LL.M. International Business and Law

Program Overview

The LL.M. International Business and Law program at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), United Kingdom, is a specialized postgraduate degree designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal and commercial frameworks that govern international business. The program equips students with the critical knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective roles in the dynamic international law and business arenas, preparing them either as practitioners or academics pursuing further research. It uniquely combines an in-depth study of core concepts and theories in international law and business with practical training in alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration, crucial for navigating complex cross-border transactions. This innovative approach aims to develop individuals who can engage in complex legal issues, refine their skills, and contribute to meaningful legal and business change on a global scale. The course is suitable for graduates with a Law degree or a joint honours degree where Law is a major component, and may also consider applicants with relevant work experience.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the LL.M. International Business and Law program is designed to offer a blend of foundational legal and business knowledge with advanced research and practical skills. Core modules typically include "Strategy and Globalisation," "Advanced Legal Research Methods," "Global Economics and International Finance," "Current Legal Issues in International Business," "Public International Law," 1 and "Investment Treaty Arbitration." The program culminates in a substantial dissertation, allowing students to undertake independent research on a topical international business law issue under the supervision of academic experts. Learning is delivered through a blended strategy, combining lectures, seminars, and in-class activities, alongside extensive independent study. Students will engage in complex mooting and oral presentations, and gain practical experience through opportunities like the Mediation Clinic, developing key skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and practice-based writing. Assessments are primarily coursework-based, including essays, reports, portfolios, and presentations.  

Research Focus: Canterbury Christ Church University, particularly through its School of Law and the Business School, maintains a strong research focus that underpins the LL.M. International Business and Law program. The course is characterized by its academic-driven approach, with modules informed by the research, expertise, and experience of the highly qualified and research-active academic team. While specific, detailed research projects of the faculty are not extensively outlined on public course pages, the program’s emphasis on "Advanced Legal Research Methods" and the dissertation component ensures that students are encouraged to engage in rigorous, original research on current issues in international business law. This focus prepares students for high-level academic research or for roles as senior researchers or policy advisors for NGOs and other organizations.

Industry Engagement: The LL.M. International Business and Law program at CCCU is designed with significant industry relevance to prepare graduates for professional practice. The curriculum integrates learning from guest lectures led by industry specialists, providing students with direct insights into real-world international business and legal challenges. The program explicitly introduces students to alternatives to the judicial process, such as mediation and arbitration, upon which key actors in the field increasingly rely, offering practical knowledge of their procedural application. Furthermore, engaging in complex moots and oral presentations simulates real-life scenarios, allowing students to argue points of law convincingly. While direct placements are not a stated component, the emphasis on developing skills like problem-solving, academic writing, and practice-based writing ensures that graduates are equipped with competencies highly desired by employers in the international law and business sectors.

Global Perspective: The LL.M. International Business and Law program at Canterbury Christ Church University offers an inherently global perspective, essential for navigating the interconnected world of international commerce. The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of the commercial world by developing knowledge of international law and international business in tandem, recognizing that as the global economy grows, legal frameworks must adapt to constant change. Modules such as "Strategy and Globalisation," "Global Economics and International Finance," "Public International Law," and "Investment Treaty Arbitration" directly address cross-border issues, international regulations, and global economic interactions. The program encourages engagement with diverse experiences and practices from different countries and cultural backgrounds, which is central to understanding the complexities of international law and business. This global outlook prepares graduates for effective roles within multinational corporations, international organizations, law firms with global practices, or for further academic research in this dynamic international field.