International Corporate Law and Governance
Postgraduate
LLM/PgDip/PgCert
International Business Law
Salford Business School
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Course
One year
Two year
Next enrolment
January 2023
In a nutshell
International applicants: please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
This course provides graduates in law or any other relevant discipline with the opportunity for advanced learning in certain key areas of international business law.
The course is delivered with a strongly business bias placing law in the context of strategic management practice and how it relates to international business. You will benefit from the networking and employment prospects offered by a large and dynamic Business School.
At the final stage of study (Industry Collaboration Project) you will be able to choose whether to pursue a purely law-based focus or follow an interdisciplinary law and international business management pathway.
Six good reasons to choose Salford Business School:
- Study this specialist area that places law within the strategic context of international trade
- Benefit from the links of a Business School based in the dynamic Greater Manchester business community
- Apply your real-world learning on the unique Industry Collaboration Project
- September and January start dates fit with your life priorities
- Beautiful campus just minutes from Manchester city centre
- Focus on the digital, ethical and sustainability business challenges of the 21st century.
International students should apply for the LLM route.
Find out more, register for one of our Open Days, explore the Salford campus on our virtual tour or learn more about our Masters courses in business, finance and law.
You will:
- Explore key areas of international business law
- Consider the fundamental legal concepts that characterise international corporate identity and activity
- Develop your knowledge and understanding of the role of law in international business transactions
- Look at how international trade and investment law influences a firm’s strategy and its international business operations
- Apply your learning through the Industry Collaboration Project
Placement
options available
International
students accepted
This is for you if...
1.
You aspire towards a career in international business
2.
You aspire towards a career in the legal profession
3.
You are a critical thinker
4.
You enjoy exploring complex global issues
5.
You keep up to date with current events internationally
6.
You hope to enhance your knowledge of strategic management
All about the course
The course is delivered in four blocks of intensive study periods. For each block, you study a single module for a six week period. Teaching is delivered for six hours each week (at present, this is made up of three hours face to face teaching + three hours online lectures). In addition, you will attend the taught element of the Industry Collaboration Project each Wednesday afternoon during the six week blocks. During this period, you will also undertake independent study in your own time with online support through the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
The Industry Collaboration Project (ICP) module accounts for the final 60 credits of your degree. You will have the opportunity to select between a placement, internship or dissertation, all of which are designed to accommodate your career aspirations and enhance your professional experience.
You will be allocated a supervisor who will mentor you through the ICP. You will also have the opportunity to engage with the Student Hub and askUS. askUS can help with pre project/placement support for students and opportunities for those going on placement to participate in training workshops to ensure best practice. The Student Hub can helps you to find internships, placements and live projects for your Industry Collaboration Project.
Part-time students study alternate modules (one module on, one module off) to complete their degree in two years.
For the final third of your studies, you will work on your Industry Collaboration Project, working with your own or another organisation on a live brief.
Semester one
International Corporate Law and Governance provides you with an advanced knowledge and understanding of the fundamental legal concepts that characterise international corporate identity and activity. As part of this module, you will compare these concepts in at least two regional models of corporate governance (for example, Anglo-American, Western European and Asia-Pacific).
You will also develop a critical perspective of the theoretical framework underpinning corporate governance theories and strategies.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and workshops
- The tutor introduces key concepts and your learning is consolidated by class discussion
- Much of the learning is based upon case studies and comparative analysis of primary and secondary legal sources
- Guided personal study is supported by associated reading lists, online tests and discussion boards
Assessments:
50% Group assignment
50% Individual assignment
International Strategic Management
In this era of globalisation it is essential for companies to understand the different international environments of the markets in which they may operate, and how these influence value-adding activities and decision-making. This module will develop your understanding of these different international environments in terms of the opportunities and threats that they may present to an organisation. You will also develop an understanding of the competitive and internal value-adding environments of an organisation and how these, combined with the international environments of markets, inform companies’ decisions with regards to international expansion.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and seminars based on problem-based learning scenarios
- Assessment workshops
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, videos, podcasts and relevant articles
Assessments:
50% Individual written coursework on the macro-environment of international business
50% Individual written coursework on international expansion strategy
Semester two
International Law of the Sale of Goods
This module provides you with an advanced knowledge and understanding of the role of law in the sphere of international business transactions. Throughout the module, you will concentrate on law applicable to international agreements and their negotiation and develop a range of skills in problem solving, negotiation, time management and communication.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and workshops
- The tutor introduces key concepts and your learning is consolidated by class discussion
- Much of the learning is based upon case studies and comparative analysis of primary legal sources
- Guided personal study is supported by associated reading lists, online tests and discussion boards
Assessments:
50% Group report
50% Individual coursework
International Business Law
This module will develop your understanding of how international trade and investment law influences a firm’s strategy and its international business operations, and the impact that the international legal environment has on wider societal interests such as the natural environment and human health. You will also acquire the skills needed to access, analyse and interpret legal and regulatory material in order to create strategic solutions for international expansion by a firm, taking into account the firm’s external and internal legal environments.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and workshops
- The tutor introduces key concepts and your learning is consolidated by class discussion
- Much of the learning is based upon case studies and comparative analysis of primary legal sources
- Guided personal study is supported by associated reading lists, online tests and discussion boards
Assessments:
25% Group presentation around a problem-based scenario where your group will offer legal advice
75% Individual essay to test your learning of critical aspects of relevant academic literature and primary legal material
Semester three (Industry Collaboration Project (ICP) - choose one from:)
Work Placement
This is a paid industry placement and provides you with the opportunity to undertake 6-month employment with an organisation located regionally, nationally, or internationally.
You will source your own placement; however, you will have lots of support from the University of Salford and the Business School employability-hub and from your current industry contacts. You will also benefit from preparatory lectures in study skills, action planning, consultancy and more.
As part of your placement, you will analyse a ‘live’ business opportunity. This will include critical reflection on opportunities that allow you to apply the theoretical skills you have learned on your programme to an existing business issue; along with how you will develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment. You will work on an organisational issue, working with the client on a full-time basis.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your placement, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.
The ICP work placement will be assessed in the form of a 10,000-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your placement. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 10,000 word dissertation
Internship
This can be a paid or unpaid internship and provides you with the opportunity to undertake 3-month internship with an organisation located regionally, nationally, or internationally.
You will source your own internship; however, you will have lots of support from the University of Salford and the Business School employability-hub and from your current industry contacts. You will also benefit from preparatory lectures in study skills, action planning, consultancy and more.
As part of your internship, you will analyse a ‘live’ business opportunity. This will include critical reflection on opportunities that allow you to apply the theoretical skills you have learned on your programme to an existing business issue; along with how you will develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment. You will work alongside an organisation to identify and explore a real organisational issue up to 20 hours per week.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your internship, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.
The ICP internship will be assessed in the form of a 10,000-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your internship. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 10,000 word dissertation
Applied Dissertation
A 3-month Applied Dissertation provides you with a unique opportunity to examine an issue important to you and this should fit in with your programme of study. This is an advanced-level applied research pathway that can be based on a real-world business problem and examining an issue important to an organisation. The Applied Dissertation route provides you with the opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge you have gained from the taught elements of your course to a current organisational issue. You will implement and effectively use appropriate problem-solving skills through critical self-reflection and methodical, systematic research. It is a very good option to choose if you are considering moving into academic research or PhD upon completion of your master’s programme.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your Applied Dissertation, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.
The Applied Dissertation will be assessed in the form of a 10,000-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 10,000 word dissertation
Entrepreneurship
A 3-month entrepreneurship dissertation involves analysing business opportunities and writing a business plan including critical reflection on opportunities, challenges and strategies. This will lead you on to establish a new business or incorporate your entrepreneurial thinking into the management of existing organisations. You should demonstrate an understanding through the development of an enterprise idea in a specific sector or industry, together with evidence of critical and analytical evaluation. You may find the entrepreneurship dissertation both challenging and rewarding, as it is a practical module in an area which you should have an interest in.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout the entrepreneurship dissertation route. They will assist you in developing your skills and reasoning to support entrepreneurial action while working on the development of your own innovative business idea. In doing this, you will prepare a proposal, ethical considerations for your data collection and field work to support the development of your business plan.
The Entrepreneurship route will be assessed in the form of an 8,500-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your entrepreneurial business idea. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 8,500 word dissertation
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Why Choose Salford Business School?
Salford Business School aims to foster the next generation of leaders and create a new vision of innovative and entrepreneurial leadership. We are integrated into the local business community as a hub for knowledge creation and exchange.
This means that our teaching is highly practical and your learning is informed by our industry partners. Every postgraduate course includes a work placement or work experience project in the UK or internationally so you can put your learning into practice before you graduate. We are proud that our industry collaborations and partnerships benefit students, businesses and the community.
With multiple start points for our degrees, you can choose when to start your studies so that they fit with your life priorities. We want you to succeed in your studies and in your profession so we provide the support you need to achieve your aims.
Our goal is to prepare you for a fulfilling life and professional career. Along the way, you’ll learn to be curious, adaptable and confident, ready to meet the digital, ethical and sustainability challenges of the 21st century.
Is Business a Science or an Art?
At Salford Business School, our postgraduate degree award is the Masters of Science (MSc) to reflect our approach to business knowledge. We believe that business decisions should be data-driven and evidence-based – even when the outputs are innovative and creative.
Where will I learn?
Salford Business School is located at the heart of the University’s Peel Park campus and just minutes from Manchester city centre. Teaching facilities include Lady Hale and Chapman buildings, which offer stylish modern spaces with lecture theatres equipped with the very latest technology and large screen displays. A dedicated Employability team will help you with work placements and access to work skills. Throughout campus, there is a choice of individual study areas, communal learning and breakout spaces, plus a selection of food outlets.
The University library isn’t just for reading books. The ‘library in the park’ is a fresh, modern learning space with PC suites, Mac computers, bookable working rooms and café. It's open 24/7 everyday of the year (except Christmas Day!) so you can study when it suits you. There's a wealth of support for you too, especially if it's been a while since you've studied and you want to brush up on your study skills. Find out how to make the best start on their website.
You will have access to a range of study skills sessions to help you get ready for postgraduate learning and be successful in your studies and in your work. These include academic writing, research and digital skills.
A dedicated Business School Employability team will help you with work placements and work skills. You can access our professional, on-campus employability services at any time – even after you graduate. We can help you to create the perfect CV and LinkedIn page, as well as practice interview techniques and offer career advice.
Interested in starting your own business? Launch@ Salford is the incubation centre for business start ups providing a reception area, hot desk office space, private meeting rooms – and a networking lounge where you can grab a coffee and make those business connections.
Ian King - Programme Leader
Ian graduated from the University of East Anglia in 1983 and having completed his Solicitors’ Finals was admitted as a solicitor in 1986. He practised as a commercial solicitor in London and East Anglia until 1994 when he decided on a career change and moved into academia. He completed an LLM in IT & Telecommunications Law at the University of Strathclyde in 1999.
Following a variety of teaching and management roles at City University in London and Staffordshire University, Ian joined the University of Salford in 2014. Ian teaches on both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the areas of corporate, commercial and cyber law. His research interests are in IT Law and the future of the legal profession and he has written many articles and conference papers in these areas. In addition, Ian acts as a consultant to the Business School’s Launch programme which supports student entrepreneurs providing drop-in session on business structures, contracts and intellectual property issues.
Getting Here
University of Salford is easy to get to with Salford Crescent train station right in the centre of our main campus. Whether by bus, rail, bike, car or plane, Peel Park campus is easily accessed from all over Greater Manchester, Lancashire and beyond. For international students, Manchester airport is a short ride away and offers regular flights from London and many international airports.
What about after uni?
Both in the UK and overseas the internationally focused LLM is a ‘gold standard’ qualification for entry into the legal profession, as the focus of specialisation has increasingly shifted to international legal practice.
In the corporate business world, the LLM carries a similar cachet to the Executive MBA, while offering greater specialism in its content.
In many European jurisdictions, the LLM is a compulsory prerequisite for entry into the legal profession.
Career Links
The University of Salford grew out of the institutes of the late 19th century that provided a talented, technically proficient and professional workforce to support the UK’s rapidly growing industries. In the 21st century, this still holds strong. Whilst industry has changed significantly, the need for industry-focused education is equally relevant today.
We teach the skills that employers need and as a result, our graduates enjoy excellent international career prospects.
The curriculum across our postgraduate courses balances academic teaching and professional experience. Our industry partners give us their input into the curriculum so that the teaching reflects industry’s current and future needs and you develop the skills that employers want. The industry Collaboration Project, which forms the final third of your study, is designed to give you real-world experience so you can apply the theory you have learned.
What you need to know
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English, so as an applicant you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6 with no element below 5.5.
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
The LLM is the only route available for international students. Find out more about the dedicated support for international applicants.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
Normally an undergraduate degree in law or any other appropriate discipline, at class 2.2 or above, or a relevant equivalent level professional qualification.
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2023/24 | £8,550per year |
| Full-time international | 2023/24 | £15,750per year |
| Part-time | 2023/24 | £1,425 per 30 credit module |
Fees for PgDip (4 x 30 credit modules) and PgCert (2 x 30 credit modules) are based on the fee shown above for part-time per 30 credit module.
Additional costs
For more information please see our funding section.
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.
All set? Let's apply
Still have some questions? Contact us:
By email (UK applicants): enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By email (international applicants): international@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0) 161 295 4545