Not all of the modules listed may be available in any one year. Those modules running are confirmed at the beginning of the semester when minimum student numbers have been ascertained. Module teachers, teaching dates and times may be subject to change (CCLS will work to ensure students are notified of any changes as soon as possible). Please further note that timetabling restrictions can sometimes prevent the choice of certain combinations of modules.
180 credits must be completed for the LLM.
A 10,000-word dissertation is an optional component of the LLM in International Business Law and counts as 30 credits.
In order to receive an LLM specialism, a minimum of 90 taught programme credits need to be chosen from the specialist field. The 30-credit dissertation is compulsory and must also be within the specialist field. You are free to choose from all of the modules on offer in Paris for the remaining 60 credits necessary to attain the overall 180 credits.
Students opting to study any combination of modules would study the general Paris LLM in International Business Law. Should you wish to specialise in:
The applicable specialisms for each module are noted in the descriptions below. Please note that TMT-specialists may select up to 45 credits from our TMT LLM offered by Distance Learning.
CCLP604/ 15 credits
This module will provide a foundation for understanding and analysing cloud computing structures and contracts for private and public sector cloud services, including standard terms and contract negotiations; the application of data protection law to the storage and other processing of information in cloud environments, including what is regulated, who is responsible, which laws apply and the circumstances in which law enforcement authorities access information; and the subsistence and ownership of proprietary rights in data stored, processed and generated in cloud environments.
One 2hr15mins written examination
The course is premised upon the notion that the student of insolvency law ought to develop a sound understanding of the dynamics of insolvency and debt restructuring, including available options, methods and techniques in the light of regulatory theories, applicable legal framework, shareholders capitalism and public policy objectives. The course will provide a critical and insightful view of current international legal developments and trends with the aim of identifying the most salient legal issues involved in insolvency and debt restructuring in the context of an increasingly complex financial phenomena and global markets.The module would enable students to identify common aspects in the dynamics, techniques and mechanisms to deal with distress scenarios and discover innovative trends in a continuously developing area. It will provide students with an introduction and basis for the understanding of the developments in reorganization, restructuring, debt-write-offs, debt-equity swaps, and debt conversion/extinction. In other words, methods and techniques to deal with the broad spectrum of restructuring from a legal, economic and policy point of view. The course will also provide strong legal analytical skills.
One 2hrs 15mins written examination
CCLP219/ 15 credits
This module investigates the difficulties posed by the problem of creating legally effective e-commerce transactions in a complex cross-border legal environment and potential solutions to those difficulties. It focuses on how e-commerce businesses are constrained to undertake and structure their online activities, and on how legal creativity might be used to reduce or eliminate legal uncertainties.
24-hour Final Assessment Exercise
CCLP160 / 15 credits
This module will look at the international legal regime relating to climate change and consider how this will directly impact the energy sector. There is a fundamental shift in the energy industry away from fossil fuels (non renewable sources) to clean energy (renewable sources). This transition and how it will take place over the coming years will be discussed. The transition fuel being identified by the International Energy Agency as the lowest carbon is gas. This will impact on the unconventional and LNG sector during this important transition. Traditional oil and gas companies including for example BP, Total and Shell will have to change their business model in line with new regulation. This module will also consider emissions trading and its effectiveness, the NDC (nationally determined commitments of states to achieve climate change goals. In addition it will consider the polluter pays principle as well as the growing number of climate change disputes and consider how these might impact future energy regulation, international and national. The focus is climate change exclusively from the perspective of the energy sector.
One 4000 word essay
CCLP601 / 15 credits
The module will cover the English law of contract, including the rules governing the formation, construction and interpretation of contracts (including the incorporation and implication of terms), the circumstances where contracts may be deemed to be vitiated, as well as the available remedies for breach of contract. This module will also give students insight into the workings of the common law.
The module will examine English Contract law with a particular focus on commercial contracts. The module aim is for students to familiarise with concepts, principles, doctrines and rules of English law governing commercial contracts and provide them with sound legal knowledge of all such aspects, thus enabling them, by the end of the module, to formulate concrete arguments and opinions on the various aspects and complex doctrines involved. In practical terms the module will furnish students with an understanding of how the law applies in the day-to-day operation of the commerce and with the ability to evaluate the law critically.
One 2hr 15mins written examination
CCLP011/ 15 credits
The module on "Ethics and governance in business and finance" analyses unethical practices arising in business and in the financial sector and links them with corresponding corporate governance problems. The module then provides a critical evaluation of the relevant UK and EU regulatory and supervisory frameworks which strive to address them. Reference to international standards and US law is made where relevant. Thorough consideration is also given to Corporate Social Responsibility and Responsible Investment.
The module aims at providing students with an understanding of the ethical problems which riddle the conduct of business of both financial and non-financial corporations. Given the persistence and apparent resilience of unethical conduct, it is a pedagogical imperative to educate future generations on the matter.
CCLP081 / 15 credits
Design rights are exclusive rights granted for the protection of a design that offers a new and individual appearance. This module deals with the rationales for and process of obtaining and enforcing design protection under the provisions of the European and US statutes, including infringement, defences, revocation and remedies. The module will:
One coursework essay of 4000 words
Professor David Musker
CCLP209 / 30 credits
This module examines EU data protection laws and examples of the regulatory frameworks established in the Member States. It explores the key debates and commercial implications of the current regime under the Data Protection Directive and the new regime under the General Data Protection Regulation, including the challenges of particular developments, such as telecommunications, cloud computing and the Internet of Things.
Students will acquire legal knowledge, and gain a robust insight into policy considerations underlying statutory law. You will also acquire an international and comparative perspective on how the law is understood and applied in different jurisdictions. You will thereby be placed in a position to critically analyse current developments.
One 3hrs 15mins written examination
CCLP075 / 15 credits
This module focuses on the copyright law of the European Union and on the relationship between that body of rules and the copyright laws of the Union's member states (including France and Germany). It aims to provide students with a broad understanding of those systems and a more detailed awareness of specific topical issues within European copyright law. This module aims to provide students with:
CCLP076 / 15 credits
Patents are exclusive rights granted for the protection of an invention that offers a new and inventive technical solution or way of doing something. This module deals with the process of obtaining and enforcing a patent under the provisions of the UK Patents Act 1977, the European Patent Convention (EPC) and the Unified Patent Court (UPC), including infringement, defences, revocation and remedies. This modules aims to:
CCLP083/ 15 credits
The emphasis is on European trade-mark law and, the relevant legal instruments and the extensive jurisprudence developed by the CJEU in that regard, with particular emphasis on the manner in which the latter is applied by UK courts. Trade-mark law has become an important driver of the economy, while brand loyalty, commercial reputation and goodwill are some of the most important assets a commercial entity might possess. These aspects will be covered in depth in relation to the trade-marks jurisprudence in Europe. Moreover, with the looming UK departure from the EU, the interplay between EU and UK trade-mark will be explored as it is of utmost importance to lawyers involved in pan-European transactions and litigation.
24-hour final assessment exercise
CCLP163 / 15 credits
International arbitration proceedings in the energy sector have seen an important increase in recent years, both in terms of their numbers and their economic and political importance. This module provides students with the basis for understanding the particular issues of disputes in the energy sector, both in international investment and commercial arbitration. This module gives students aiming to work in the arbitration area an important qualification in a very competitive market. The module includes various case studies and interventions from guest lectures from the energy industry and private practice.
It is recommended that this module be taken in conjunction with module CCLP047 Investment Treaty Arbitration.
CCLP044 / 15 credits
The growth of international commercial transactions, including infrastructure and investment projects, financial and IP transactions, has been accompanied over the last sixty years by the increased use of arbitration to settle disputes. Arbitration is now established as the preferred method of international dispute resolution as it provides for the neutrality and flexibility commercial parties seek.
This module examines the fundamental theoretical concepts and legal framework for international commercial arbitration. The teaching approach taken for this module is international and comparative, drawing on the laws of all major legal systems (including England, France, Switzerland, the USA, Model Law Countries, Singapore, China and Hong Kong) as well as the most important institutional and ad hoc arbitration rules (including the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, the London Court of International Arbitration, the UNCITRAL Rules, the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, the Singapore International Arbitration Centre). Particular focus is also given to the 1958 United Nations Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (the New York Convention) which has a central important in international commercial arbitration.
The aim of this course is to establish students’ knowledge and critical understanding as well as provide an insight into the practice of international commercial arbitration as an independent comparative law subject. The subject is first examined generically, without any reference to any national laws, arbitration rules or international instruments; and then various national and institutional approaches are presented.
The focus will be on applicable laws and procedures, including issues of evidence and issues of the relevance of the seat.
CCLP043 / 15 credits
The focus will be on regulation and infrastructure and will also cover arbitration agreement and arbitration tribunal.
January-June 2023 semester.
CCLP602 / 15 credits
International Arbitration is a more and more specialized area of law. In this module, students will learn the specific skill sets needed to become a successful arbitration lawyer. Oral and written advocacy, understanding of different cultural legal backgrounds and other skills will be taught on a “learning by doing basis.” Students will take part in practical exercises, stepping in the shoes of arbitrator, counsel or clients. Applying the theoretical concepts of international arbitration in practice, students will lean the fundamental skills that will give students an important qualification in a competitive legal market. You will benefit from practical guest lectures from renowned arbitration practitioners. Prior knowledge of dispute resolution or arbitration is strongly recommended for this module.
CCLP077 / 15 credits
Patents provide, for a limited time, the right to exclude others from acts of making, using, selling, keeping or importing products containing the patented invention. Under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (the TRIPS Agreement) WTO Members, in particular developing countries, face challenges in meeting their obligations to provide patent protection and related rights. The module will assess the extent to which these obligations derived from international law impact on access to medicines, traditional knowledge, biological diversity, farmers' rights, food security and human rights.
CCLP607 / 15 credits
The module will provide an introduction to competition law. The module will address the essentials of Article 101 TFEU (undertaking, agreement etc.), discuss various types of anticompetitive agreements, as well as the modern approach to the application of Article 101(3) TFEU in defending anticompetitive agreements. Then the module will look at Article 102 TFEU. The module will analyse the essential features of Article 102 TFEU i.e. the concept of dominance and the concept of abuse. Then the module will present some of the abuses (e.g. tying/bundling, exclusive dealing, price discrimination, refusal to supply). Finally, the module will analyse the assessment of mergers and acquisitions, focusing on substantive analysis. The content of the module is relevant for the competition enforcement by the European Commission, but also by National Competition Authorities of the EU Member States. The module will adopt a very practical perspective (case studies, quizzes) and will aim to equip students with the tools they need to assess/address infringements of national and EU competition law.
CCLP047 / 30 credits
The legal environment for international trade and foreign investment has changed dramatically since the end of the Cold War. Foreign investors are much more willing to pursue a claim of, for example, alleged expropriation or discriminatory behaviour by a host State. Further, public international law principles must also be considered once a state is involved. Principles of state responsibility, expropriation and acts tantamount to expropriation, what comprises fair and just compensation, immunity from suit and immunity from execution. These public international law principles overlap somewhat uncomfortably with the commercial interests of foreign investors. Developments in investment arbitration and trade dispute resolution have been rapid in recent years. It is now crucial that academics and legal practitioners are aware of the complex international legal elements involved in the resolution of investment and trade disputes. The subject has become very topical with broader political and economic debate on ISDS. This debate has intensified in recent years and various reform projects are underway at UNCITRAL, ICSID and other international organisation.
Course materials for this module are available to purchase from the QMUL e-shop; show receipt and collect from Student Services at ULIP.
One 3hr15mins written examination
CCLP039 / 15 credits
The course will explore negotiation through various theoretical approaches including strategic bargaining, cognitive theories, processual analysis, for example. The focus will be on the lawyer as negotiator and the intent is to blend theoretical analysis with practical application. Lectures will be delivered in combination with role-play simulations and exercises. Students will be expected to participate in exercises and simulated roleplays each class.
This module aims to familiarise the student with negotiation theory and to explore how these theories impact the student’s approach to negotiation; to enhance the student’s preparation for and engagement in negotiation; to combine theoretical learning with practical application to gain understanding through experiential learning.
Please note that registrations for this module will be capped at 20 students.
One course work essay of 3000-4000 words (80%)
One oral presentation of 10-15 minutes (20%)
CCLP606 /15 credits
How do corporates and governments raise large-scale finance in the international banking and capital markets?
The focus will be on certain key financial transactions:
We will look at the issues that shape both the way the documents are drafted and the structures supporting them. These documents are taken from contracts used in the London market, and, in particular, we will analyse the Loan Market Association's Multicurrency Term and Revolving Facilities Agreement. As a global financial centre, these London documents have been adopted in other financial markets around the world. Transactions undertaken in London often do not involve any party or asset located in the United Kingdom. Indeed, the transactions we will examine are cross-border: for example, Lenders located in Countries A, B and C, Borrower in Country D, Assets in Country E, Governing Law specified as English Law.
Students are not required to have any prior knowledge of banking, finance, contract law, or English law. You will learn all you need to know, including the terminology, as we proceed. Materials, including a detailed study guide, will be provided.
QLLP014 / 22.5 credits
The module begins with an explanation of the principles of intellectual property, contract and competition law as they relate to licensing contracts. The body of the module will be concerned with the character, structure and drafting of licensing agreements for the major forms of intellectual property to include patent, trade mark and copyright licensing. The module will examine in light of statute and case law, the key terms common to such licensing agreements including: ownership; grant of intellectual property; territorial exclusivity; invention improvement; sublicensing; royalties; warranties; indemnities and dispute resolution. The module will discuss current issues in the field of licensing including trade marks and selective distribution agreements; standard essential patents and FRAND (fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory) licensing; as well as copyright licensing, news aggregation; and technological self-help measures including blockchain technologies.
One 2hr315mins written examination
CCLP010 / 15 credits
Primarily the course aims to contribute to a critical understanding of the subject matter through the combined study of theories of regulation in general and the corporate dynamics in particular, with a special focus on the different stakeholders involved in corporate finance. The module will focus on issues such as: the use of debt and equity; why merge or acquire a business; due diligence, acquisition/sale agreements and contractual governance; the permissibility and regulation of takeover defences in the UK, US and the EU and the protection of minority shareholders through the regulation of this bid process; the role of other constituencies such as employees affected by control transactions. Finally this module is a good complement to the one in Securities and Markets Regulation.
CCLP001 / 15 credits
The module in Securities and Markets Regulation covers the most important pieces of EU legislation applicable to capital markets. These include the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive and Regulation (MiFID and MiFIR), the Transparency Directive and the UCITS and AIFM Directives, which discipline collective investment funds and alternative investment funds managers.
Particular attention will be given to the study of market venues as well as the European and International institutional framework governing their supervision.
This module is a good complement to CCLP010 Mergers and Acquisitions.
CCLP218 / 15 credits
One of the most fundamental concepts governing a legal system is not only that justice should be done, but that it should also be seen to be done. The modern notion of open justice sees the media encouraged to report on the court system in operation; indeed, the right to do so comes under the scope of Article 10. There are, however, situations in which limits must be put upon what may be reported, such as, for example, where the public interest lies in protecting the Article 8 privacy rights of an individual, or perhaps even where it is necessary for information identifying them to be withheld from publication lest it put their actual lives in danger, as was seen in regards to the Bulger killers, Thompson & Venables (UK). Prior to and during legal proceedings, it can be necessary to put limits on the manner in which the media report particular proceedings; in some circumstances, it may even be necessary to prevent certain key information from being able to be reported at all for the duration, as to do otherwise could pose a threat to the integrity of the proceedings, violating the Article 6 right.
This module will undertake a comparative exploration of different legal approaches which seek to maintain the balance between open justice and media freedom of expression on the one hand, and the protection of vital interests in the integrity of the justice process on the other. Consideration will also be given to the challenges posed by the nature of the contemporary media: online, global, and instantaneous. Can traditional approaches in this area, designed in an era of professional journalists and defined boundaries, be adapted in order to really address the internet era of amateur commentators, online gossips, and international communication platforms with global reach?
CCLP609 / 15 credits
The module will provide students with in-depth knowledge and critical analysis of the legal and regulatory principles and the soft law standards applicable to international banking activities. It also investigates banking supervisory architecture in the UK, the EU, and at international level.
The regulatory framework analyzed covers the entire life cycle of a bank from its inception to failure. It also discusses banks' types and activities.
The module aims at providing students with a thorough and cross disciplinary understanding of the international legal and regulatory framework applicable to the Banking sector. The study of regulation will be complemented with that of supervision. This is a fundamental module for all students wishing to specialise in banking and finance.
Outline Syllabus (to be confirmed)