Overview
On the International Arbitration LLM, you'll gain advanced knowledge in one of the most dynamic and globally relevant areas of legal practice. The programme is designed for law graduates and professionals who want specialist expertise, combining rigorous academic study with practical perspectives drawn from real arbitration practice.
You'll explore international commercial arbitration, investment arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, while examining contemporary issues such as artificial intelligence in arbitration, cross‑border dispute resolution and the role of human rights in global arbitration systems. Through research‑led teaching, case analysis and practical problem‑solving, you'll develop high‑level analytical, advocacy, negotiation and legal research skills that prepares you to work confidently in international and multidisciplinary environments.
A distinctive part of your experience is Brunel’s strong engagement with the legal profession. Because you’re studying in London - one of the world’s leading centres for international arbitration - you'll benefit from guest lectures and practitioner‑led sessions delivered by arbitrators, counsel and academics. It’s a chance to learn from experts, expand your network and stay close to current developments in global dispute resolution.
You can also choose a placement option. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in a professional setting, typically at a law firm, and gain practical insight into how international arbitration and cross‑border disputes are managed day to day. Brunel Careers - Student Professional Development supports you in finding a placement, but placements aren’t guaranteed.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
You start by building a strong grounding in international commercial arbitration, investment arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. From there, you explore specialist areas that help you understand how arbitration operates across different legal, commercial and global contexts.
Across your modules, you examine how arbitral tribunals work, how parties negotiate and present arguments, and how international rules and institutions shape cross‑border dispute settlement. You also look at emerging themes such as AI in arbitration, sustainability and ESG, international finance, and global regulatory frameworks.
Throughout the programme, you apply your learning through case studies, research tasks and practical exercises that mirror real arbitration scenarios. You learn to analyse complex legal problems, construct persuasive arguments and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders – skills that are valuable across the legal profession and beyond.
Compulsory
- LX5500 - Dissertation
A 15,000-word assignment to enable you to acquire a well-developed knowledge and understanding of international arbitration and to improve skills in legal research and writing.
- LX5655 - International Commercial Law
In this module you will be introduced to the general framework of international commercial law, the law of international sale contracts and related matters, including cross-border dispute resolution, transport, and broader social concerns such as labour and corruption.
- LX5617 - Principles of International Commercial Arbitration
Providing an understanding of the general principles of international arbitration and a comparison of the main alternative dispute resolution processes – arbitration, mediation and adjudication, this module allows you to critically analyse the use of arbitration to resolve international business and commercial disputes.
- LX5652 - Principles of International Investment Arbitration
The module will provide an understanding of the principles and practices of international investment arbitration as it exists around the world.
It is divided in four elements that inform each other: (i) introduction, (ii) international investment law, (iii) investment arbitration, and (iv) post-award proceedings.
- LX5AAA - Alternative Dispute Resolution
The module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the key concepts of Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) types, i.e. arbitration, mediation, negotiation, conciliation and expert determination, with an emphasis on the practical skills required to work in the field.
Optional
- LX5613 - World Trade Organisation (WTO) LawProviding a thorough understanding of the basic rules in the world trading system under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and considering them in their economic, historical and political context. This module allows you to critically analyse the theoretical and political bases of trade liberalisation and the institutional background to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the WTO.
- LX5666 - Artificial Intelligence, Law and Ethics
This module is designed to explore the legal and ethical concerns raised by AI and innovations centred on it. It covers topics including the ethical compatibility of AI-driven decisions, AI and Credit Scoring, AI and Public Law including Administrative and Judicial Decisions.
The aim of the module is to provide students a solid understanding of the most significant legal, policy and ethical debates in these area by examining advanced literature, statutes, judicial and administrative decisions and soft laws (guidelines and recommendations).
- LX5672 - Corporate Responsibility, Sustainability and ESG
The module examines and critically analyses corporate responsibility, and the requirements of Sustainability and ESG in modern business and the international dimensions of these concepts.
- LX5657 Governance, Regulation and ComplianceThis module will introduce you to the foundations of compliance in a financial institution and financial department of a corporation, while also providing a comprehensive inspection of governance and regulatory risk approaches.
- LX5684 - International Environmental and Energy Law
This module explores the global legal frameworks that govern environmental protection and energy transition. You will examine international environmental governance, climate change law, and the growing recognition of human rights in environmental protection including rights of nature.
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
This LLM prepares you for careers in international arbitration and the wider field of cross‑border dispute resolution. You could work in arbitration or litigation teams at law firms, join arbitral institutions, or take on roles in in‑house legal teams within multinational businesses.
Your skills also translate well to government departments, regulatory bodies and international organisations, where expertise in global dispute settlement is increasingly valued. If you’re interested in further study, the programme provides a strong foundation for doctoral research in arbitration, international law or related fields.
You graduate with the confidence to work in international and multidisciplinary environments, and with the analytical, negotiation and communication skills that employers look for in arbitration practitioners and global legal professionals.
UK entry requirements
2026/7 entry
- A 2:2 (or above) UK Honours degree or equivalent internationally recognised qualification in Law or a related subject (International Relations, Political Science, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Business and Management, Finance, Accounting and Computer Science).
- Other related subjects and qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
- TOEFL: 5 (min 4.5 in all subscores)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2026/7 entry
UK
£14,435 full-time
£7,215 part-time
£1,955 placement year
International
£22,320 full-time
£11,160 part-time
£1,955 placement year
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
Your teaching takes place entirely on campus through interactive workshops rather than traditional lectures. This creates a collaborative learning environment where you’re encouraged to take an active role in shaping discussions and exploring complex legal issues.
Before each workshop, you’ll complete the recommended reading so that your time in class can focus on debate, case analysis and applying legal principles to real‑world scenarios. Working closely with your lecturer and your peers, you’ll challenge different perspectives, test arguments and build the confidence you need for professional practice.
All modules are supported through Brightspace, our virtual learning environment. Workshops aren’t recorded - to keep the experience fully face‑to‑face - but Brightspace gives you access to everything you need outside the classroom. You’ll find study guides, assessment briefs, reading lists, lecture slides, electronic resources from the library, multimedia materials and important announcements. It’s your central hub for staying organised and supported throughout the programme.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
You’ll learn by doing. Workshops are designed to be hands‑on and discussion‑led, giving you space to analyse cases, apply legal principles and develop well‑reasoned arguments. You’ll debate ideas, explore different viewpoints and practise the skills used in arbitration and dispute resolution every day.
Independent preparation is a key part of your learning. Completing the reading before each workshop means you arrive ready to contribute, question and engage. This approach helps you build strong critical thinking skills and encourages you to take ownership of your learning.
Throughout the course, you’ll work closely with your lecturer and classmates, developing your ability to communicate clearly, think strategically and respond confidently to complex legal problems. By combining guided teaching with active participation and independent study, you’ll grow into a reflective, capable and practice‑ready arbitration professional.
Assessment and feedback
Students' progress is assessed through a combination of formative and summative assessments designed to develop both academic knowledge and professional skills. Depending on the module, summative assessments may include coursework essays, problem-based legal tasks, legal memoranda, presentations, group projects and examinations. Formative assessment and feedback are embedded throughout the programme to support students' learning and development before they complete assessed work. The programme culminates in a dissertation, enabling students to undertake independent research on a topic of their choice within the field of international arbitration.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.