This pathway enables you to understand the complex issues emerging in the area of international trade. In the modern world it is vital to understand the principles and main tenets of international trade; such as tariffs and customs regulation, as well as understanding how it affects societies, regions, and the environment.
This is a new pathway for students starting in 2018, highlighting the depth of Birmingham Law School's research strengths in International Trade Law.
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This pathway draws on our research strengths in the areas of international trade law, EU law, law of comparative regional integration and transnational economic relations more widely. The principal focus is on the multilateral trading system and the law of the World Trade Organisation. Our modules will allow you to develop in-depth specialisation in key related areas, such as the environment, public procurement, or competition law.
This pathway is an excellent choice for those who want to grasp the foundations of international trade, but also engage with critical contemporary issues. This pathway will also provide a unique opportunity for deeper understanding of the challenges facing the United Kingdom in the Brexit context.
Students can choose their remaining three modules from the full Birmingham LLM Module list.
For 2018 entry, Birmingham Law School is offering a range of scholarships to applicants for the taught LLM programmes.
Applicants should have a good Honours degree in law, or a degree in another discipline augmented with a pass in the Common Professional Examination.
Academic requirements: we accept a range of qualifications from different countries – our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.
English language requirements : for this course we ask for IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, or PTE with 67 in all four skills. If you are made an offer of a place to study and you do not meet the language requirement, you have the option to enrol on our English for Academic Purposes Presessional course – if you successfully complete the course, you will be able to fulfil the language requirement without retaking a language qualification.
All applications should be made to the LLM General Pathway. If you are successful in obtaining an offer and choose Birmingham for your LLM, you will be asked to confirm your pathway and relevant module choices on arrival at the Law School. You will be sent information to support your decisions before arrival.
Our LLM programmes run from September to September. As a full-time student, you will typically take three modules in each term, followed by your dissertation. Depending on the modules you take, you can typically expect six hours of classroom time per week, two per module. If you are a part-time student, you will typically take three modules across each year, followed by your dissertation.
Birmingham offers small-group teaching on the LLM, and students opting for popular modules with large groups of students will receive (where possible) additional teaching time: classes will be split into two separate seminar groups so as to provide an equal opportunity for class interaction compared to those in smaller modules.
The LLM pathways enable you to develop expertise in a range of subjects. You will acquire a systematic understanding of these along with a critical appreciation of the problems that arise in these fields. You will be encouraged to demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge together with a practical understanding of how established research techniques are used to create and interpret knowledge.
At the start of the course there is a comprehensive welcome and induction programme designed to help you settle in and gain an understanding of the Birmingham LLM. You will familiarise yourself with the various ways in which we can support you throughout the year to ensure that your LLM course is an exciting and rewarding experience.
Students can register for modules before arrival as well as at the start of the academic year. As part of the induction process you will get the opportunity to learn more about the various modules available and make choices that correspond to your interests.
All the LLM pathways may be taken part-time and completed over a period of two years. This mode of study is particularly suitable for barristers and solicitors who wish to combine professional practice with university-level study, gaining CPD points in the process.
Classes for part-time students on the LLM will be scheduled between 9am-6pm and students will typically have between 2-4 hours of teaching each week. Fees are the same as for full-time study but are split over two years.
For students from outside the UK, there will be an opportunity during induction to familiarise themselves with the English legal system, as it forms the basis for the modules on offer. The Birmingham International Academy (BIA) provides a range of support in reading and writing academic English.
Our graduates move onto a diverse range of careers, with many going on to work in top law schools and law firms. Some examples of where our recent graduates have gone on to work include: Linklaters LLP, 5 Pump Court Chambers, Bar Pro Bono Unit and Squire Patton Boggs. A number of our postgraduate students go directly from Birmingham to complete the Legal Practice Course or the Bar Professional Training Course.
The Law School maintains strong links with the professional world, through our network of alumni and contacts in the barristers' and solicitors' professions. These links allow us to put on a series of law careers events throughout the academic year.
Each autumn, the University hosts the Law Fair, in which we welcome over 50 law firms, including some of the largest law firms in the world, to the University's Great Hall. The attendees represent law firms of all sizes and most areas of practice.
Each year, the Law School hosts an "Employability Fortnight". The events which run in this fortnight have included an Applications Process Panel Session, a Midlands Circuit Court Visit followed by an Inner Temple Drinks Reception in the evening, an Alternative Dispute Resolution Workshop by Herbert Smith, and dedicated Careers Advice Drop-in Sessions.
The Careers Network organises regular events including presentations by top law firms and the annual Law Fair. It also runs workshops to help students prepare effective applications and to prepare for their next move. Its events on non-law careers, including journalism, marketing and working with charities, can be of interest to law students.
The Law School organises a range of mooting opportunities and students have the opportunity to participate (a moot is a mock trial of a legal issue). The Moot Room is a state-of-the-art court room, complete with audio-visual equipment for recording moots. The Law School operates four mooting competitions, and students regularly represent the University at regional and national competitions, with notable success.