisation; keyu themes will be drawn together in a practical presentation session.
View detailed information about this course - Copyright and Patents (LS502P)
-
30 Credit Points
This course is a substantive and critical analysis of two key areas of intellectual property law, copyright and patents, with a UK and European focus, and their impact on innovation and creativity. This course complements other innovation law LLM courses which focus on commercial, policy and sector matters.
View detailed information about this course - World Trade Organisation: Gatt (LS5098)
-
30 Credit Points
The course aims to provide a thorough and critical understanding of fundamental concepts, principles and institutions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with emphasis on trade in goods (GATT). The main topics covered include relevant historical and institutional developments, WTO dispute resolution, core principles such as the non-discrimination, most-favour-nation (MFN) and the prohibition of quantitative restrictions on international trade. The security, environment, human rights, labour standards, economic emergencies and free trade areas and customs unions based exceptions and their challenges are also analytically explored. These are studied in light of relevant WTO panel and Appellate Body cases and recommendations.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 2
-
Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
Students must complete LS501T and either LS5083 or LS5085 or LS552P (semester 2).
- International Arbitration: Energy & Natural Resources (LS552Z)
-
30 Credit Points
The complex interaction between investment protection and the sovereign right of states to regulate has been most acute in the energy sector. On the one hand, investors require strong guarantees that states will respect the “rules of the game” that constitute the basis of their investments. On the other, states can be tempted to interfere with foreign energy investments because of their particular strategic and social importance. This course aims to analyse if existing investment disciplines are adapted to the specific regulatory risks that investors face in the energy landscape of the 21st Century.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
- Contracting in Hydrocarbon Operations (LS551K)
-
30 Credit Points
A good knowledge and understanding of the commercial purpose and key features of the principal contracts used in the oil and gas industry is essential for an oil and gas lawyer. This course will examine the contracts entered into between the state and the commercial actors involved in the exploration for and production of oil an gas and the contracts entered into between the oil companies themselves, and those between oil and gas companies and the contractors making up the supply chain. The course will be taught by means of a mix of lectures, seminars and interactive workshops.
View detailed information about this course - Corporate Environmental Liability (LS551L)
-
30 Credit Points
Corporate environmental liability is a significant area of concern not only for those corporations engaged in activities which exhibit environmental risk but society as whole. An efficient, effective liability regime must be present to ensure that corporations do not shirk their financial liabilities. The course draws attention to the conflicting goals of corporate law (i.e. the limitation of liability) and environmental law (i.e. ensuring that polluters pay for damage caused) and encourages students to consider and develop solutions to this problem. Whilst the course focuses on EU environmental law, many of the concepts covered are relevant to other jurisdictions.
View detailed information about this course - Commercial Tax Law and Policy (LS552N)
-
30 Credit Points
Tax law is an integral aspect of all international commercial activities; it is crucial for commercial lawyers to have an understanding of tax law even if they are not tax lawyers. This course is a tax law course for general commercial lawyers, providing a gentle introduction to the varieties of tax laws and policies. The course enables a general commercial lawyer to understand tax law and policy discussions, both as public policy concerns and as issues related to clients' commercial matters. The course covers the basics of tax models and introduces a variety of tax law systems, such as income tax, property tax, sales tax and VAT taxes. The course also explains how tax policy can affect corporate and commercial interests, such as the role of tax law in environmental protection, in energy resource stewardship, or in corporate social responsibility. In conclusion, the course is designed for general commercial lawyers to increase their professional skills and legal knowledge related to commercial tax law and policy.
View detailed information about this course - Corporate Governance (LS5582)
-
30 Credit Points
This course will discuss the trajectory of the development of corporate governance over the past three decades, especially in the UK and the US, with a view to understanding the extent to which underlying theoretical assumptions and policy decisions impact legislative, regulatory and self-regulatory arrangements as well as reform options. Students will gain an understanding of why the company as a legal entity has the shape and form that it does; why certain actors are regarded as internal to corporate governance arrangements and others external; and why ongoing (and sometimes apparently futile) reform efforts take the form that they do.
View detailed information about this course - Trade Marks and Brand Development (LS5584)
-
30 Credit Points
This course tracks the ongoing interactions between trade mark and related laws on the one hand and the social and commercial practices of branding on the other. Through the use of cases and contemporary examples throughout, the course views trade mark and related laws within their historical, current, and developing social and commercial contexts. It offers a critical view of certain developments in the laws, their roles in and responses to the evolving practices of branding. It provides students with both an analytical and a practical view on the protection of trade mark and related rights.
View detailed information about this course - International Trade and Finance Law (LS5588)
-
30 Credit Points
This course considers issues relating to international trade and finance law and addresses the legal and commercial aspects of export-import transactions. It covers trade risks and risk assessment, the law and practice relating to international sale of goods, carriage of goods and insurance matters, international trade finance, digitalisation of international trade and international commercial dispute resolution.
View detailed information about this course - Carriage of Goods By Sea (LS5592)
-
30 Credit Points
We look at the issues arising from the use of a ship to transport goods from buyer to seller when each is based in a separate legal system. We examine the contract of affreightment; the relevance of charter parties; the possibilities offered by Bills of Lading and analogous ‘documents’ (whether electronic or not). We consider the law concerning a cargo claim as it may involve the Hague Rules, the Hague-Visby Rules, the Hamburg Rules. We also evaluate the Rotterdam Rules. We consider international commercial dispute resolution of cargo claims by arbitration and litigation.
View detailed information about this course - Commercialising Innovation and Law (LS5595)
-
30 Credit Points
Students will explore the diversity of laws and practices relevant to commercialising innovation. We will consider patents, trade secrets, copyright and database rights, new business models, competition, natural resources and activities in developing areas. Visiting speakers from practice and industry are regularly invited. In the first session, students develop an innovative idea, as a base for discussion in each session. Seminars involve individual and group work, and the preparation of posters.
View detailed information about this course - Cultural Property Issues: Law Art and Museums (LS55UU)
-
30 Credit Points
Taught by museum and law academics, this course will examine cultural property issues such as treasure trove, looting and repatriation, forgery, sacred and street art, and the derogatory treatment of art. Objects from the University Museum and collections worldwide will be drawn on to illustrate aspects of the course. Museum practice and operational experience will also inform certain aspects. Students will be encouraged to explore and develop their own ideas. Facilitating this, the course will include a programme of case studies and/or issue papers to be presented by students for class discussion.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 3
-
Semester 3
The Professional Skills module is delivered through an intensive summer school during June followed by a piece of writing. All students must complete the Professional Arbitration Skills module from June - August.
Compulsory Courses
- Professional Arbitration Skills (LS5905)
-
60 Credit Points
This course is taught over two weeks in June each year. It is highly practical and interactive, involving group discussion and debate, drafting, role play and presentations. Students are taken through the international arbitration process from drafting the arbitration clause, to jurisdiction, preliminary proceedings, the hearing, the award (judgement) and enforcing and challenging the award. Practitioners in international arbitration deliver some of the tuition. There is no exam, assessment is by presentation, preparing written arguments and award (arbitral judgement) writing. Successful completion of the course can lead to exemption from the Membership examinations of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
View detailed information about this course
Programme Fees
Please refer to our InfoHub Tuition Fees page for fee information for this programme, or contact law-pg-enquiries@abdn.ac.uk.
International Commercial Law with Professional Skills
Qualification
Duration
Learning Mode
Study Mode
Start Month
Location
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
Using experiential teaching techniques, the University Law School aims to sharpen your practical and professional skills that will enable you to demonstrate your value to potential employers. Teaching is organised on a modular basis with the professional skills module delivered through an intensive summer school.
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Courses are assessed through essays, presentations, role play, group work and project work. The variety of assessments in the programme ensures that students apply theory to practical situations in order to become expert at being able to analyse and reason issues thoroughly.
The Professional Skills module is assessed through a combination of attendance and participation in classes, preparatory work, a simulated practical exercise and submission of a final piece of extended writing.
Why Study International Commercial Law with Professional Skills?
Ever since the University’s opening in 1495, the Law School has played a pivotal role in Aberdeen’s history - and there’s no substitute for experience.
- The School of Law is ranked 6th in the UK for Law (The Complete University Guide 2021).
-
There are over 40 nationalities within the School of Law postgraduate community, so you will benefit from the experiences of international students from all over the world.
Students choose to study Law at Aberdeen because of our reputation for academic excellence and unrivalled student experience. At Aberdeen, you will:
- Gain an advanced understanding of commercial law within an international context, enabling you to apply for jobs around the world as an adviser and consultant
- Benefit from being taught by an internationally renowned teaching staff and authors of major international agreements
- Have the opportunity to study the full spectrum of international commercial law across wide ranging markets. We are located in Aberdeen, Europe's energy capital, a world cosmopolitan dynamic city with worldwide links in energy, healthcare and international tourism
Lecturers regularly provide consultancy, policy work at international level and publish in The International Review of Intellectual Property and Competition, Journal of the Copyright Society of the USA, Law International and Comparative Law Quarterly, Modern Law Review and many other publications.
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Prospective students requiring a visa to study in the UK are advised to apply as early as possible to secure a place. Applications received after 31 July (September intake) or 2 November (January intake) from students who need to apply for a visa will not be processed in time for entry, but will be considered for entry into the next intake as appropriate.
Submitting a CV with the application is optional.
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Normally a 2:1 honours degree in Law (or another related discipline) or equivalent. Relevant practical experience in the field of commercial law will also be beneficial.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
- Reference
- a reference letter from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employer, or another professional person
International Applicants
Fee Information
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The SFC Postgraduate tuition fee scholarship may be available for those classified as Home/EU fee status students for this programme. Visit the scholarship page for more information.
The James Carnegie maintenance scholarship for postgraduate students is available with this degree.
Scholarships
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship (EU)
The Aberdeen Global Scholarship is open to European Union (EU) students.
This is a £2,000 tuition fee discount available to eligible self-funded Postgraduate Masters students who are classed as International fee status and are domiciled in the EU, plus another £3,000 discount for eligible Postgraduate Masters students who would have previously been eligible for Home fees (Scottish/EU) fee status.
View Aberdeen Global ScholarshipCareers
Studying International Commercial Law at Aberdeen will prepare you for a range of careers, some of which include jobs in energy or finance law. This LLM programme will give you the professional and international commercial awareness skills to pursue a career in any country.
Employment
Intellectual Property Law Advisor/ Solicitor
- Legal Counsel (Global business)
- General Counsel (Global business)
- Commercial Solicitor / Lawyer
- Litigation Counsel
- Barrister
- Partner in Accountancy firms
- Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer
- Company Director and Secretary
- Business Investment Analysts
- HR and General Managers
What our Alumni Say
Chirat Keawchaum
Our Experts
You will be taught by and have access to a number of experts, many of whom are internationally renowned within their respective fields. These will include members of the Centre for Commercial Law.
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Facilities
Taylor Library
The School of Law has its own dedicated law library, Taylor Library, which is located within the Law School building, offering access to the Law collection, Official Publications and the European Documentation Centre.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
School of Law
University of Aberdeen
Taylor Building
Aberdeen
AB24 3UB