Overview

We live in an increasingly global community, and commerce across borders continues to rise. Understanding how the law works on an international scale for business and commercial interactions is useful for a number of different roles.

Many undergraduate law degrees contain little content about international business law – so if you are a lawyer who wishes to specialise, this comprehensive degree in the field will help distinguish your skills amongst legal practitioner peers. For those of you in managerial roles whose companies span across national borders, this course will help your understanding of the minutiae of details relating to transnational commercial dealings. And for those who simply want to gain further understanding of the nature of international business law, this course will provide a thorough grounding in the relevant legal topics.

The course will delve into many legal topics including:

• the general principles of transnational contract law
• the remit, procedures and operation of the World Trade Organisation
• competition law and how it is implemented at a national and international level

You will also be able to tailor your course to your interests with a range of optional modules. You will round off your studies by conducting an original research project on the topic of your choice within the field. You will gather data, conduct analysis and create a well-written and thoughtful dissertation on the subject.

Teaching methods

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you will have access to your study materials 24/7, including:

• multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments
• discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students
• live Q&A sessions with your tutors
• a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals
• support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team

Assessment methods

Rather than fretting about exams, you will be assessed exclusively through assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, or by submitting longer written pieces.

We are committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback through the following ways:

• Our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent.
• You will always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme.
• You will be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log onto the learning platform.
• There is a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work.
• You will have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise.

Career prospects

The specialist legal knowledge you will gain is of particular use to those working within roles connected to global commerce, such as a lawyer within an international law firm, a multinational company doing business across borders, a governmental organisation regulating trade, or a research position looking into the future of business. The skills you gain will further enhance your CV to unlock senior role possibilities.

Qualified solicitors or barristers will also be able to use the skills and knowledge gained from studying the course to meet their annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.