This course is open for applications
If you would like to study this course from January 2025 please see the 2024/25 course page.
Page last updated 25 October 2024
Our LLM Global Business and Finance Law course is designed to encourage critical analysis of relevant legal issues with a breadth of knowledge that'll make you stand out as a specialist in your chosen area of law.
The LLM in Global Business and Finance Law allows students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the laws and regulatory structures underpinning business and finance in a globalised economy.
On this LLM, you'll be engaged in the study and critical evaluation of a range of current issues. These include the changing technological landscape, legal and regulatory responses to financial crime and the role of corporations in developing and maintaining ethical and sustainable business practices.
Diverse choice of modules
Pursuing an LLM enables you to focus in on a particular area of law by delving deep into the subject and undertaking independent research. This means you'll be able to tailor the course towards the specific areas of law you're interested in.
From intellectual property to technology, the optional modules available on this LLM covers a diverse range of legal topics, allowing you to specialise.
Teaching backed by the latest research
Bristol Law School has a thriving research culture and most members of staff who teach on our LLMs are active researchers, publishing in leading journals.
The high quality of teaching in the Law School has been recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency, which awarded the Law School an 'excellent' rating.
You can therefore expect to participate in carefully planned and informative sessions designed to give you a thorough grounding in your chosen area of law.
Specialist career options
Our LLM is aimed at those working in the corporate sector with a legal business background who are looking to specialise in global and domestic banking or business law. Applicants will have a keen interest in business, finance, banking law and international corporate governance.
You'll be working at the leading edge of scholarship in this field, giving you an advantage when seeking employment either in legal practice or the commercial world.
The below information is indicative of the course content and is subject to final UWE Bristol approval. When the approved course structure and content is published, any optional modules listed will be those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
You'll study
Plus, four optional modules from:
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we'll inform you.
The course involves both extensive independent research and discussion in the context of workshops, designed to encourage the development of your critical, analytical and reflective skills. You'll be expected to prepare for each workshop and to participate actively in discussion with your tutors and peers.
You'll also have access to course and module information through our online Blackboard system.
For more details see our glossary of teaching and learning terms.
This course takes one year, with approximately six to nine contact hours a week. However, as independent study is fundamental to the course, the total study time should be around 36 hours a week.
Dedicated support
You'll receive a high level of support both during your studies and after you have graduated. You'll be allocated an LLM academic tutor to support you throughout the course. We also organise events to help you plan your career after the LLM.
Taught modules on the LLM Global Business and Finance Law course are assessed through a combination of written coursework assignments and oral presentations.
The culmination of the course is a portfolio-style independent legal research project. This project will enable you to show initiative, engage with new ideas, as you're guided by expert Research Mentors.
For more details see our full glossary of assessment terms.
Pro Bono Unit
You may have opportunities to engage in Pro Bono work through your LLM, volunteering your time to help the local community.
Supervised by academics and practitioners, you'll work on cases and provide legal advice through projects such as Legal Advocacy Support Project, Elderlaw, the UWE Street Law Programme and Bristol Musicians Advice Service.
Bristol Law School has excellent, state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated LLM study room and mock law courtrooms, where you can put your learning into practice.
The Frenchay library offers students 24-hour access with computer room facilities, as well as a wide range of legal resources, including Hein Online, LexisNexis, Westlaw and iLaw. The library is well stocked with electronic and print books, newspapers, journals, government publications, statistics, encyclopaedias, dictionaries, company information, market reports and DVDs.
In the new £55m Bristol Business School, you'll have access to modern learning spaces including a dedicated law resource room.
Mock courtrooms help you practice legal submissions, take part in recorded mock trials and gain experience of being in court.
Find out more about the facilities and resources UWE Bristol has to offer.
Take a personalised virtual tour of the Law facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.
Student representation
We have a student representation system, supported by UWE Bristol Students' Union. LLM student representatives are elected by LLM students to represent them, which means you'll have the opportunity to raise any issues and help to shape the course by sharing your views.
Our support includes access to fantastic facilities, study tools and career consultants, plus practical help to access everything from funding to childcare.
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
We provide support in the way you need it.
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
Studying our LLM Global Business and Finance Law provides an ideal opportunity to develop specialist skills favoured by employers, both in the legal world and beyond. The course opens up a range of career opportunities in legal practice and gives our students the edge over other graduates.
Based on the regulation of international commercial transactions and banking, students can tailor their LLM to match their interests. You'll be able to choose from a range of options connected to contemporary legal, social, economic and environmental issues affecting international and domestic commerce and trade.
The in-depth knowledge you'll acquire in your chosen area of law will give you a thorough grounding in this subject area. You'll also study a range of topical subjects, from climate change and environmental law to banking law and corporate governance. The specialist knowledge and skillset you gain will raise your employability prospects, enabling you to become an in-demand specialist within your organisation.
Recent graduates from Bristol Law School have gained positions with major employers, such as local government, solicitors' firms and in-house councils. Many of our LLM graduates go into academia and further study, choosing to complete a PhD or go into teaching and research.
Our award-winning careers service helps you develop your employment potential through career coaching, a vacancy service for internships, placements, jobs, global opportunities, volunteering and community activity plus support for entrepreneurial activity, and access to employer events.
You should have:
If you do not meet the above requirements, but have relevant work experience and/or can demonstrate appropriate subject knowledge, we will assess your application on an individual basis.
Personal Statement
You are required to complete a personal statement for this course. Please read the personal statement guidance carefully and make sure that you answer the questions on the postgraduate application form within the personal statement tabs, keeping to the advised word count.
UWE Bristol's International College
International students who do not meet the academic or English language requirements to study this course can qualify by completing preparatory study at our International College.
English language support
If you meet the academic requirements but require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Students who successfully complete the pre-sessional course can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking an IELTS or equivalent.
Read more about our Pre-Sessional English Programme.
International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The University accepts a large number of UK and international qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section.
Please apply online. Applications for the LLM course may be submitted at any time of year and the deadline for applications is 1 September for study commencing in September of that same academic year, or by 1 January for study commencing in January that same academic year.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.