School of Social Sciences

International Economic Law LLM

Year of entry: 2026

Course length: 12 months Full-Time

About the course

International law and global commerce are undergoing a major transformation, driven by the rise of e-commerce, a stronger focus on sustainability, and shifting trade patterns.

Developing countries particularly need lawyers with expertise in these topics, as their economic growth depends on deeper engagement in global trade and investment processes.

Our LLM International Economic Law provides you with a unique combination of skills, knowledge and expertise required by these companies to ensure business runs smoothly within an increasingly globalised society.

Taught by leading experts, you will explore the legal challenges faced by international businesses and analyse the fundamental legal framework for solving them to develop sought-after skills in the business world.

You'll become part of one of Europe’s leading law schools that produces internationally renowned research. As a student, you'll be guided by our diverse academic experts who have research links with overseas organisations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and a number of legal authorities and international skills.

See the full course profile on our website >

Join a university with a strong heritage of providing legal education since 1872, where graduates include Dame Christabel Pankhurst and Lord Stephens, the current Justice of the UK Supreme court

Benefit from our first-class facilities, including a purpose-built moot court where you can develop your legal skills

Gain practical experience throughout your studies, such as by offering legal advice at our Legal Advice Centre or promoting positive change through the Manchester Innocence Project

Graduate from one of the UK’s most targeted universities by top employers with the skillset needed to make a real-world contribution

(High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2024)

Compulsory Units

Global Economic and World Trade Law;
International Investment Law;
LLM Dissertation.

Optional Units

Academic Skills for Legal Studies;
Postgraduate Competition Law in an International Context;
International Sale of Goods;
International Banking Law;
Transnational Corporate and Capital Markets Law;
Intellectual Property Law;
Copyright Law and Policy.

These are examples of units offered in 2024/25 and are subject to change.

See the full list of units and find out more on the full course profile >

Where will your course take you?

Today’s turbulent legal landscape is in increasing need of graduates with a broad skill set and deep legal knowledge, notably of to trade regulations, to navigate worldwide complexities and drive informed decision-making.

Our courses allow you to develop a variety of both subject-specific and transferable skills suited to a wide variety of roles, such as reasoning skills, advocacy skills, problem-solving and high attention to detail.

Most of our recent graduates have gone on to work with leading organisations in legal advice, tax consultancy, auditing in the free economy, government, charities, and at top universities, with job titles such as Business Development Manager, Financial Consultant, Legal Advisor, Mergers and Acquisition Specialist, and Researcher.

Many of our graduates choose to continue their research by studying a PhD in Law, either at Manchester or at another leading university, where they expand the boundaries of our knowledge and pursue careers in research or academia.

Academic spotlight

Nicolette Butler / Law LLM Senior Lecturer

"The University of Manchester has an excellent reputation in academia. Additionally, the Law department has strengths in international law and commercial law; this made Manchester a good fit with my own research and teaching interests. International investment law (and international economic law, broadly defined) are, to this day, my main research areas.

Our academics are internationally recognised experts; it is a real pleasure to work with such amazing colleagues who produce world-leading research and are highly dedicated and inspirational teachers."