Master of Laws International Commercial Law and Arbitration

Why choose Herts?

Benefit from our strong industry links with law firms and specialists
Expert teaching led by practicing solicitors and barristers
Real-life scenario experience in our £10m Law Building which includes a full-scale replica Crown Court Room

A first degree in Law (or a subject in a related discipline, such as Business, Political Science or International Relations) at a minimum of 2:2. Or, an overseas qualification which is equivalent to a UK Honours degree, minimum 2:2 classification.

You must satisfy the University’s English language requirement for the course, which is a GCSE grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure), or IELTS at 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. Find out about country-specific qualifications

Contact our Admissions Tutor at lawadmissions@herts.ac.uk to further discuss entry requirements.


Institution code	H36
School of study	Hertfordshire Law School
Course length	Full Time, 1 Years Part Time, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability

Careers

Careers within the area of international disputes both private and public and in organisations of all types and sizes.

Specialists in international commerce with knowledge and skills to mediate in the area of international disputes are in demand in both private and public sector organisations of all types and sizes. Successful completion of this masters degree will enable you to explore avenues into working as an in-house lawyer, in consultancy, or progress in academia or research careers.

Specialists in international commerce with the knowledge and skills to mediate in the area of international disputes are in demand in all sectors of industry.

Students with ideas for a new business, or wishing to grow an existing business, can access the support and networks of our University’s Enterprise Team. Our award-winning Enterprise Hub building on de Havilland campus, which has been part-funded by the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and our status as a University Enterprise Zone, reinforce an entrepreneurial vision that runs through the University.

Support is available for early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs to use as and when it suits their needs, alongside access to our academic experts, talented graduates, facilities and equipment.

Work placement

This course has a work experience and placement year study route available.

About the course

Our LLM International Commercial Law and Arbitration degree is the ideal course to equip you for a specialist career in the area of international commerce. The combination of compulsory and optional modules will ensure that you build a solid ground within your chosen specialism.

You’ll study two compulsory modules: International Commercial Arbitration and International Commercial Law (your compulsory module).

International Commercial Law covers topics such as the choice of law and jurisdiction clauses, the different types of international contracts and their respective implications for the parties involved, the international conventions applicable to international commerce, shipping law, the role of documentation, and finance and marine insurance.

The International Commercial Arbitration module will examine arbitration as an alternative means of alternative dispute resolution. The role and appointment of arbitrators, arbitral awards, the arbitral procedure and the challenges to the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards are some of the topics you will study.

This course is ideal for students with an interest in the area of international commerce. The combination of compulsory and optional modules will ensure that you build a solid ground within your chosen specialism.

Why choose this course?

We have excellent relationships with arbitrators and academics in the commercial and dispute resolution fields, including our links with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
We focus on ‘hot topics’ to ensure you have knowledge that will be of particular relevance to your future employers!
Industry guest speakers are invited to share their experiences with our students to provide insight into your future career choices.

Expect to develop a range of law skills, including:

Research skills using a range of sources, including verbal questioning
Evaluation skills
Ability to interpret and explain complex information clearly
Analytical skills
Reasoning and critical judgement skills
Ability to formulate sound arguments
Lateral thinking and problem-solving skills
Ability to write concisely
Confident and persuasive oral communication skills
Attention to detail
Ability to draft formal documents with precision

These skills are in demand, connect with the graduate attributes outlined by the university and enable students to demonstrate their professional capability in a number of sectors and roles through the competency and strength-based evidence required throughout your interview and career development process.

Class seminars are supported by practical work, group discussions, role plays and debates to develop your vital skills of negotiation, persuasion, presentation and teamwork.

Students benefit from networking opportunities and have guest lectures led by credible industry professionals
You’ll be taught by expert law specialists, practicing solicitors and barristers
Gain experience of real-life law scenarios in our £10m Law Building which includes a full-scale replica Crown Court Room.
Benefit from pastoral support throughout the course
Participate in active law society events
Be part of an engaging Law School community
Partake in a wide range of employability boosting co-curricular
Access careers support for the duration of your degree and four years following graduation
Hertfordshire Law School teaching is up-to-date regularly reviewed and updated to ensure your degree remains relevant in today’s rapidly changing international commercial environment
Learn and socialise within our College Lane campus, LRC, £10m Law Building with a full-scale replica Crown Court Room, Law Court social area, Enterprise Hub, Café Ambition and beautiful well-maintained green spaces
3rd for law in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024)

What will I study?

Taught by specialists in their field and underpinned by cutting-edge research
This course is focused on developing your intellectual, transferable, interpersonal and practical skills required in the world of international commerce
We have a blended learning approach across all of our programmes, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity.
Hertfordshire Law School sustain a strategic focus around community, inclusivity, diversity of opportunity and employability in line with the University strategic objective (2020-25) of ‘Transforming Lives’ through the three pillars of Offering Opportunity, Building Community and Embracing Flexibility.

You have optional modules available enabling you to tailor your course to your career goals and interests.
You'll leave with core skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the world of International Commercial Law and Arbitration.
We emphasise importance of authentic assessment where students are assessed in a manner designed to replicate aspects of situations and tasks they may face in the workplace.

In addition to the compulsory and optional modules, the University’s co-curricular programme is specially designed to enhance your skills.

You’ll have opportunity to gain client-facing casework experience working within our award-winning pro-bono Law Clinic providing community-based legal services.
Gain co-curricular and pro bono activity experience across commercial awareness, adjudication, mediation, advocacy, mooting and legal technology, design & innovation.
Our PhD academic staff are Qualified Barristers and Solicitors, Judges, Competition Law experts and Legal Risk Consultants
Our teaching staff provide a wide range of skills and experience. Our connections with Law Firms and Industry ensure we remain up to date with legal and commercial developments.

We are very proud of our diverse student population and an active partner in inclusive futures
LLM students will have access to our inclusive futures fair in semester A

Students are well-placed in our Hertfordshire base to easily visit London and explore important legal landmarks such as the Supreme Court, Houses of Parliament, Royal Courts of Justice and the Inns of Court, to name but a few.
You have opportunities to attend Legal Talks and Conferences relating to your choice specialism.
Enjoy a digitally enhanced blended learning experience making full use of technology and using authentic activities and assessments to ensure you develop skills and understanding needed in your future career.
Students with interest in mooting and advocacy can gain ‘real life’ experience of litigation in action in our replica Crown Court.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Banking Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module will allow students to develop an understanding of the role of Banks in our economy and certain regulatory and supervisory regimes that apply to them. You will analyse the nature of the Banker-Customer relationship and examine the impact of new electronic payments systems on the Banking industry. You will also consider developments within Money Laundering Regulations and the issue of Bank resolution with reference to the global financial crisis.
International Financial Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module will allow students to compare the approach of different jurisdictions to key aspects of financial law. You will examine aspects of the regulation and supervision of financial institutions (particularly in response to the global financial crisis), explore aspects of the International Financial Architecture and evaluate the role of Credit Rating Agencies. You will also examine the nature of certain key debt and financial instruments including International Bonds and Syndicated Loan Agreements. You will be encouraged to research and discuss emerging legal issues relating to International Financial Law.
Data Protection Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module will enable you to examine the development of data protection law as a distinct area of legal practice. You will explore the current data protection legislation in the UK and the EU and its implementation through case law, real-life examples and scenarios. In this context, you will examine the key concepts of the data protection law, such as the notion of informed consent and transparency requirements in the face of continuous technological developments, e.g. Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and the Internet of Things. You will also consider in detail the obligations placed on data controllers, as well as the rights enjoyed by individual data subjects. Furthermore, the module involves the analysis of various policy challenges posed by Brexit such as in relation to international data transfers.
Medical Law and Ethics	30 Credits	Optional
On this course, you will examine a wide range of both medical law and bioethics, with an international perspective. Included in the module will be medical negligence and legal and ethical dilemmas regarding patients consent to medical treatment including Advance Decisions and treatment of the incompetent patient. You will then consider medical law and ethics from birth to death . Beginning with new and emerging assisted reproductive technologies that have global application to the start of life then turns to subjects such as abortion. Highly topical issues and relevant issues to the global society such as organ donation will be explored before moving onto the end of life which will include, examination of the law and ethics of assisted suicide in the UK and other countries and other end of life issues. You will also examine any new emerging technologies/areas of law in this fast-developing area of law and ethics globally.
Employment Law	30 Credits	Optional
In this course, you will look at the concept of employment status, particularly in the light of new ways of working and possible reform. You will be considering both express and implied terms of a contract of employment, along with possible ways to vary them and the implications thereof. You will analyse current Equality Law. The law relating to dismissal in its various forms will also be considered. You will also study remedies available for various claims.
Legal Risk and Compliance	30 Credits	Optional
Legal Risk is an atypical practically-oriented module that attempts to place the student into the role and mindset of an in-house adviser undertaking the evolving dual legal / commercial role within the risk / compliance paradigm. Seminars are structured with a view to student-focussed participation and discussion and bookended with a structured set of pre-seminar and post seminar tasks to enable students to consider and evaluate issues and topics of the week both in advance and consolidate and reflect after seminar sessions.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Law	30 Credits	Optional
You will study Copyright Law which is an Intellectual Property right providing its owner with the exclusive right to use a creative work such as, written, audio-visual, musical, or dramatic works, with some exceptions. Over the years, copyright law has gone through great changes to keep up with advances in technology and media. Current developments in AI technology raise new issues concerning the scope and purpose of copyright protection. Copyright is relevant to AI in multiple ways. Machine learning technology learns from data that might be protected by copyright. Moreover, some AI systems can also autonomously generate new works, which might be copyright protected. Additionally, AI technology is also used to identify and prevent online copyright infringement. By striking the right balance between, on the one hand, the interests of innovators and, on the other hand, the wider public interest, copyright and Artificial Intelligence aims to foster an environment where innovation and creativity can flourish.
Public International Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module considers the nature, sources, and mechanisms of public international law. It examines the role of the state and international institutions and engages students with contemporary international law challenges and encourages them to reflect on their geopolitical implications.
Private International Law	30 Credits	Optional
The subject comprises of the general principles of private international law and the role of connecting factors (domicile/residence etc.) while moving on to the three substantive areas (a) jurisdiction (b) choice of law (c) recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. Students are encouraged to read and consider the content of primary materials and to reflect on the difficult litigation that may sometimes arise in this area of law, acknowledging how the nature of the subject has changed from being concerned with the propertied expatriate to the multinational operations of a globalised world.
International Human Rights Law	30 Credits	Optional
The module provides a rigorous and stimulating, theoretical and practical understanding of human rights law from a comparative and cross-cultural perspective. Students will examine theoretical and philosophical discussions on human rights, international law on human rights, as well as regional systems of protection and the effectiveness of the United Nations system. In this module, students will focus on civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights and will use certain case studies from around the world to demonstrate the relevance and applicability of international human rights law.
Intellectual Property Law	30 Credits	Optional
Intellectual Property (IP) can be defined as creations of the mind - everything from works of art to inventions, computer programs to trademarks and other commercial signs. The purpose of the various fields of Intellectual Property Law is to deter others from copying or taking advantage of the works or reputations of another and provide remedies should this occur. Intellectual Property is protected in law by, for instance, trademarks, copyright and patents that allow individuals to gain financial benefit or recognition from what they create or invent. By striking a fair balance between, on the one hand, the interests of innovators and, on the other hand, the wider public interest, Intellectual Property aims to foster an environment where innovation and creativity can flourish.
International Commercial Law	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module will examine the choice of law/jurisdiction clauses, the different types of international commercial contracts and the respective implications for the parties involved. In the module, you will also examine the various international conventions applicable to international commerce as well as the role of documentation through a consideration of bill of lading. Finally, marine insurance and the typical method of financing used in international commerce will be discussed in detail.
International Commercial Arbitration Law	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces you to International Commercial Arbitration and its use as an alternative means of dispute resolution. You will study the origins of arbitration, tracing its use to the present day; how an arbitral tribunal is composed and the various rules and laws that apply in arbitral proceedings, as well as the arbitral procedure from start to finish. You will gain an insight into the role of arbitrators, how awards are granted and how they can be challenged. By the end of the module, you will have extensive knowledge of international commercial arbitration.
Clinical Legal Education and Research	60 Credits	Optional
Students are given the opportunity to take part in one or more pro bono projects to develop their practical and professional skills. This may include working in Hertfordshire Law Clinic, taking part in Streetlaw projects, shadowing solicitors at the Employment tribunal or county court, or volunteering with an external pro bono project such as the Free Representation Unit. Students wanting to rely on volunteering with an external project for this module will need to seek prior approval from the module leader to ensure that they will have the opportunity to gain appropriate experience and will receive suitable supervision. Students will work under supervision and will carry out a range of tasks which may include interviewing clients, conducting legal research, drafting and representing clients at a tribunal. The module will also explore ethical issues, ensuring that students are able to identify and act in accordance with the core duties of professional conduct and ethics. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their progress in their pro bono project(s) Students will strengthen their time-management, teamwork, organisational, communication and employability skills.
Crimes of the Powerful	30 Credits	Optional
To limit criminological blindness on how crime is defined and/or considered, studies have sought to broaden the criminological discourse on criminality and examined crimes or harm committed by the powerful in society. Crimes of the elite cover a range of harmful activities, crimes committed by the powerful and states have harmed, killed, injured, robbed, and sexually violated more people than non-state violent crime/terrorism, and this pattern continues. This module will enable students to examine crimes/harm perpetrated by the state and individuals who hold a significant social/political authority. Students will be challenged to examine the full dimensions of crimes of the elite as one of the social problems within society. The module will generally include state crime, human rights with human security, war crime, and human rights, historical and contemporary forms of mass violence, corruption, hate crime, cooperate crimes, and the international mechanisms designed to prevent large-scale social harms.
GLOBAL POLICING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT	30 Credits	Optional
Global law enforcement operates within a complex and interconnected world to respond to crime by sourcing their efforts within an international legal framework to enforce national criminal law. This module aims to enable students to examine law enforcement in different cultural contexts (i.e., Europe, Africa, Asia, North America), a comparative analysis between the policing systems. The respective social, cultural, and political systems that influence social order and control will be considered. The module traces the development of international, transnational and EU legal frameworks on law enforcement cooperation. Develop conceptual and critical insights into contemporary issues in the theory, policy, and practice of law enforcement, and apply the knowledge to own jurisdictions. Key concepts include the development of global policing, global policing power, theorising global policing, law enforcement models and procedural requirements in different jurisdictions. The module considers the nature of global policing, police cooperation strategies and underlying legal frameworks.
Company Law	30 Credits	Optional
In this module, you will focus on the fundamental and contemporary aspects of company law. You will learn and develop your knowledge of the internal operations of a company, ranging its incorporation, the rights and duties of shareholders and directors, the governance of the firm and remedies available to the company. You will also critically evaluate the nature of its separate legal personality and consider the agency problem.
Research Methods and Skills	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module prepares you for undertaking independent research in your chosen modules, as well as an individual research dissertation in your chosen field. The aim is to provide the opportunity for students to develop and apply postgraduate level skills of independent research, analysis, evaluation, writing and presentation. You will examine different legal and other research methods and assess their relevance to your own independent research and practice.
LLM Dissertation	60 Credits	Compulsory
The dissertation requires you to select a topic relevant to one of your LLM module choices. Guidance is given on topic selection. Students are allocated a supervisor for their dissertation to provide them with support and some formative feedback. Supervision meetings are documented through diary sheets completed by both parties.

Further course information

Course fact sheets
LLM International Commercial Law and Arbitration	Download

Programme specifications
LLM International Commercial Law and Arbitration	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £13545 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1130 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
- £865 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1370 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1370 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
Fees 2025
UK Students
Full time
- £14400 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time
- £1200 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
- £915 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £17250 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time
- £1440 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £17250 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time
- £1440 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
15/01/2025	01/01/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
23/01/2025	31/01/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
26/09/2025	30/09/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
15/01/2026	01/01/2027	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
26/09/2025	30/05/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)
23/01/2026	31/01/2027	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)

2026

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
26/09/2026	30/09/2027	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
15/01/2027	01/01/2028	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
26/09/2026	30/05/2027	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)
23/01/2027	31/01/2028	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)

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Master of Laws International Commercial Law and Arbitration

Why choose Herts?

Careers

Work placement

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

2025

2026