LL.M. in International Commercial Law
Course Overview
An opportunity to specialise in the exciting field of International Commercial Law for great career opportunities.
The LL.M. in International Commercial Law is available on a full-time basis over a one year period or part-time over 2 years.
Please note: The LL.M. in International Commercial Law is a cognitive masters. In order to be eligible for the course you will need to possess the following: 2.2 degree in Law or a related discipline (that has a 50% legal component to the degree) or foreign equivalent.
Relative work experience may also be taken into consideration.
Why Study International Commercial Law at Griffith College?
The LL.M. in International Commercial Law offers students the opportunity to specialise in International Commercial Law in order to facilitate enhanced career opportunities and/or to lay the foundations for Ph.D. study.
- Unique International Commercial Law focus. Adopts an international focus of Commercial Law which is unique to Griffith College's postgraduate law courses.
- Students will acquire highly transferable skills, attractive to a wide range of businesses including in major corporations, international institutions, advanced research, presentation, and client handling skills.
- A strong international focus gives students a key advantage when building a career in today's globalised legal landscape.
Course Highlights
- Unique International Commercial Law focus
- Experienced lecturers who are experts in their field
- Small class sizes mean more individual attention to help you reach your own personal potential
- Part- time lectures over two years mean that it is possible to obtain an LL.M. with work or other personal commitments
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Part-Time - September 2025
- Dublin - Full-Time - September 2025
Course Details
The LL.M. in International Commercial Law can be studied over 1 or 2 years. The student will complete six modules and a dissertation. In the first semester, the student will complete three mandatory subjects and in the second semester, they will choose three commercial electives. (Electives run subject to demand and at the discretion of the faculty.)
Assessment in the taught modules in semesters 1 and 2 is by way of assignments and examinations. A dissertation of 20,000 words is completed throughout the academic year and written up over the summer months under the guidance of a designated supervisor.
New modules listed below will be live from the September 2024 intake
Semester One
The aim of this module is to inculcate in the learner advanced legal research and writing skills. The module initially focusses on the development of online research skills and search operators. The learner develops an understanding of various research methodologies which can be employed when conducting research; doctrinal, comparative, socio-legal etc. Furthermore, the module fosters within learners the ability to write excellent legal prose with style, precision and accuracy. Learners master a legal house style; the Oxford University Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities (OSCOLA).
New modules listed below will be live from the September 2024 intake.
This module aims to introduce learners to the international system of law and international institutions. It explores the origin and function of the international legal system and the role and function of international institutions throughout the world. Learners will be introduced to some of the many challenges facing international law and international institutions in carrying out their mandate, including rogue states, the fragmentation of international law, the institutional legacy of the origins of the United Nations. It will explore growing fields of study such as the accountability of international institutions, and global constitutionalism. Through the content of the module, there will be a focus on theories of international law and of diplomacy. It provides a basis for learners to build their understanding of international peace-building and reconciliation in the Masters programme.
Typical international commercial transactions involve numerous contracts over national boundaries. The objective of the module is to make participants familiar with the key contracts and institutions in international commerce. Learners examine private international law (conflict of laws) issues, international contract terms (INCOTERMS), and the Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) and UNIDROIT principles as they apply to international contracts.
Semester Two
The primary objective of this course is to impart a critical understanding of the structure, objectives and mechanisms of Corporate Governance, and the legal and other issues affecting systems by which corporations are directed and controlled. Themes and issues explored include: theoretical and overview perspectives on Corporate Governance; the nature of the corporation, the basic model of the firm, principal-agent theory; the legal framework of Corporate Governance; the role and responsibilities of directors and boards; enforcement of director duties; monitoring and legal compliance issues; executive compensation, takeovers, and shareholder activism. This module also deals with the emergence of Corporate Governance requirements in developed/developing capital markets. The module sets out the divergent ways in which Corporate Governance is applied across the globe, in particular examining the reliance on principles or alternatively, rules. It examines both country specific codes and international practices. Case studies on major corporate scandals are carried out in detail in order to assist in the understanding of Corporate Governance principles.
*This elective runs subject to demand and discretion of the Faculty of Law.
This module is designed to provide a broad overview of the legal and practical aspects underpinning International Commercial Arbitration. The objective of any arbitration is to resolve a dispute. So as to facilitate resolution, all unnecessary obstacles need to be removed. In the context of international disputes there can be many obstacles, such as language barriers, different jurisdictions, different legal principles etc. To alleviate these difficulties a number of international instruments have been enacted throughout the years culminating in the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law in 1985.
This module focusses primarily on both the substance and application of the UNCITRAL Model Law, and also its integration into Irish law. Candidates are required to achieve a high level understanding of the UNCITRAL Model Law so as to discuss in a competent manner the practice and procedure involved in International Commercial Arbitration, and the applicable legal principles.
*This elective runs subject to demand and discretion of the Faculty of Law.
The objectives of this module are twofold. Firstly, it seeks to develop within the learner an in-depth understanding of the economic and political basis for the Internal Market of the European Union and the laws that ensure its operation. Secondly, it requires the learner to critically analyse the European Union’s policies in the sphere of Competition Law. The module will address a number of current legal issues in the development of the Internal Market, such as the future of the Eurozone, the position of Public Services and the impact of the developing jurisprudence on Citizenship. The learner is encouraged to critically assess the basis for Competition Law within the EU and engage with academic commentary and court decisions to determine whether the overall policy goals are being met.
*This elective runs subject to demand and discretion of the Faculty of Law.
At a time of tentative emergence from crisis on the global markets, this module seeks to enable learners to address the major regulatory and contractual aspects of Financial Services Law. The module deals with the institutional structures created to protect international financial transactions. There is a particular focus on the impact that European Union legislation is having on the area, with a number of the key regulations being examined in detail. There is also a strong emphasis on the 2008 Financial crisis and the impact that it has had on the financial services industry. The module is suitable for those seeking to work in law firms which have International Financial Services as a significant part of their workload, but also for those who hope to work directly in the Financial Services sector.
*This elective runs subject to demand and discretion of the Faculty of Law.
This module provides a detailed overview of the principles regarding the key aspects of Intellectual Property Law: International Copyright, Patents, Design Rights, Trademark and Passing Off and Misappropriation of Personality and Publicity and Privacy Rights. Case law illustrating the application of these principles along with international treaties dealing with Intellectual Property is addressed. The module seeks to enhance the learner’s ability to apply theoretical aspects of the jurisprudence to real life situations through the use of case studies.
*This elective runs subject to demand and discretion of the Faculty of Law.
This module focusses on an analysis of principal features of the International Tax Law system, from the perspective of Irish and EU law. The module looks generally at the main theories, concepts and principles of International Tax Law and then more particularly at the main substantive areas of the subject such as Public International Law and Taxation, the OECD Model Income Tax Convention and EC law as it affects Member States’ tax systems. Thereafter, the module examines important issues such as the different approaches to Corporate Income Taxation, tackling International Tax Avoidance, International Tax Law as it applies to developing countries, and the issues in modifying established International Tax Rules to regulate E-commerce activity.
*This elective runs subject to demand and discretion of the Faculty of Law.
New modules listed below will be live from the September 2024 intake
This module examines the protection of Social and Economic Rights within International Law. It seeks to locate social, economic and environmental rights within the wider scope of International Law protection and addresses the theoretical debates over the method of protection that these rights should be given. Learners study the operation of the UNESCR, and UNEP and assess their effectiveness in identifying where the rights lie and how best to restitute injured parties. The UNESCR is compared to a range of regional instruments and the contrasts between the various methods of protection discussed. Case studies are undertaken focusing on the protection of specific rights within developing and developed nations.
This module provides an explanatory overview to data protection and privacy law, taking an international perspective that encompasses Irish and EU law. The module will consider theoretical and practical approaches in understanding the power and significance of handling personal information securely.
Semester Three: Dissertation
The research dissertation is designed to permit learners to delve into a topic which is of particular interest to them, and it comes at the end of the LLM, at a point in time when continuous assessment and examinations in all taught modules have been completed, and therefore, learners are well placed to undertake independent research. Learners on the LLM in International Commercial Law programme must complete a dissertation which is commercial in nature.
Timetables
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
2.2 degree in Law or a related discipline (that has a 50% legal component to the degree) or foreign equivalent or relevant work experience.
English Language
Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. For more information, please visit here.
How to Apply
All applicants must apply online here uploading a copy of the following:
- Photo I.D. (driving licence or passport)
- Degree transcripts from previous studies
- Module descriptors from previous studies where the degree is not of a cognate discipline
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from time of application.
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin: EUR 8,150.00
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin: EUR 9,000.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin
Non-EU living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
Flexible payment options
Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.
General Fee Information
An Academic Administration Fee of €250 is payable each September at the start of term. For students starting in the January/February term, €125 is payable in February, and then €250 will be payable each September from then onwards.
A 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees above relate to Year 1 fees only.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: accounts@griffith.ie
2% Learner Protection Charge
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
QQI Award Fee
Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.
Progression
Academic Progression
Many of our LL.M. graduates go on to pursue PhD studies, having acquired not only legal expertise but also advanced academic writing and legal research skills during the LL.M. programme.
Career Progression
Through the LL.M. in International Commercial Law, you will have gained valuable professional experience, built a strong foundation of critical analysis and presentation skills, and covered a diverse range of topics. There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:
- Promotion for those who are already practising in law
- In-house legal roles with international or domestic businesses
- Legal advisor within international or domestic commercial entity
- Legal researcher in area of international commercial law
- PhD study for an academic career
