International Dispute Resolution LLM

Get ready for a career in the challenging and dynamic field of global disputes. Combine legal theory with practical knowledge from our experts. Take advantage of our connections with the Dubai International Financial Centre to gain unique insights into the legal landscape in the UAE and around the world. 

Course structure 

Our programme is designed to be flexible. The full-time programme runs from September to September. If you wish to study part-time you can apply to start in September or January and you’ll study for two years.

For part-time students who start in September (e.g. 2025), you’ll complete your modules in term four (e.g. May 2027). During the summer, you’ll work on your dissertation project.

For part-time students who start in January (e.g. 2025), you’ll finish your modules in term four (e.g. January 2027). From January to May, you’ll work on your dissertation project.

• Get ready for your future career. Alumni from Birmingham Law School consistently find employment in the leading international law firms.
• Take advantage of additional training workshops offered by our Birmingham Law School Skills Academy on English Law, legal writing and interpreting case law.
• Join a prestigious community of staff, students and alumni, including ten Nobel Prize winners like the UK lawyer and diplomat Lord Robert Cecil.
• Study at a time that suits you. We offer a flexible combination of evening and weekend classes so you can fit your studies around work commitments.

Enhance your learning experience 

The programme and its modules are designed by expert staff from both the Dubai campus (UAE) and the Edgbaston campus (UK) so you’ll receive the same high-quality teaching materials and rigorous assessments as our UK campus. You can also interact with staff and students across the UK and Dubai campuses to enhance your learning experience.

Our draft timetable for full-time students features teaching on one or two evenings from 18:30-20:30 and on Saturday or Sunday 09:00-17:00 (day varies per module).

However, this is a guide and subject to change – if you have any queries about the timetable for this course, please contact the programme lead.

We provide you with an innovative, challenging and research-driven education. You’ll actively participate in seminars and contribute original ideas to discussions. What’s more, you’ll develop your research skills, your ability to analyse the law, and your ability to advise and present solutions to practical legal problems.

Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

You will follow a modular programme (180 credits in total), which comprises six taught modules (20 credits each) and a 60-credit dissertation. You will study each module for 10 teaching weeks in each term. All 20 credit modules equate to 200 hours of studying time: 20 hours will be in seminars and 180 hours is guided independent study.

2025/26 Session

Compulsory modules include a dissertation not exceeding 15,000 words on an approved legal topic relating to International Dispute Resolution.

To graduate with the named LLM (International Dispute Resolution) the following must be taken:

Students must choose 60 credits from a range of optional modules. The modules to run during each semester will be decided after considering student demand and operational capacity.

Choices of modules are (subject to availability):

You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in Law.

Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry.

English language requirements

In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a good level of written and spoken English. You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications.

The fees quoted are for one year only; for those studying courses over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. For students with the potential to thrive here, we have a number of scholarships available.

Our graduates move onto a diverse range of careers, with many going on to work in top law schools and law firms. Some examples of where our recent graduates have gone on to work include the UK Home Office, Pinsent Masons LLP, HSBC, and Kinstellar. A number of our postgraduate students go directly from Birmingham to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, Bar Professional Training Course and many other international professional qualifications.

Centre for Employability, Professional Legal Education and Research (CEPLER)

CEPLER is Birmingham Law School's in-house specialists in employability and legal education, and you’ll have access to opportunities to enhance your employability through our Birmingham Law School CEPLER activities in Dubai. CEPLER provides a range of opportunities and activities to enhance knowledge, skills and confidence - all the things that help graduates to stand out from the crowd in a competitive jobs market. You'll have access to a variety of online and face to face activities to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to progress your career in Law.

Recent activities delivered by CEPLER in Dubai include:

• The annual Dubai and SQE Summer School: hosted in collaboration with Birmingham Law School’s Head of Global Engagement Paul McConnell and Dubai's CEPLER lead, Dr Shamini Ragavan. This summer school offers legal students intensive training and insights into legal practice with key professionals leading various sessions.
• Guest lectures by speakers at legal firms in the UAE and alumni speakers. Topics have included: the legal systems of the United Arab Emirates, corporate law in Dubai, and property law.
• Events connecting students with legal employers. Recent events include: Career Expos connecting employers and job seekers in the legal sector, CV drop-in clinics by Robert Walters Recruitment, and panel discussion events featuring Standard Chartered and Al Tamimi law firms.
• Advocacy and mediation workshops. Recent workshops include: a workshop on advocacy in international arbitration by Ashurst law firm and mediation workshops by the Al Tamimi and Baker and McKenzie law firms.
• Training for competing in mooting competitions. Training has previously been delivered by Partner David Hollway from Al Tamimi law firm ahead of Birmingham Law School in Dubai's team competing in the Vienna Vis Moot Competition.
• Competing in mooting competitions. In February 2024, Birmingham Law School in Dubai competed in the Middle East Pre-Moot Competition and were the first runner-up, competing against over twenty other universities from across the Middle East. In March 2024 the team then competed in the Vienna Vis Moot Competition against over 350 worldwide teams. The team presented arguments against other teams before arbitral tribunals composed of eminent professors, lawyers, and judges from various jurisdictions.

Careers Network

In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Accommodation

Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.

Living in Dubai

Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.

Campus life

Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.

Student support

Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.

Take a virtual tour

Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.