The development of the global trading system and its institutions of governance has created an increasingly sophisticated system of trade and related rights. This system not only governs relations between states, but also impacts upon relationships between states and individuals.
At both the policy and practical level, there is tension and contestation surrounding the function and role of international institutions such as the World Trade Organisation [WTO]. There is much debate, for example, on the impact of the WTO upon traditional notions of state sovereignty, and there is a question mark surrounding the relationship between the world trading system and other systems of political and civil rights such as human rights, environmental protection and the right to health. These debates are not confined to the realm of academia. Accordingly, the highest ‘court’ of the WTO has opined that decisions must take into account,
“[h]uman societies as they actually exist, in other words … in the real world where people live and work and die.” [WTO Appellate Body Report, EC-Hormones, paragraph 187]
The LLM in International Economic Law at Strathclyde
This Masters programme offers students the opportunity to explore further how International Economic Law deals with ‘real world’ challenges. In so doing, this programme provides students with an analytical framework for understanding the fundamental rules and principles underpinning International Economic Law, and to explore the relationship between this system of law and other political and civil rights systems. In addition to undertaking advanced study of the International Economic Law system, students may also choose from a range of elective modules from outside the Law School. Students therefore have some flexibility to tailor their degree to suit their intended career path. More detail on the structure of the LLM in International Economic Law is provided below.
This programme is geared towards those wanting to develop careers with international law firms, international organisations or governmental/ non-governmental organisations with an international trade and business or commercial law focus. The programme will also be useful to those students who intend to work in the international development sector in management, planning, or policy related areas. It is not necessary that you hold a law degree before embarking on this course of study although some law content in your previous course of study may be useful.
What makes this programme unique: The Field Dissertation
A unique aspect of this and the sister Masters programme in International Economic Law is the opportunity for a limited number of LLM students to undertake a field dissertation within a governmental or non-governmental organisation with an international focus, either in the UK, or more likely, overseas. If selected to undertake a field dissertation, you will embark upon a project or fieldwork in partnership with professionals in a local organisation. You will commence your placement between July and September after satisfactorily completing all the instructional elements of the programme. The placement typically lasts for up to 12 weeks. The work you complete for the placement will focus on a specific area of law and will form the subject of your dissertation. You are then required to submit your dissertation by December in order to graduate in July of the following year. The field dissertation is offered on a competitive basis.
Strathclyde LLM students have undertaken field placements in a number of countries including Sri Lanka, South Africa, India and Kenya. Examples of projects which our students have undertaken include: (1) assessing the extent to which Indian environmental and energy laws promote the development of micro-renewables, (2) an analysis of whether Tanzanian land law discriminates against women and what reforms would be needed to address the discrimination; (3) an exploration of the low take-up of Clean Development Mechanism [CDM] in Sub-Saharan Africa and how the situation could be improved; and (4) an assessment of environmental justice in Nigeria and South Africa.
The project/field work itself is organised and supported by Challenges Worldwide. Challenges Worldwide (CWW) is an innovative, award-winning, social enterprise working in international development. CWW has worked with more than 100 NGOs, government departments, social enterprises, community groups and fair trade organisations in more than 20 countries around the world. These organisations work to advance CWW’s four development themes - Rights, Health, Livelihoods and Environment. CWW works with volunteers who have professional skills and several years’ work experience. By recruiting a consistent supply of high quality professionals, CWW enables its international partners to improve the vital services they deliver to their communities.
More information on Challenges Worldwide can be obtained here.
Entry criteria
Students will normally hold a second class Honours degree - or equivalent- in any discipline related to International Economic law, although previous study with some law content would be useful and is encouraged. Other qualifications may be recognised, especially where the applicant’s work experience is relevant to the course.
For International Students
In all cases, for candidates whose first language is not English, documentary evidence of an appropriate level of competency of written and spoken English must be provided. The minimum standards [at the date of writing] are an IELTS minimum overall band score of 6.5 (with no individual test score below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT minimum total score 90-95 (minimum scores of 21 in Listening and Writing, 22 in Reading and 23 in Speaking).
Application Deadline
Students should apply by mid-August in the year of entry.
Structure of the LLM in International Economic Law
This programme is available full-time and part-time with three potential exit points. You can choose to study for a postgraduate Certificate (PgCert), a postgraduate Diploma (PgDip), or a Master’s degree (LLM).
The LLM is awarded upon successful completion of six modules and a dissertation. Successful completion of six modules qualifies students for the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip), and a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) is awarded on completion of three modules.
Transfer between Certificate, Diploma and Master’s streams is possible subject to satisfactory performance.
Recommended Core Classes
>> Research Methods (compulsory for LLM)
>> The World Trading System: Law and Policy
Elective Classes available under the LLM in International Economic Law (These are merely indicative and may change from year to year)
>> Comparative Obligations
>> Business and Human Rights
>> Comparative Company Law and Regulation
>> Competition Law and Policy in the EU
>> Intellectual Property
>> International Environmental Law
>> Energy Resources and Policy
>> International Trade Theory, Policy and Institutions
Other Elective Classes
Students may also choose classes from other Law Masters programmes and/or relevant classes from other non-law Masters programmes up to a maximum of 40 credits. Such classes may include;
>> Legal Process and the Law of Contract and Other Obligations (For non-lawyers)
>> E-Commerce
>> UK & EU Environmental Law
>> Theories of Conflict
>> International Human Rights Law
>> Policy Analysis
>> Fundamentals of Environmental Forensics
Normal programme duration
LLM: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
PgDip: 9 months full-time; 21 months part-time
PgCert: 4 months full time; 8 months part-time
Assessment
A variety of assessment methods, and weightings, are used on Law School Masters programmes, but the classes developed within the Law School specifically for this programme generally adopt the following format: two x 4000 word essays or one final examination together with a 4000 word essay. Each component of assessment is generally worth 50% of the final mark of a module. To pass each module, students need an average overall score of 50% across all assessments as well as a minimum score of 40% in each individual component of assessment.
Increasingly, lawyers and other related professionals are operating in environments that demand an understanding of international economic law, and its relationship with other rights and norms.
Studying on this programme will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and analytical skills relevant to working or planning a career with an international focus, including international law firms and businesses, and governmental or non-governmental organisations.
Students on this programme and the LLM in International Law and Sustainable Development have gone on to take up quite varied positions including;
- Analyst in the Private Wealth division of a multinational bank
- Policy Officer with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
- Logistical Coordinator with Oxfam America
- Legal counsel for an energy utility company based in Switzerland
- Responsible Investment Analyst for a leading global provider of research into corporate environmental, social and governance performance
- Project Associate for an international non-profit organization working to advance global public health
Jeanne Evans,
“The field dissertation was the highlight of the program. As a Challenges Worldwide volunteer, I had the opportunity to conduct field-based research and develop my professional skills within the field of international law and sustainable development - all while experiencing life in one of East Africa's most vibrant cities! Working with a land rights organization for three months in Dar es Saleem, Tanzania I collaborated with colleagues to conduct research on women's land rights within the Tanzanian legal system and strategies to promote these rights throughout the country. The experience enabled me to connect practical work with academic theory and provided tremendous insight into the field that I study. It is an experience that I would do again given the chance and would recommend to all students.”
Jeanne Evans is currently working as a Project Associate for Management Sciences for Health, an international non-profit organization working to advance global public health.
Wangying Hung
“Before coming to study at the University of Strathclyde, I worked for five years with a number of multinational corporations. I returned to study to improve my professional standing. The year’s study at Strathclyde has been very substantial. The most significant part of the year was being a volunteer via Challenges Worldwide for the field dissertation in Kenya. I expanded my horizons and developed my professional skills when I worked for three months with my colleagues in the Climate Change Team at the International Livestock Research Institute. My field-based research focused on litigation and implementation of environmental law for climate change (including the law of UNDP and UNEP) with the most important part of the dissertation focusing upon Kenyan law and policy. The experience has been amazing and introduced me to many people who work for environmental protection departments and local governments. It also improved my understanding of academic theory and professional knowledge. I recommend this chance for all students to make your academic year colourful.”
Wangying Hung is currently writing up her dissertation.
Donald Inch
“I really enjoyed my time on the International Law and Sustainable Development LLM, and coupled with my experience from the field dissertation it was vital in helping me to get my current job in a career I wish to pursue.
I was initially apprehensive when starting this LLM programme as I was coming from a non-law background; however the support and advice I received from staff and fellow students ensured I quickly adapted and got to grips with the course content. Not only was the course challenging, but it was also hugely enjoyable, with a number of classes developing into debates to allow us all to voice our own opinions and learn from each other. This ability to discuss the subjects rather than just be lectured on them led to more in depth analysis of the key points, and I feel enhanced the teaching and my understanding of the topics.
I was fortunate to be able to partake in the field dissertation aspect of the course too, helping to develop my working skills in addition to my knowledge of international development. Working with an information and knowledge exchange organisation, I had the opportunity to travel throughout Kenya, visiting rural communities to document climate change mitigation techniques and interview the people making these changes. Whilst my working week was taken up with role at my organisation, the weekends were my own and gave me a wonderful opportunity to explore this beautiful country some more, with climbing Mount Kenya and visiting the National parks as particular highlights.
Living and working in Kenya, and visiting some of the most rural and arid parts of the country is something which I have never had the opportunity to do before, and given the chance I would love to experience this again. I highly recommend prospective students to take part in the field dissertation.
I currently work for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, as a Policy Officer in Environmental Strategy. My role focuses on ensuring the whole organisation is as environmentally friendly as possible, and to reduce the negative environmental impacts that SEPA has to make in order to carry out our other functions.”
For details of scholarships you may be eligible for, please click here.
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.
