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LLM International Business Law

Gain expert knowledge of global business law with the University of Essex’s online LLM in International Business Law. Explore trade law, competition regulation, and intellectual property to develop essential legal research skills and advance your career.

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Time investment: 2 years

Location: Online

Cost: £12,858 International Price £13,427

Language: English

About this degree

Discover how business law works on an international scale

Unlock the door to a world of international legal landscapes with our Master of Law in International Business Law from the University of Essex Online.

Tailored to help you venture into the complexities of international legal systems, this programme will ensure you gain a profound understanding of global business laws.

Over two flexible years, this part-time degree offers an immersion in the nuances of international competition law, trade organisations, and the intellectual property rights that govern the 21st-century global enterprise. The expertly designed curriculum arms you with both theoretical insights and practical methodologies that are pivotal for success in today’s interconnected business environments.

Master international business law for a global career

Throughout your studies, you’ll explore key modules such as the Law of the World Trade Organisation and International Competition Law, providing you with a comprehensive foundation for navigating complex legal terrains.

Furthermore, modules on Legal Research Skills and Methods will equip you with the advanced research capabilities essential for effective legal analysis. The programme’s flexibility allows you to tailor your learning with optional modules such as Intellectual Property Law or International Commercial Arbitration Dispute Resolution, enabling you to focus on areas that align with your career goals.

Advance your legal career in diverse industries

Equip yourself for a myriad of career opportunities across sectors demanding sophisticated legal expertise. The distinctive design of this master’s will help you gain analytical and research skills, which can serve as a springboard for roles in international arbitration, trade regulation, or intellectual property management, ensuring you stand out in the competitive global job market.

Where you’ll be studying

Studying at the University of Essex Online

The University of Essex Online offers over 80 industry-led undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, computing, criminology, education, health, law and psychology.

Teaching is delivered 100% online and students benefit from a flexible approach to learning that allows them to fit study around their other commitments. Degrees are awarded by the University of Essex – ranked 12th in the Guardian University Guide 2026.

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Learning outcomes

Understand the principles of transnational contract law.

Delve into competition law and how it’s implemented at a national and international level.

Gain an understanding of the operation of the World Trade Organisation.

Learn the skills to manage insecurity and risk in international legal relations.

Gain an overview of design law.

Additional information

In order to satisfy the academic entry route, you’ll need an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification. To satisfy the work experience entry route, you must have at least three years’ relevant work experience.

If English isn’t your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

This programme is exclusively part-time, crafted to span over two academic years, providing you with a balanced pace that complements professional commitments. You will immerse yourself in an extensive array of learning activities scheduled to cover each 20-credit module over approximately ten weeks.

The programme’s cornerstone is the International Business Law Dissertation, a 60-credit endeavour where you will apply your cumulative learning to a real-world legal challenge. This critical component of your degree not only serves as a capstone project but also enhances your research skills, preparing you for the complexities and demands of legal practice or further academic pursuits.

The other assessments include a blend of coursework, projects, and the unique dissertation module, all designed to fit flexibly around your personal and professional obligations.

Upon completion, you can pursue a variety of roles such as:

International Legal Consultant: Guide multinational corporations through a myriad of international legal challenges and regulatory hurdles.
Corporate Lawyer: Specialise in advising companies on business transactions, governance structures, and contractual documents.
Policy Advisor: Engage with policy formulation and interpretation for international bodies needing legal insight.
Intellectual Property Manager: Protect and leverage intellectual assets within global enterprises, navigating the complexities of IP law.
International Arbitrator: Resolve cross-border disputes with superior expertise in international arbitration practices.