Christos is a graduate from the LLM International Commercial Law programme.
What motivated you to choose the MSc International Commercial Law programme, and what were the highlights of your experience at Strathclyde?
As a Greek-qualified lawyer, I wanted to broaden my perspective beyond a single national legal system, as more and more of the transactions I encountered had a cross-border dimension. Strathclyde’s MSc/LLM in International Commercial Law stood out for its practical, commercially focused approach and the flexibility to tailor the programme to my career goals.
The modules were a real highlight. They combined a solid grounding in the contractual and corporate structures behind cross-border transactions with a broader understanding of the regulatory frameworks that shape international commerce. The wide range of electives gave me the chance to delve deeper into the fields that interested me most. Research-based assessments and the dissertation sharpened my ability to analyse complex legal questions in depth.
Beyond the classroom, studying alongside classmates from many jurisdictions turned every seminar into a comparative law discussion. I also valued the accessibility of the academic staff and the chance to spend a year in Glasgow, a welcoming and vibrant city.
Were there any particular areas of international commercial law that you were especially interested in exploring? How did the programme help you develop your knowledge and understanding in these areas?
I was particularly drawn to international business and corporate law, e-commerce, competition law, and the legal frameworks behind cross-border finance and trade. The programme helped me move from knowing the rules to understanding why they work the way they do. This meant understanding how international instruments, English law and commercial practice interact, and how parties allocate risk in practice. Engaging critically with academic debates in these areas also encouraged me to question established approaches and to form well-reasoned positions of my own.
What key skills, knowledge or perspectives did you gain during the MSc that you have found most valuable since graduating?
The most valuable thing I gained was the confidence to work in an international legal environment. That includes reading and negotiating English-law documents, navigating EU legal frameworks, understanding the commercial logic behind contractual provisions, and communicating clearly with counterparts and advisers from other jurisdictions. The programme also sharpened my legal research and writing, and it taught me to look at a problem both from the client’s business perspective and the legal one.
How has the MSc International Commercial Law programme influenced your career journey and future aspirations? (If you have secured employment since graduating, please feel free to share how the degree helped support that journey and prepared you for your role.
Since graduating, my career has developed in two quite different but complementary environments. I first worked at one of the largest law firms in Greece, where I gained solid experience in corporate and commercial matters, often with a cross-border element. I am now part of the legal team of a fast-growing start-up with an international footprint. There I work mainly on corporate matters and on international financing transactions governed by English law, alongside leading international law firms. The MSc/LLM prepared me directly for both roles. Concepts I first studied in Glasgow are now part of my everyday practice, and the degree gave me the confidence and fluency to take an active role in international deals. Looking ahead, I hope to keep developing at the intersection of law and business.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering the MSc International Commercial Law programme? (Particularly those looking to build a career in the legal profession or related fields?
Engage fully with the international character of the programme. Your classmates will be your future professional network, so take every opportunity to exchange views and build connections. Don’t hesitate to approach the academic staff either. They are genuinely eager to share their knowledge and experience, and a conversation after a seminar or during office hours can be as valuable as any lecture. Choose modules that match where you want your career to go, and treat your dissertation as a chance to develop real expertise in an area you care about. Above all, think commercially: the lawyers who stand out understand the business behind the legal question, and this programme is an excellent place to build that mindset.
