International Trade Law LLM

Course overview

Develop a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the legal frameworks governing global trade.

The International Trade Law LLM provides a dynamic platform to expand your theoretical understanding and apply this knowledge in practical scenarios, equipping you with the skills to navigate the complexities of international trade.

Combining legal and academic learning with the development of key research, you’ll be equipped with the professional skills necessary for your future career.

You’ll critically evaluate legal rules and policies, undertake independent research, and effectively articulate your arguments, while developing transferable skills such as critical thinking, time management, and advanced communication abilities.

The course provides you with a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of the laws governing international trade, thereby preparing you for careers in academia, legal practice, supranational organisations and industry.

This course is offered within the dynamic Centre for Business Law and Practice (CBLP) with all the facilities that a leading research-led university offers.

This includes opportunities for co-curricular activities that enhance transferable skills and develop your knowledge of the law and its impact on the wider world.

The CBLP offers a wide range of experience and expertise in several fields. It has links to the business community through, for example, the Advisory Board, which includes practitioners among its members. Industry and professional speakers regularly participate in conference and seminar events, which you’re encouraged to attend.

The Centre includes amongst its members internationally renowned researchers, and several teaching staff who are qualified in the legal profession.

Studying in the School of Law

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Course details

Compulsory modules studied will give you the opportunity to:

• examine the framework of international law governing the economic relations between states

• analyse bilateral investment and free trade treaties, and explore regional trade agreements

• investigate the workings of World Trade Organisation law

• study international trade regulation.

These modules will also enable you to hone your legal research and writing skills, culminating in your dissertation – an independent piece of research on your chosen topic.

Optional modules offer a further range of specialisations, including banking, corporate finance, trade finance, competition and tax law. This modular structure provides you with the flexibility to pursue specific areas of interest within the realm of international trade law.

Our School-based Skills Team will help you to develop the key academic skills necessary to thrive on your course. Through one-to-one appointments, we offer individual skills development advice for your module assessments, dissertation and wider studies. Our workshop series also offers training in key skills areas, including critical thinking, researching, planning, time management and editing. These skills will help you both during your studies and in the workplace.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read International Trade Law LLM in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

You will also choose 60 credits from the below:

Learning and teaching

At Leeds we use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies and develop the specialist skills that will become indispensable in your career.

These will include a range of seminars and lectures in which a high level of student engagement and discussion is expected plus online learning.

Independent study is integral to this course – not just to prepare for classes but to develop research and other critical skills. You’ll be expected to carry out advanced levels of legal research and participate fully in seminars.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment is undertaken by a variety of methods but typically involves the writing of an essay at the end of each module. We assess the dissertation through your submission of a written piece of work of up to 10,000 words.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent in law or a related subject such as banking, finance, economics, or business.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read  Language for Law (6 weeks) and Language for Social Sciences and Arts: Law (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

International – Friday 27 June 2025

UK – Friday 15 August 2025

If you intend to apply for funding, you should submit an application for a place on your chosen course at least one month before any specific scholarship deadline.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you will need include:

• original or certified copies of your transcripts in English and the original language
• original or certified copies of your degree certificate in English and the original language
• original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language) or an equivalent English language test.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Law

Contact us

School of Law Postgraduate Admissions Office

Email: pglaw@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £13,750 (Total)

International: £28,250 (Total)

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

The School of Law usually offers a number of scholarships each year. Find out more about the scholarships we offer

Career opportunities

From day one, we encourage you to think beyond your time at Leeds and reflect on a meaningful career.

This course will enable you to embark upon a career in legal practice, or any career where success is built upon the ability to understand, analyse and respond to developments in international trade law.

Graduates have secured employment as lawyers, legal managers and international trade consultants. Many also pursue further study by commencing PhD research.

Careers support

The School of Law offers career and personal development support through the School’s dedicated Employability Officers. You can book one-to-one appointments with our Employability Officers throughout the year to discuss your career aspirations and get advice on how to make the most of your time with us.

The School also arranges a number of community engagement (pro bono) and work experience opportunities, career development workshops, guest speaker events and careers fairs throughout the year. These opportunities will allow you to develop new skills, enhance your career prospects and network with prospective employers.

Find out more about how we support your career development.

In addition to the School-specific careers support, you’ll also have access to the University’s award-winning Careers Centre. It offers one-to-one appointments, advice on starting your own business, careers events, mentoring schemes and support with your CV, applications and interviews.

Find out more about the Careers Service