Manchester Metropolitan University
LLM International Corporate Law
Manchester, United Kingdom
LLM
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* fees for this course have yet to be confirmed and will be updated shortly
Are you passionate about the laws shaping international business?
Developed and delivered by Manchester Law School’s leading researchers, this course explores the legal, ethical and governance frameworks that define global corporate conduct. You’ll gain a deep understanding of how law regulates international trade, investment, intellectual property and corporate governance. You’ll also learn to navigate contemporary challenges such as sustainability, accountability and digital innovation.
This future-facing LLM prepares you to take on leadership roles in international legal practice, regulatory bodies, corporate advisory and policy-making sectors. We offer critical, interdisciplinary course content that transcends national borders and equips you with the legal, research and analytical tools to influence global corporate behaviour for the better.
Features and benefits
- Global focus on corporate responsibility - We take an international approach to corporate law. You’ll gain an understanding of how corporations operate within, and impact, global systems, preparing you to address key issues such as sustainability, accountability and ethical governance.
- Research-led teaching - You’ll be taught by experts, all of whom are actively engaged in cutting-edge research in corporate law, international trade, sustainability, human rights and more, ensuring you benefit from the latest academic thinking and real-world insights.
- Tailored skills development - The course integrates robust training in legal research, design and digital legal skills to support your academic and professional success.
- Co-curricular and industry engagement - You’ll benefit from extracurricular opportunities like pro bono work, masterclasses and events featuring leading law firms. Our links to the Manchester Law Society’s International Committee provide further networking and professional insight.
- Career-focused - Our strong reputation, strategic location and close ties with the corporate legal sector position our graduates for success. This course prepares you for careers in international corporate law, compliance, policy and beyond.
Course information
The LLM International Corporate Law is designed for students who want to understand, critique and shape the legal frameworks governing international business in a rapidly changing world. Your core modules include corporate law and governance, international trade and investment law and intellectual property law in global context. These modules equip you with a robust understanding of corporate structure, global trade relationships and the legal regulation of innovation and intellectual property in the international marketplace.
To complement these subject-focused modules, you’ll complete essential training in research skills and research design, which focus on legal methodology, digital legal skills and ethical research practices. The advanced independent study module then provides flexibility, you can choose to complete either a dissertation, a research project or a combination of shorter assignments and reflective work, including opportunities tied to self-arranged pro bono experience.
You may also choose one optional module in the second semester, allowing for further specialisation in your degree. Our available options are designed to reflect contemporary legal developments and areas of interest. All modules across the LLM are assessed via coursework, ensuring deep critical engagement and practical application of knowledge.
We offer a rich co-curricular experience during the course, including masterclasses, pro bono opportunities, mooting and networking events with leading law firms and practitioners. Through close ties with the Manchester Law Society’s International Committee and our regulation research group, you’ll gain valuable insight into current legal challenges facing global business.
Year 1
This course is taught in one year full-time, from September to September or January to January, and two years part-time. Please note, if you wish to study the part-time course you’ll need to start the course in September.
During your LLM studies you’ll complete:
- Three subject modules
- Two research modules
- One optional module
- Advanced independent study module
Please note, available option modules will be confirmed in due course.
Your academic learning will be complemented by numerous co-curricular activities such as masterclasses, networking opportunities and pro bono work.
You can also choose to engage in activities provided through the university’s Rise programme, which provides you with opportunities to undertake additional training and qualifications such as carbon literacy and Microsoft and Adobe certifications. You could also apply to join our Environmental Impacts of Technologies within the Legal Profession project.
Core modules
- Principles of Corporate Law and Governance
- International Trade and Investment Law
- Intellectual Property in a Global Context
- Research Skills
- Research Design
- Advanced Independent Study (Law)
Graduates from this course are well-positioned for diverse, high-impact careers across global legal and business sectors. Whether you’re aiming to join international law firms, multinational corporations, financial institutions, regulatory bodies, NGOs or to continue your studies at doctoral level, you’ll leave with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in complex international environments.
The course’s critical approach to corporate governance, trade and intellectual property law, combined with strong research training and digital legal skills, makes our graduates attractive to employers seeking lawyers who can lead on issues like sustainability, global risk and regulatory compliance.
We ensure professional development is built into the student experience through pro bono opportunities with firms like Addleshaw Goddard, engagement with the Manchester Law Society’s international initiatives and tailored employability support.
For those interested in further study, this LLM also offers an excellent foundation for PhDs in corporate law, legal regulation and global governance. Wherever your ambitions lie, this course equips you to shape the future of international corporate law.
Study
- Full-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
- Part-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
Assessment
- Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Part-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination