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Overview
Brunel Language Centre is British Council Accredited and recognised by the English Language Gazette as a Centre of Excellence.
The Brunel International Commercial Law LLM is designed for graduates seeking to gain a solid foundation in this growing discipline.
Our wide choice of elective modules exploring commercial law in both European and international contexts allows you to tailor your programme to focus on your specialist area and career objectives.
As international trade expands and grows, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with the advanced, specialised training needed to keep abreast with new regulatory realities, so your International Commercial Law LLM will make you a sought-after prospect by law firms, businesses and government bodies.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
Find out about what progress might look like at each stage of study here: Research degree progress structure.
The International Commercial Law LLM consists of optional modules and a 15,000 word dissertation on a legal topic of your choice.
- Full-time students should complete four modules per term, excluding the dissertation.
- Part-time students should complete two modules per term, excluding the dissertation.
- Part time students can choose to take any of the optional modules in either your first or second year of study.
You can gain valuable work experience while studying postgraduate law at Brunel. Optional work placements (6-12 months) and internships (4-12 weeks) are available and you can choose to start your course in January or September and study full-time or part-time, depending on your needs and specific requirements.
Compulsory
- LX5500 - Dissertation A 15,000 word assignment to enable you to acquire a well-developed knowledge and understanding of an area of law within the scope of your programme and to improve skills in legal research and writing.
- 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.
- LX5655 - International Commercial Law
This module aims to introduce students to the general framework of international commercial law. You'll learn the law of international sale contracts and related matters, including cross-border dispute resolution, transport, and broader social concerns such as labour and corruption.
Optional
- LX5528 - International Environmental LawThis module allows you to study and assess the core legal provisions and principles relating to the environmental law of the International community of States and the European Union, and to study and assess developments in specific areas or sectors of concerned with environmental protection.
- LX5650 - Contemporary Themes in Intellectual Property Law and PolicyThis module covers the contemporary issues arising around Intellectual Property Law and Policy. It adopts an international and comparative analysis to observe the role of intellectual property right in the knowledge-based economy and society, its shifting boundaries, overlapping aspects and trends towards harmonisation and globalisation as well as internationalisation of enforcement of IP rights.
- LX5663 - Comparative Corporate Law
This module deals with key issues of corporate law from an international perspective and focuses on theoretical and practical underpinnings of modern corporations that are applicable across the globe.
- LX5664 - Principles of Corporate Law
This module builds on a general understanding of the foundations of UK corporate law and examines particular topics, in particular corporate governance, protection of minority shareholders and directors’ duties.
- LX5609 - Theory of International Financial RegulationThis module addresses the function and significance of national and international financial markets; the international legal framework for international financial markets; the role of international financial organisations; and national financial regulation in a global context.
- LX5616 - Privacy and Data ProtectionThis module aims to provide you with essential knowledge about the theoretical rationales and policy arguments for both privacy and data protection.
- LX5617 - Principles of International Commercial ArbitrationProviding 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.
- LX5624 - Internet Law I - Substantive Legal IssuesThis module intends to examine the nature of the Internet and its impact on commerce. It covers subjective legal issues of Internet Law and it analyses relevant international regulatory framework in response to the development of new technologies.
- LX5646 - International Intellectual Property LawThis module will focus on the international developments in Intellectual Property law. You will review the policy implications of the globalisation of intellectual property rights. This will include the study of WIPO treaties and the TRIPs Agreement as well as bilateral and multi-lateral agreements (such as ACTA).
- LX5612 - World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Human Rights LawThis module aims to allow you to understand that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is often accused of, at best, not paying enough attention to human rights or, at worst, facilitating and perpetuating human rights abuses particularly its impact on poor people within developing States. It also aims to allow you to undertake a detailed analysis of the main human rights concerns relating to the WTO. These include the alleged democratic deficit within the WTO and the impact of WTO rules on the right to health, labour rights, the right to food, and on questions of poverty and development.
- LX5619 - Practice of International Financial RegulationThis module addresses the function and significance of national and international financial markets; the international legal framework for international financial markets; the role of international financial organisations; and national financial regulation in a global context.
- LX5653 - European and International Media LawThis module will prepare you to deal with a variety of complex legal aspects of media law and regulation from comparative and international legal perspectives. It will be particularly useful and will provide an attractive alternative for IP students less interested in patent law and wishing to deepen their understanding in the area of soft IP.
- LX5652 - Principles of International Investment Arbitration
To provide an understanding of the law governing international investment arbitration.
- LX5649 - International Dispute Settlement
This module focuses on the complexities of private international law in the context of commercial disputes with international elements. Students will receive advanced instruction on key aspects of private international law relevant to international commercial litigation. The module critically examines jurisdictional rules applied by courts, the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, and the laws governing the substance of international commercial disputes. Through this module, students will gain a deep understanding of the legal challenges and solutions in international commercial litigation.
- LX5661 Energy Law
The module will examine how states and the international community, in particular the United Nations, have responded to various challenges for the energy sector and attempted to find solutions.
- LX5658 Banking and Tech LawRecently, banks and other financial institutions have made considerable investments in financial technologies. This is inevitably changing the industry from a business and regulatory perspective. This module will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the interplay between the banking industry and the technological world.
- 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.
- 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.
- LX5666 Artificial Intelligence, Law and EthicsThis 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).
- LX5647 - Business and Human RightsThis module addresses the links between business (broadly understood) and human rights. It seeks to identify how corporations (including supply chains), investment, trade liberalisation, sovereign debt and intellectual property affect the enjoyment of human rights.
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
How to apply
Click the 'Apply now' button on this page. You’ll be prompted to tell us the module you’d like to apply for in your application form. Make sure you tell us about your module choice so we can make a decision on your application more quickly. You’ll be able to find the details of the different modules you can apply for on this webpage. Once we have received your completed application we will assess it and contact you by email with the outcome.
If you have enrolled on a CPPD course previously and would like to join another module, there is no need to submit another application. Instead, you should contact the Taught Programmes Office for the department you want to join and provide them with the details of the module you want to study. They will be able to provide you with more information on what you need to do.
Careers and your future
You will receive tailored careers support during your PhD and for up to three years after you complete your research at Brunel. We encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online information and advice, one-to-one consultations and a range of events and workshops. The Professional Development Centre runs a varied programme of careers events throughout the academic year. These include industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer pop-ups and skills workshops.
In addition, where available, you may be able to undertake some paid work as we recognise that teaching and learning support duties represent an important professional and career development opportunity.
You will leave Brunel with a firm grounding in law and with solid legal knowledge allowing you to be flexible in your future choices. While many of our students specialise to enhance their legal practice work, others are sought after by government agencies, the private commercial sector (such as in-house lawyers) and non-governmental organisations where a background in commercial law is valued.
Our students in recent years went on to pursue careers in range of high-profile organisations such as Dentons, White and Case LLP, Lloyds Banking Group, European Parliament, ECDC- Ocean Accelerator Inc. and Patent and Trademark Clinic (PTC).
You can study this course starting in January or September and it has full-time and part time study modes as well as placement options.
UK entry requirements
- A 2:2 (or above) UK Honours degree, or equivalent internationally recognised qualification, in Law or related discipline including: Management, Business Administration, Economics and Finance, International Relations, Political Sciences, Criminology/Criminal Justice.
- Applicants with other qualifications or with relevant work-related experience, will be considered on an individual basis.
If your qualification isn't listed above, please contact the Admissions Office by emailing admissions@brunel.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1895 265265 to check whether it's accepted and to find out what a typical offer might be.
Brunel's committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We'll fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants, as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
Pre-master's course
The pre-master's course has been designed to prepare international students who have not qualified for direct entry to Brunel University London's Master's degrees. Undertaking a pre-master's course will give you time to adjust to the rigorous research and independent study requirements of a postgraduate degree. This will ensure you get the most out of your master's studies at Brunel University London and go on to achieve graduation in your chosen field.See details.
EU and 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: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all)
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.
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
2026/27 entry
UK
£14,435 full-time
£7,215 part-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£22,320 full-time
£11,160 part-time
£1,385 placement year
All Brunel Pathway College course fees may be subject to a review. Brunel University London fees are a guide only and are subject to change.
A fee will be charged for each module of study.
The cost of the fee will depend on the size of the module (10 credits, 15 credits, 20 credits or 30 credits).
Please refer to the Fees for Associate module students for the latest fees.
If you choose to apply we will confirm the fee to you when we make you an offer and you will be invoiced for the fee once you enrol.
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Home undergraduate student fees for this programme are £9,535 for the foundation year. UK Government policy currently caps Home undergraduate fees at £9,535, and any future increases will be subject to changes in government policy. International fees may change annually in line with RPI, or 5%, whichever is the greater.
There is a range of financial support available to help you fund your studies. Find out about foundation student funding options
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,535 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy.
For the 2026/27 academic year, tuition fees for home students will be £9,790, subject to Parliamentary approval.
In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap. The Government has confirmed that this will be £9,790 for 2026/27 and £10,050 for 2027/28 (subject to Parliamentary approval).
From 2028 onwards, the fee cap is expected to rise annually in line with inflation. This means your tuition fees in future years may increase to reflect these changes.
International fees may change annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Some courses incur additional course related costs. You can also check our on-campus accommodation costs for more information on living expenses.
Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. Recently the UK Government made available the Doctoral Student Loans of up to £25,000 for UK and EU students and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.
More information on any additional course-related costs.
See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
You'll be taught by experts in your field of study, and you'll have the opportunity to interact and engage with academics and your fellow students throughout your programme.
Your programme will consist of a variety of learning and studying activities, including lectures and seminars which will be delivered in person on campus. These will be supported by a number of online learning and studying activities when appropriate to provide a rich and dynamic experience. At LLM level, students will study four 15 credit modules each term for two terms across the academic year.
Each module will have on average eight two-hour in person contact time per week in seminars, workshops or lectures. After the end of the taught part of the programme, there is the dissertation. All students will also have the opportunity to seek guidance during the feedback and consultation hours of their lecturers (2, 1-hour slots every week). It is expected that students will regularly attend these events, as sustained engagement with a learning community is a central dimension of the Brunel experience.
Additionally, students can seek support in individual meetings with their personal tutors, both on campus and online. There will also be regular cohort meetings and student society events at both programme and departmental levels.
You'll be taught by experts in your field of study, and you'll have the opportunity to interact and engage with academics and your fellow students throughout your programme.
Your programme will consist of a variety of learning and studying activities including lectures and seminars which will be delivered in person on campus. These will be supported by a number of online learning and studying activities when appropriate to provide a rich and dynamic experience. In Levels 5 students will study four 30 credit modules for two terms across the academic year. Each module will have on average two-to-three hours in person contact time per week in lectures and seminars. In Level 6 students will study four 20 credit modules and the dissertation module. Each module will have on average two hours in person in lectures, seminars or workshops. All students will also have the opportunity to seek guidance during module lecturers’ feedback and consultation hours. Additionally, students can seek support in individual meetings with their personal tutors, both on campus and online. There will also be regular cohort meetings and student society events, at both programme and departmental levels.
It is expected that students will regularly attend these events, as sustained engagement with a learning community is a central dimension of the Brunel experience.
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.
Brunel has a strong research status. The 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) rated the majority (72.7%) of our research activity as either world-leading or internationally excellent. Our research was rated 58th globally for research impact. This robust culture provides a dynamic space for students to learn and contribute to current knowledge.
Your International Commercial Law LLM modules will be delivered through seminars with two hours of teaching per module a week alongside your own self-directed study. Optional modules have class sizes of 10-12 students, and compulsory modules have class sizes of around 25 on average.
You’ll also learn through:
- Research centre activities and research trips
- Contributing to newsletters
- Making oral presentations
- Attending law film screenings
- Participating in debating events and reading group sessions.
You'll receive your timetable in advance of the course starting. Part-time study is based on a full-time timetable with one less module per semester.
Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.
Assessment and feedback
All modules are assessed through a variety of diverse and authentic assessment methods. Guidance and support is offered to all students ahead of the assessment periods. General and personalised feedback is also available after the assessment periods and the publication of the results.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.