International Commercial and Business Law - LLM
Join an exciting programme at the forefront of public debate and discover the key influences of international commercial and business law. Consider the importance of responsible business conduct and financial markets, as well as the complexities of international sales and the impacts of pandemics on the global economy. Our LLM investigates the principles of public international law, international business and commercial law in the context of trade and investment, allowing you to explore its dominance across transnational corporations, states, intergovernmental institutions, NGOS and individuals. You'll become equipped with core transferable skills applicable to governmental, non-governmental or private sector roles to become prepared for potential careers in law, civil services and business.
Month of entry
- September
Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
Fees for 2025/26 academic year
- UK - Full time £10,100 per year. Part time £5,600 per year.
International - £17,700 per year.
Duration of study
- Full time - 1 year, Part time - 2 years, Modular - up to 5 years
Why study International Commercial and Business Law at Keele University?
Course summary
From international sales to corporate social responsibility, advance your career with an LLM at Keele that specialises in contemporary issues within political, economical and social contexts. Our LLM aims to equip you with a solid grounding of theoretical knowledge in the field of international commercial and business law. We adopt an interdisciplinary approach, enabling you to benefit from teaching in the School of Law, Keele Business School and the Language Centre through compulsory and optional module choice.
Our programme offers critical insight into the nature, function and development of public international law, including institutions and sources to evaluate international law as a distinct legal system. Consider how businesses operate across borders, looking into the economic, political, and technological forces driving globalisation and their impact on business strategies. You will also gain an understanding of the principles and theories of world trade law, investment law and transnational commercial law to analyse the complexities of international sales, corporate responsibility and development.
We prepare you to study the legal and regulatory regimes governing responsible international business, cross-border economic activity, trade, investment and the challenges of international dispute resolution. This preparation will demonstrate your systematic knowledge and analytical thinking. These are valuable skills, applicable to a range of different careers where you will be able to demonstrate your awareness of current issues and new insights across the field of international commercial and business law.
With several industries tackling complex issues of transnational law, you will become high in demand across sectors such as governments, NGO's, businesses and law firms as well as international institutions that require professional expertise, with a global perspective.
Related courses
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Course structure
The LLM can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, with a September start date. It is also possible to study more flexibly part-time on a modular basis, accumulating degree credits by taking individual modules over a period of maximum of five years.
You will complete 180 credits to obtain the master’s qualification, studying four compulsory modules (including the Dissertation) and one optional module. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a placement in a relevant organisation and take one of the language modules offered by the Language Centre.
The information below outlines a one-year full-time study schedule.
Modules
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Compulsory modules
Principles of International Law
You will gain a comprehensive and critical insight into the nature, function and development of public international law. We will explore the institutions, sources and general principles that form its foundation. You will be equipped to evaluate international law as a distinct legal system and understand how it differs from domestic legal frameworks. You will also be positioned to critically assess the various achievements and limitations of international law.
International Business Context
You will explore the theories and practicalities of globalisation, international trade, and investment, focusing on how businesses operate across borders. This module examines the economic, political, and technological forces driving globalisation and their impact on business strategies. You will gain insights into sustainability, cultural challenges, and strategies to address global opportunities and risks in an ever-evolving business environment.
International Economic and Commercial Law
You will be equipped with knowledge and understanding of the principles and theories of world trade law, international investment law and transnational commercial law. You will be encouraged to think critically about topics, such as GATT/WTO law, trade and environment/development, electronic commerce, investment standards of protection, corporate social responsibility and investment, investor-state dispute resolution, conflict of laws, international sale of goods and international commercial arbitration.
Research Methods and Dissertation
Research Methods and Dissertation provides you with the necessary training to conduct independent research on an approved subject in which you have a particular interest. In order to meet the criteria for the programme, dissertations must cover the topic of the area of specialism, i.e. International Commercial and Business Law. You will develop confidence in research skills, design and methodology in order to demonstrate critical analyses and systematic knowledge of your research topic.
Optional modules
You will choose one of the following modules:
International Strategy and Operations
This module examines the relationship between international strategy and operations management in global business environments. You will explore frameworks and models that guide strategic decision-making and operational efficiency, addressing challenges and opportunities in diverse markets. Emphasising critical thinking and practical application, the module focuses on analysing competitive dynamics, optimising operations, and developing strategies to enhance global performance.
International Human Rights Law
You will learn about the main features of international human rights law. The module is split into two distinct yet complementary sections: the ‘Foundations of International Human Rights Law’ and ‘Challenges to Human Rights’. This first section of the module covers a range of issues essential to understanding the development of international human rights law and the challenges connected hereto. The second section draws upon research expertise including women’s rights, children’s rights, migration and climate change.
International Environmental and Climate Law
This module offers a critical perspective on the development of international environmental law. Drawing on a range of legal, policy and other literatures, the module highlights key challenges facing the regulation of the global environment today. We will explore the history, development and sources of international environmental law; key instruments, rules and standards; questions related to compliance, effectiveness and enforcement; theories of environmental justice, as well as specific areas of regulation, with focus on the climate change regime.
Climate Crisis, Energy and World Economy
This module examines the measures taken to transform socio-economic and technical structures globally, driving economies towards sustainable transition pathways. The current climate emergency highlights the interconnectedness of these structures, underscoring the importance of addressing issues such as the links between water, energy, food, and ecosystems. Topics include trade-offs between energy security, affordability, and sustainability, climate migration, renewable energy incentives, and access to green financial products in developing countries. The module emphasises practical policy applications throughout.
Next steps
Entry requirements
Next steps
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any humanities or social science subject from a public university
or
CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any humanities or social science subject from a private university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any humanities or social science subject or 65% in a degree in any humanities or social science subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in any Humanities, or Social Science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience.
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any humanities or social science subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
Professional qualifications and work experience
The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.
Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
Funding
Living costs
Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and will help to reduce your living costs.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2025 start date falls in the 2024/25 academic year. Please see the January 2025 fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2025
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
Scholarships
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage for more information.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Next steps
Your career
The LLM in International Commercial and Business Law equips you with specialist knowledge of value to transnational law firms, multinational corporations, government agencies, and UN bodies. By developing your ability to undertake critical analysis, problem solve and present rational, coherent and accurate arguments orally and in writing, you’ll graduate with essential skills valued by legal and non-legal employers alike. You may wish to embark on a career in the governmental, non-governmental or private sector.
You will become equipped with advanced skills applicable to various roles, allowing you to demonstrate your expertise in legal concepts, principles and theories. The specialist research skills you learn also provide a strong foundation for pursuing further study at doctoral level for those interested in doing so.
You may wish to pursue a career as a:
- Barrister
- Consultant
- Lawyer
- Solicitor
- Arbitrator
- Regulatory Compliance Officer
- Academic/Teacher
- Journalist
- Policy Officer
- Social Worker
- Youth Worker
Next steps
Teaching, learning and assessment
How you'll be taught
Throughout the programme, you will engage with interactive teaching sessions including lectures, seminars and small group exercises. You will be encouraged to engage with discussions alongside peers and tutors as well as investigating case studies to apply your learning in practice.
As an LLM student, you will undertake extensive independent study to broaden your knowledge and expertise, involving reading and research to prepare you for various teaching and assessments. Our programme offers guidance and the opportunity to consult with teaching staff to discuss feedback and modules.
How you’ll be assessed
With a range of learning methods, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge gained throughout this programme through diverse assessments. These include:
- Research essays
- Reports
- Blog discussions
- Reviews/Reflective portfolios
- Examinations
- Dissertation
Having a mix of assessments enables you to illustrate your expertise and communication skills through written tasks, evidencing your understanding of specific topics across international law, human rights, commerce and business and the environment.
You will also complete an in-depth dissertation project of 15,000 - 20,000 words whereby you can specialise in an approved topic of your choice to conduct independent research and critical analysis.
Next steps
Keele Postgraduate Association
Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.
Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.
Our expertise
At Keele, you will be taught by academic staff with a wide range of expertise and research interests related to UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our diverse community of staff from across the world are committed to academic rigour and socially relevant scholarship and research.
Teaching team includes:
Dr Angelica Rutherford, Lecturer - Angelica’s research is interdisciplinary in nature. It lies at the intersection of international trade law, environmental law and business and human rights, focusing on the legal challenges with the commercialisation of emerging clean energy technologies and climate change.
Dr Mario Prost, Senior Lecturer – Mario is a former Board member of the European Society of International Law, and a founding member of its interest group on international environmental law. As well as his ongoing work on various aspects of international legal theory, Mario's current research focuses on the colonial history of (international) environmental law and critical approaches to transnational arbitration (with special emphasis on investor-state arbitration).
Dr Forough Ramezankhah, Lecturer – A former solicitor who specialised in Immigration and Nationality Law for a private law firm, Forough was awarded her PhD in Law at Keele in 2013 and has taught here ever since. Forough is particularly dedicated to work with asylum seekers and refugees on voluntary basis. Commitment to support this vulnerable group has been at the heart of her approach to academic study and voluntary work.
Dr Emma Allen, Lecturer – Emma is a generalist public international law scholar. Her current research focuses specifically on questions pertaining to statehood, self-determination, state responsibility, international environmental law and the international law of the sea. She researches the unique challenges presented to the community of Pacific small low-lying islands by climate change and, since 2018, has been a member of the International Law Association Committee on International Law and Sea Level Rise.
Dr Elizabeth Faulkner, Lecturer – Elizabeth’s interests are in international child law, human rights, crime, and the law, specialising in human trafficking, modern slavery, exploitation, sexual violence, and contemporary legal responses to children’s rights, specifically focusing upon the movement, agency, and the exploitation of children during the 20th and 21st century. She currently acts as Coordinator for the Emerging Scholars and Practitioners on Migration Issues (ESPMI) Network, which brings together emerging scholars, practitioners, policymakers, journalists, artists, and all those involved in forced migration and refugee studies.
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Facilities
Based in the Chancellor’s Building, at the heart of campus, we offer a range of student learning resources and facilities. This includes our Moot Room, a model courtroom used for extra-curricular mooting activities, and a room dedicated for postgraduate taught students. Equipped with networked pcs, an adjustable workstation and a meeting table, it’s a great place to continue your discussions or chat between classes.
The Law library in the main University library also has an extensive range of electronic resources and online legal databases, and stocks a range of law journals, professional resources, case reports, statutes, text books and research monographs.
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