Birmingham Law School has an international reputation for its research and teaching across several broad areas of commercial law. This programme enables you to develop expertise in a wide range of commercial law subjects providing you with a strong foundation for your future career. The LLM in Commercial Law is ideally suited to those students wishing to specialise in English commercial law. The School has a leading reputation for excellence in its research and teaching in this area and the modules available on the LLM in Commercial Law draw on these strengths. 

Birmingham's LLM programmes have been designed to allow in-depth analysis of important legal topics. Modules are all 20 credits in length, comprising 10 two-hour seminars, to enable students to develop significant expertise which will enhance their career prospects.

Birmingham is able to offer small-group teaching on the LLM and students following popular modules with large numbers of students will receive (where possible) additional teaching time. For these additional hours large classes will be split in to two separate seminar groups in order to provide an equal opportunity for class interaction compared to those in smaller groups.

The LLM programmes last 12 months, running from September to September. All LLM programmes follow the same basic structure.

• In part I of the programmes, you take six 20 credit modules: the range of choice depends on the programme you decide to follow. Assessment in those modules, by essay or formal examination, is in May and June.
• In part II of the programmes, you research and write a 15,000-word dissertation on a selected topic of law under the supervision of a member of staff.

The LLM programmes enable you to develop expertise in a range of subjects. You will acquire a systematic understanding of these along with a critical appreciation of the problems that arise these fields. You will be encouraged to demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge together with a practical understanding of how established research techniques are used to create and interpret knowledge.

Law School induction

At the start of the course there is a two-day induction designed to help you settle in and gain an understanding of the LLM programme.

Students do not register for modules before arrival as we feel it is important that you are able to make an informed choice. As part of the induction process module leaders will give a detailed description of what their subject entails and you will have the option to attend any areas which you are interested in for the first two weeks of the course before having to submit a final decision.

Studying part-time

All the LLM programmes may be taken part-time and completed over a period of two years. This mode of study is particularly suitable for barristers and solicitors who wish to combine professional practice with university-level study, gaining CPD points in the process.

Classes for part-time students on the LLM will be scheduled between 9am-6pm and students will typically have between 2-4 hours of teaching each week. Fees are the same as for full-time study but are split over two years.

International students

International students are invited to participate in an orientation course run by the university’s International Office before the start of the academic session. For students from outside the UK, there are also lectures on the British constitution, sources of English law and the working methods of the common law system. The English for International Students Unit provides a range of support in reading and writing academic English.

The University of Birmingham has been ranked 9th in the UK and 55th in the world, for post-qualification employability in a global survey of universities commissioned by the International Herald Tribune. Historically, over 93% of our law students have been in employment or further study within six months of graduating, with many going on to obtain academic careers in the top law schools in the country.

Links to the Legal Profession

The Law School maintains strong links with the professional world, through our network of alumni and contacts in the barristers’ and solicitors’ professions. These links allow us to put on a series of law careers events throughout the academic year.

Each autumn, the University hosts the Law Fair, in which we welcome over 50 law firms, including some of the largest law firms in the world, to the University's Great Hall. The attendees represent law firms of all sizes and most areas of practice.

The Law School also organises “Law in Practice” seminars, in which practitioners explain to students how the area of law relevant to a specific module works in practice. These are invaluable opportunities for students to enhance their studies, and enable them to improve their commercial awareness.

In June each year, the Law School hosts “Employability Fortnight”, after the end of the examinations period in the summer term. The events which run in this fortnight have included an Applications Process Panel Session, a Midlands Circuit Court Visit followed by an Inner Temple Drinks Reception in the evening, an Alternative Dispute Resolution Workshop by Herbert Smith, and dedicated Careers Advice Drop-in Sessions.

The Careers Network

The Careers Network organises regular events including presentations by top law firms and the annual Law Fair. It also runs workshops to help students prepare effective applications and to prepare for their next move. Its events on non-law careers, including journalism, marketing and working with charities, can be of interest to law students.

Mooting

The Law School organises a range of mooting opportunities and students have the opportunity to participate (a moot is a mock trial of a legal issue). The Moot Room was refurbished in 2011 and is now a state-of-the-art court room, complete with audio-visual equipment for recording moots. The Law School operates four mooting competitions, and students regularly represent the University at regional and national competitions, with notable success.