LLM International Dispute Resolution

Dubai Campus

Start date
Jan 2024 (part-time) Sept 2024 (full- & part-time)
Duration
1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)
Campus
Dubai
Course Type
Postgraduate, Taught
Fees

Fees for September 2024 and January 2025 entry

September 2024 entry
Full-time study is AED 114,250, Part-time study is AED 57,125

January 2025 entry
Part-time study is AED 57,125

More detail

Scholarships available for all students up to 40%

Throughout history, the skills required to settle conflicts and broker agreements have been highly sought after.

The programme is subject to UAE Ministry of Education accreditation.

 

The LLM International Dispute Resolution prepares you for a career in the challenging and dynamic field of global disputes. The programme will explore the international litigation process and alternative forms of dispute resolution such as mediation and arbitration. You’ll explore theoretical and practical opportunities that hold real value in the commercial and non-commercial world.

You will benefit from our connections with the Dubai International Financial Centre and its associated practices, alongside unique insights into the legal landscape in the UAE and beyond.

This route will suit a those looking to enhance their professional experience, or someone looking to gain the practical and theoretical knowledge to specialise in dispute resolution.

We have designed the timetable to suit the schedule of our students. We offer classes in the day on weekdays for students who can commit to a one year programme. For working professionals, we offer a flexible combination of evening and weekend classes over a two year period.

It’s fantastic to see a top UK Russell Group University, such as Birmingham, genuinely committing their academic and professional expertise to enhancing the local market in Dubai. Their approach to recognising the needs of the legal sector and supporting not only recent graduates, but also those looking to progress their career through flexible opportunities is superb

Stuart Walker, Partner, Afridi Angell

Why study this course?

  • International reputation - Birmingham Law School is ranked in the Top 60 (THE 2022) best law schools in the world and has an international reputation for its research and teaching. Joining the programme will involve joining a vibrant global community of students, alumni and academics.
  • Excellent career prospects - alumni from Birmingham Law School consistently find employment in the leading international law firms. Many have achieved international distinction as lawyers, academics, in the judiciary and in other fields such as commerce and public service. 100% of students who applied for an internship during the 2022/23 academic year were successful in securing one.
  • Transferable skills - this advanced LLM Law degree prepares you for a wide range of careers as it enables you to develop your skills in research and writing through assessed work and a substantial dissertation written under the supervision of a specialist in the subject
  • Support and guidance - you will have access to a range of support services -including excellent library resources and support in developing skills in research, drafting and other subject-specific skills. According to the Dubai Student Survey 2022/23, LLM student satisfaction is over 90%; and more than 90% of LLM students agree that the teaching is very interactive.

Modules

To graduate with the named LLM (International Dispute Resolution) students will be required to undertake:

  1. The compulsory module of Introduction to Legal Research (20 credits)
  2. Two core modules (40 credits)
  3. Three optional modules (60 credits) 
  4. A 15,000-word dissertation in an approved legal topic relating to International Dispute Resolution (60 credits)

Core modules:

  • International Commercial Conflict of Laws (20 Credits)
  • International Commercial Dispute Resolution (20 Credits)

Optional modules may include:

  • International Mergers and Acquisitions (20 Credits)
  • English and International Sales Law (20 Credits)
  • International Oil and Gas Law (20 Credits)
  • Sustainable Energy and the Environment (20 Credits)
  • Global Trade Law and Policy (20 Credits)
  • Company Law and Policy (20 Credits)
  • Banking Law (20 Credits)
  • Carriage of Goods (20 Credits)
  • International Construction Law (20 Credits)
  • Transnational Financial Crime Law  (20 Credits)

All 20 credit modules equate to 200 hours of studying time: 20 hours will be in seminars and 180 hours is guided independent study.

Please note that the module information listed on the website for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

Fees

Fees for September 2024 and January 2025 entry

September 2024 entry
Full-time study is AED 114,250, Part-time study is AED 57,125

January 2025 entry
Part-time study is AED 57,125

We have a number of scholarships available. Find out more.

How To Apply

To find out more information about our application process please visit our 'How to apply page' before starting your application.

Our Standard Requirements

Applicants should have a good Honours degree in law, or a degree in another discipline augmented with a pass in the Common Professional Examination.

International students:

International qualifications which are equivalent to a UK honours degree in Law will be considered. Learn more about international entry requirements

If your first language is not English you must provide an English language qualification. Recognised qualifications include:

  • IELTS: 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band

International Requirements


We will provide you with an innovative, challenging and research-driven education; where you will be actively encouraged to participate in seminars and contribute original ideas to discussion. You will also develop your skills in research and analyzing the law,  in advising and presenting solutions to practical legal problems. Each module has been designed by a University of Birmingham academic with the needs of the future lawyer in mind.  The modules will provide you with a grounding in common law and international approaches to commercial legal issues. You’ll be taught by experts, often the authors of key legal texts, many of whom also have extensive experience of international practice. You will develop significant technical expertise and an international perspective, enhancing your career prospects.

You will receive the same high-quality teaching materials and rigorous assessments as our UK campus. You will also have the opportunity to interact with staff & students across both campuses to support and enhance your learning experience.

This programme is designed to be flexible, suiting the needs of a diverse student body. The full-time programme will run from September to September studying six modules in total, three in the first term and three in the second term. The part-time programme will run alongside the full-time programme, studying three modules per year over two years.

Course delivery

We offer a combination of evening and weekend classes which are designed to accommodate working professionals and those who choose to study full-time.

Our draft timetable for full-time students is designed to deliver teaching on one or two evenings from 18:30-20:30 and on Saturday or Sunday 09:00-17:00 (day varies per module).

Please note that the example timetables are to be used as a guide and are subject to change. Our term dates are also available online. For further information, please contact us at dubai@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

Full-time students:

You will study each module for 10 teaching weeks in each semester, according to the timetable. In Semesters 1 and 2, there are three modules each, and during the summer, you will work on your dissertation project.

In Semester 2, one or two modules may be delivered in a block teaching mode over three weekends (e.g. four hours on Saturday for three weeks and four hours on Sunday for two weeks).

Part-time students:

You will study three modules per year. You can choose to take two modules in semester one and one module in semester two, or one module in semester one and two modules in semester two. You will study each module for 10 teaching weeks in each semester, following the timetable.

For part-time students who start in September (e.g. 2024), you will complete your modules in semester four (e.g. May 2026). During the summer, you will work on your dissertation project.

For part-time students who start in January (e.g. 2025), you will finish your modules in semester four (e.g. January 2027). From January to May, you will work on your dissertation projects.

View example timetable for LLM International Dispute Resolution (pdf 99 KB)

Your Birmingham Degree

Your Birmingham degree is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, ateam-working abilities and cultural awareness. 

Our graduates move onto a diverse range of careers, with many going on to work in top law schools and law firms. Some examples of where our recent graduates have gone on to work include the UK Home Office, Pinsent Masons LLP, HSBC, Vodaphone and Kinstellar. A number of our postgraduate students go directly from Birmingham to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, Bar Professional Training Course and many other international professional qualifications.

Centre for Professional Legal Education and Research (CEPLER) in Dubai

CEPLER is the go-to service for Birmingham Law School students, providing a diverse range of opportunities and activities to enhance knowledge, skills, confidence and employability - all the things that help graduates to stand out from the crowd in a competitive jobs market. You'll have access to a variety of online and face to face activities to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to progress your career in Law.

Recent activities delivered by CEPLER in Dubai include:

  • The annual Dubai and SQE Summer School: hosted in collaboration with Birmingham Law School’s Head of Global Engagement Paul McConnell and Dubai's CEPLER lead, Dr Shamini Ragavan. This summer school offers legal students intensive training and insights into legal practice with key professionals leading various sessions.
  • Guest lectures by speakers at legal firms in the UAE and alumni speakers. Topics have included: the legal systems of the United Arab Emirates, corporate law in Dubai, and property law.
  • Events connecting students with legal employers. Recent events include: Career Expos connecting employers and job seekers in the legal sector, CV drop-in clinics by Robert Walters Recruitment, and panel discussion events featuring Standard Chartered and Al Tamimi law firms.
  • Advocacy and mediation workshops. Recent workshops include: a workshop on advocacy in international arbitration by Ashurst law firm and mediation workshops by the Al Tamimi and Baker and McKenzie law firms.
  • Training for competing in mooting competitions. Training has previously been delivered by Partner David Hollway from Al Tamimi law firm ahead of Birmingham Law School in Dubai's team competing in the Vienna Vis Moot Competition.
  • Competing in mooting competitions. In February 2024, Birmingham Law School in Dubai competed in the Middle East Pre-Moot Competition and were the first runner-up, competing against over twenty other universities from across the Middle East. In March 2024 the team then competed in the Vienna Vis Moot Competition against over 350 worldwide teams. The team presented arguments against other teams before arbitral tribunals composed of eminent professors, lawyers, and judges from various jurisdictions.