International Commercial and Corporate Law (LLM)

You’ll need a 2.1 degree in a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or at least 4 law modules in a bachelor’s degree.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.

This course includes campus-based, taught learning and a dissertation. You’ll complete your taught modules between October and June. Between June and September you’ll complete a supervised dissertation on a topic of your choosing.

You'll start this master's by completing an intensive, week-long introductory legal course on the common law. This means you’ll understand the way this important legal system works. During the taught element you must choose and complete a series of modules.

You may also choose a module/s from across our other postgraduate courses run by the Law School.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

There’s a strong focus on in-depth, practice-focused learning on this master’s degree.

Our small-group teaching through seminars and tutorials means you can analyse your chosen topics in detail.

Seminars and tutorials are structured around facts or issues relating to a particular case, or piece of research. You’re encouraged to explore and debate these topics, prepare presentations and sometimes argue a case in a simulated court hearing (a moot), in our purpose-built moot room.

Some modules may include:

• preparing a response to a public consultation
• examining the legal implications of new conventions
• drafting clauses to tackle potential problems

These activities enhance your legal skills and understanding. They’ll also help you to develop transferable skills including team working, critical appraisal and logical reasoning. Our diverse student group also gives you an insight into other cultures and the professional practices of your peers.

Assessment

We’ll feedback on your work during class to help you to identify your strengths and understand the areas you can improve.

Formal assessment varies by module, but will include exams and coursework as well as your dissertation.

Dissertation

An important part of all our LLM programmes is the dissertation. This is a significant research project.

Academic Support

We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.

When you graduate with us you’ll be well prepared to pursue careers in a variety of different industries around the world.

Working as lawyers in international law firms or ‘in-house’, in international commercial organisations, and working outside the legal sector, in government, insurance, finance, charitable organisations, consultancies and academia.

Firms who target Southampton graduates and regularly visit the Law School include:

• Campbell Johnson Clark
• Clyde & Co
• HFW
• Addleshaw Goddard
• White & Case
• Ince & Co
• Womble Bond Dickinson
• Burges Salmon

A number of global firms also have practices in international arbitration: 

• Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
• Skadden
• Allen & Overy
• Herbert Smith Freehills
• Hogan Lovells
• White & Case

You’ll also be invited to the Law Careers Fair where high-profile organisations and law firms attend.

Explore our LLM careers brochure for more typical job opportunities and qualifying as a barrister or solicitor in England and Wales.

This degree is also excellent preparation for further study at PhD level.

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £18,812.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

When you accept your offer to study on this course you’ll be asked to pay a deposit. This is non-refundable. The deposit amount is:

• UK/EU students: £250
• International students: £1,000

Full terms and conditions and details of how to pay this deposit will be sent to you in your offer letter.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK and EU nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries  may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000