COURSE IN DEPTH
Modules
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):
Public International Law
20 credits
This module examines the principles and operations of the most important elements of public international law. This is a potentially vast subject (in fact the subject of entire LLM programmes in its own right) so the module content will focus on the fundamental principles which underpin the legal relations between states. In particular the law of Treaties and the law of the United Nations will form the principal bases of study.
Advanced Legal Research Methods
20 credits
This module enables you to gain enhanced knowledge and understanding of the techniques needed for advanced legal research. It serves a double purpose. As a foundation to other Level 7 modules in law, it supports you in acquiring the knowledge of research methods and skills in applying those methods required to succeed in postgraduate legal research – both in scholarship and for practitioners.
Dissertation, Live Project or Placement
60 credits
The aim of this module is to provide a framework for you to undertake a substantial piece of disciplinary-relevant research the output of which may be either a placement, integrated project or dissertation. This is founded upon Birmingham City University’s teaching and learning philosophy which integrates theory into practice.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 80 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules. You must select at least one optional module marked with an asterisk (*):
Human Rights in the Wider World
20 credits
This intellectually stimulating and exciting module engages with the law and practice of the United Nations for resolving international crisis situations. It provides students with critical knowledge of the UN. Charter, international humanitarian law and international human rights law, for solving humanitarian disasters. It presents an overview of the Charter of the United Nations and engages with the International Bill of Rights and associated international legislation.
International Women’s and Children’s Rights
20 credits
The module will provide an introduction to the two fields of women’s rights and children’s rights, looking at these in an international context. These will be studied within an overarching ‘rights’ context, allowing students to identify and explore differences and interrelationships between the two fields.
International Corporate Law*
20 credits
The principal legal vehicle for business in all developed economies is the limited liability company. Therefore any study of international business law must include a coherent and rigorous examination and analysis of:
- The legal framework of corporate law adopted in a range of relevant jurisdictions
- The problems and issues faced by the law in this field
- The similarities and differences of the choices made and solutions instituted
- The aims, experiences and outcomes of the operation of company law in those jurisdictions
Transnational Commercial Law*
20 credits
In contemporary times there has been a large growth of international commerce which has resulted in an expanding use of cross border commercial transactions. This module aims to consider commercial law in the globalised world.
Corporate Criminality and Tax Evasion*
20 credits
This module considers the role of corporate structures and their global operations, and how these may lead to fraud, corruption and tax evasion. The role of intermediaries (such as banks, insurance companies, and law firms), tax havens, and tax evasion methods are considered in terms of how they may facilitate corporate criminality.
Global Health Law
20 credits
Medical Law and Ethics is an optional module that forms one of your choices on the programme to provide an introduction for you to the ever-growing body of law, policy and ethics concerned with the global health and some of the ethical dilemmas advances in this field.
Human Rights and the Environment
20 credits
This module examines the relationship between human rights and the rights of the environment. At a time when the effects of climate change are increasingly compromising the realisation of human rights a module such as this is essential to demonstrate the inter-dependence of environmental quality and human well-being.
International Intellectual Property Law*
20 credits
The aim of this module is to introduce you to a number of important themes in the area of international intellectual property law. More specifically, it is intended to provide you with an intellectually stimulating and academically rigorous education on the operation of intellectual property law at international level, and the challenges faced by the operation of that law.
Conflict Resolution in Business*
20 credits
This module aims to inspire a new generation to rethink traditional approaches to conflict and conflict resolution. ADR is a fast-growing area and offers a challenging and satisfying career through an array of emerging professional roles. As a consequence, this module significantly enhances student employability.
International Criminal Law
20 credits
The importance of international criminal law has grown considerably in recent years. Similarly to domestic criminal law, international criminal law aims to prohibit and penalise certain actions when committed by individuals. Unlike domestic criminal law however, the crimes that concern international community are particularly serious: prohibitions such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression involve conduct that is capable of affecting large numbers of the world's population.
Refugees and the Free Movement of People
20 credits
The module examines the international law relating to refugees and the free movement of people and how that law has been executed in certain municipal contexts. The development and scope of the relevant law will be explored including both ‘mandate’ refugees, ‘statutory refugees’ and regional developments.
Global Comparative Competition Law*
20 credits
Competition law has affected trade and business in many and diverse ways this module will explore the impact that regulation has had upon multinational corporations and small and medium sized enterprises. The EU and the U.S will be considered alongside other international law in order to compare and contrast the legal systems.
Corporate Compliance*
20 credits
International firms are often subject to several international and domestic regimes which determine the acceptable standards of business behaviour. Corporate compliance revolves around how firms respond to the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to their business activities. This module aims to provide a theoretical foundation for compliance requirements. Hence, the module provides a contextualised discussion on the theoretical justifications for regulatory intervention in business activities.
International Insolvency Law
20 credits
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
