LIBT Brunel University

Course Details

Law with International Arbitration & Commercial Law LLB

Course Description

The LLB Law with International Arbitration and Commercial Law offers students a unique preparation for the realities of modern commercial law by helping students to develop expertise both in the substance of contemporary commercial law and in the most important method for the resolution of contemporary business disputes. Developed in collaboration with an advisory board of internationally-recognised specialists, the LLB introduces students to specialised areas of knowledge while ensuring that students receive the broad legal education offered on a standard LLB course. Over the course of their study at Brunel, students increasingly specialise in arbitration and areas of commercial law of their choice, resulting in a degree that is both focused on their specific interests, and that uniquely prepares them for one of the few genuinely cross-border fields of legal practice. The School offers two exciting options to undertake the LLB Law with a specialisation in International Arbitration and Commercial Law: the LLB Law with International Arbitration & Commercial Law, and the LLB Law with International Arbitration & Commercial Law (Professional Placement), which includes one year in industry. Previous placements at Brunel have been in solicitors' firms, barristers' chambers, governmental institutions and related organisations. The LLB Law with International Arbitration & Commercial Law fulfils all the requirements of the traditional LLB, giving graduates qualifying law degree status that satisfies the requirements of the Law Society and the Bar Council. Graduates gain the advantage of recognised specialised knowledge in the area of international arbitration and commercial law, and leave with a thorough knowledge and understanding of commercial law, cross-border transactions, international and comparative law, and cross-cultural dispute resolution. Throughout the degree, students in this specialist programme attend Arbitration and Commercial LLB seminars/clinics delivered by a combination of law scholars and practitioners. Following an introduction into the major concepts and theoretical principles necessary for an understanding of the field, monthly seminars develop into research clinics. Students get the opportunity to work in small groups on topical and controversial issues. The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators have granted Brunel Law School the status of Recognised Course ProviderThe Chartered Institute of Arbitrators have granted Brunel Law School the status of Recognised Course Provider, for the LLB with International Arbitration and Commercial Law. This unique accreditation means that when you graduate* from the LLB with International Arbitration and Commercial Law you will be eligible to become a member of the Institute. Unlike other graduates you will not be required to complete any additional courses to qualify, meaning a saving of up to £3,000 in additional course fees. The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators is the primary professional body within arbitration, and the Law School is proud that graduates have the opportunity to have the highly regarded status of MCIArb after their names, subject to the successful completion of Level I of the curriculum and the Level 3 Module ‘International Sales Law and Arbitration’. Students benefit from the opportunity to participate in study visits to institutions in both the UK and abroad, with visits potentially including such institutions as the London Court of International Arbitration, the UK Supreme Court, and the ICC Court of International Arbitration in Paris. Students can engage in a wide variety of on-campus activities, including the Brunel Law Reading Group sessions and Brunel Law Film screenings, with opportunities for active engagement in mooting, debating and the Pro Bono centre. These activities are supported by the Centre for the Study of Arbitration and Cross-Border Investment (SACI), and the Company and Commercial Law group (CCLG), which benefit from extensive links with both scholars and practitioners in arbitration and commercial law. The seminars and relevant foundation/ qualifying law degree first year subjects prepare students for an in depth examination of arbitration and commercial law subjects in the final year of the programme. These include a mandatory module in International Sales Law & Arbitration (with moot preparation and possible participation) as well as two out of the following commercial law subjects: Banking Law, Company Law, Competition Law, Intellectual Property Law, Taxation of Income, and either Consumer Law or Employment Law. A fourth module may be selected from any Level 3 modules offered at Brunel. Brunel Law School invests heavily in supporting students in the development of their professional and business skills, working closely with the award winning Placement and Careers Centre (PCC). The PCC provides students in the 'LLB Law with International Arbitration & Commercial Law' programme specialist guidance and support with securing placements, mini pupillages and training contract/ pupillage interviews, and career paths within law firms, as part of an in-house legal team at a business, or even at an arbitral institution. All LLB Law programmes provide students with an essential foundation in 'Legal Skills and Method' in year 1. Students are also offered a range of master classes, workshops and training opportunities throughout each academic year. Students on the LLB Law with International Arbitration & Commercial Law (Professional Placement) spend a year working in industry gaining valuable experience. We are one of only a few UK law schools offering this unique opportunity as a part of the degree programme (and have extensive experience in doing so). Students on the four-year placement programme graduate with a degree from a respected law school, a more distinct CV, work experience and excellent links with legal practitioners. Aims The LLB Law provides students with an opportunity to earn a qualifying law degree and develop a dynamic perspective of International and English law. 'LLB Law with International Arbitration & Commercial Law' gives students a thorough knowledge and understanding both of the substance of contemporary commercial law, and of the functioning of international arbitration as a form of dispute resolution. The course gives students the ability to think critically about methods for the resolution of commercial disputes and the importance of cross-border transactions in the contemporary world; apply relevant substantive and procedural law; and demonstrate relevant career skills, especially skills which are pertinent to commercial law professions. Students are drawn into the front lines of legal scholarship and have opportunities to further their knowledge by participating in conferences, seminars and workshops hosted by two of the Law School’s centres, the Centre for the Study of Arbitration and Cross-Border Investment (SACI), and the Company and Commercial Law group (CCLG), membership of which will be offered to those who participate in relevant activities. Students are encouraged to get involved in activities that will foster the development of social and professional skills by joining the Pro Bono centre, mooting and/or the debating team, and participating in international programmes and professional development seminars. Our reading and film groups, much enjoyed by our students, are fantastic ways to explore facets of law in a different context. These extra-curricular opportunities challenge students to take a fresh and contemporary view of law and to think outside the box when faced with new concepts. Throughout their programme, students are required to confront contemporary, real-world legal challenges, particularly in a cross-border context, and to develop skills of analysis and critical thinking. The School prides itself on developing students for professional life and challenges them to cultivate the skills required to succeed in 21st century legal practice.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
3year

Career outcomes

84% of our LLB Law graduates are in employment or further study. While most students study law with a view to progress into the legal profession, some students opt to study law as a first degree as a foundation for careers in the corporate world, government or international relations-related professions. Graduates can take advantage of the professional exemptions available with a Brunel Law Degree, and train to become barristers or solicitors. Regular career events for law students are offered by the University's award-wining Placement and Careers Service (PCC) and the School avidly supports the professional development of our students, for example by offering weekly career clinics in collaboration with the PCC. The Legal Skills & Method study block at level 1 introduces students to fundamental career skills, such as writing a CV and performing well in interviews. The Legal Professionals Master Class (short course) gives students the chance to further enhancement such skills. Careers Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey There are many opportunities available for Law graduates but the majority of Brunel students choose to pursue a legal career. Many professions welcome Law graduates and other options exist within the City, the financial sector and in business generally as well as community, housing and welfare. Other graduates use their degree as a route into careers where all disciplines are welcomed including recruitment, media, marketing and related occupations. In 2011/12, six months after graduating: * 52.6% of graduates with a first degree were in employment * 28.1% were in full-time further study * 10.5% were combining work and study Read more about graduate destinations for this subject area Opportunities for law graduates arise in a wide range of activities. You may take advantage of your professional exemptions and train to become a barrister or solicitor, but your degree could take you into careers other than law, including mediation, consultancy, industry, commerce, public administration, the social services, management and humanitarian aid.

Law with International Arbitration & Commercial Law LLB LIBT Brunel University