Introducing LLM International Business Law - University of Liverpool Online
Professor Padraig McAuliffe from the University of Liverpool and Aref Hussein from Kaplan Open Learning explain all about the online LLM in International Business Law. They talk us through what the course offers, who it's for, and how it helps students to enhance their legal and business expertise
What makes this course unique?
The curriculum ensures that all module content reflects the most current developments in international business law, including recent laws, regulatory frameworks, and case law. This guarantees that students engage with knowledge and practices that are highly applicable in today’s global legal environment.
The programme is delivered fully online and part time, making it ideal for working professionals seeking to advance their expertise without compromising their career commitments.
Its design is underpinned by three key principles:
active learning
authentic assessment
collaborative peer engagement.
These elements foster practical application of legal concepts and encourage meaningful interaction among students. The learning journey is facilitated using our cutting edge virtual learning environment.
Support for learners is robust and multi-layered. Academic guidance is provided by the Academic Team at Kaplan Open Learning and faculty members, who respond promptly to queries and offer one-to-one meetings. Additionally, Student Services act as the first point of contact for non-academic matters. A dedicated Study Skills team provides ongoing support in referencing, and academic writing.
This combination of cutting-edge content, flexible delivery, and comprehensive support makes the programme uniquely positioned to meet the needs of modern legal professionals.
How does studying online work?
Each module is divided into units that include a lecturecast. Every unit is supported by a reading list, split into required and additional resources, all accessible through the University of Liverpool e-library.
You will also participate in two live seminars per module, typically in weeks two and seven. These two-hour sessions allow you to interact with your faculty and peers, discuss seminar questions, and clarify upcoming assessments. Recordings are available for those unable to attend live.
Weekly formative activities, such as case studies, discussion forums, debates, and quizzes, help reinforce your understanding. Immediate automated feedback ensures you learn from each exercise.
This blended approach of lecturecasts, live interaction, and continuous formative engagement creates a dynamic and supportive online learning experience.
What type of student would suit this course?
The LLM in International Business Law is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their CV, pivot into a new legal-business direction, or deepen existing expertise by adding a global business perspective. It suits those working - or aspiring to work - in:
government and regulatory positions
national or international corporate environments
senior management roles.
The programme welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds; prior legal study is not required, though law graduates are also well supported.
The LLM might be particularly appealing to those who require flexibility in their studies, such as working professionals or those located in different parts of the world. Most obviously, it would suit law graduates who have completed a law degree and wish to specialise in international business law.
Furthermore, legal professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and expertise in international trade law, conflict of laws or areas like banking or corporate governance would find the modules rewarding.
Workers in multinational corporations who need to understand the legal implications of international business operations will find much that is relevant in our modules, as might civil service or regulatory officials working in trade, commerce, or regulatory agencies who require knowledge of international legal frameworks and compliance issues.
Students from different jurisdictions with backgrounds in business, economics, or international relations who want to integrate legal knowledge into their careers would fit in well in this programme.
We are excited to offer Critical Legal Thinking in International Business Law module as a standalone short course. Open to all with no entry requirements, it’s a low-risk way to experience online learning. Successful students may progress to a formal programme, making this an excellent flexible pathway.
Where can this course lead?
The LLM expands career opportunities for those who are already set on their professional path and opens new ones to those who are starting out or want a change of direction, particularly in the legal profession, business environment or the wider financial services sector. The programme is international, and should therefore prove of relevance to people on many jurisdictions.
For non-law graduates, or those whose first law degree is from a civil law jurisdiction, the programme will provide a solid grounding in a common law legal system, with specific focus on its commercial environment. For non-law graduates who have experience working in the business or financial services sector, the programme provides a comprehensive introduction to the legal environment governing commercial operations and decision making.
A law degree opens doors beyond the legal and the commercial, of course. The programme provides a solid base for those working in the civil service or non-government agencies insofar as it is designed to provide skills and knowledge to thrive amidst emerging and ongoing policy and legal challenges in a changing international commercial world.
What advice do you have for anyone considering studying international business law LLM?
Research the University of Liverpool - Does the status of a Russell Group University, a top 50 in the Shaghai rankings or a Gold Star in the TEF matter to you?
Look at the modules - Does this spread of modules tally with your professional aspirations?
You owe it to yourself to take a good look at the options available to you. We are confident there is much to be said for a LLM that has been around for a long time and that has grown and adapted with the changing business market.
