International Disputes LawLLM

Get ready for a career in the challenging and dynamic field of global disputes. Investigate theoretical and practical perspectives in this field, with a focus on the position of the UK as a centre for resolving disputes. 

Course structure

The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.

• Study the topics that interest you with our broad range of modules. Specialise in areas such as commercial conflicts of laws, international trade law and policy, and intellectual property law. 
• Get ready for your future career through research internships, pro bono activities, mooting and work experience.
• Join our diverse community of staff and students from around the world, enabling you to learn from a variety of different outlooks.
• Get access to the BARBRI SQE1 Prep course, with a 20% discount for Birmingham Law School graduates.
• *Birmingham Law School is 9th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on research rated 4*.

Prepare for your future career

Stand out from the crowd by undertaking research internships, pro bono activities and work experience opportunities through our Centre for Employability, Professional Legal Education and Research (CEPLER)

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
• Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
• Dissertation – you'll undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

2025/26 Session

The following must be taken:

Students choose three modules from the list of optional International Disputes Law modules, that has typically included:

Students choose their remaining two modules from the full list of LLM modules.

The list below is indicative and may vary each year:

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

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

These skills include the ability to present a strong argument, research and analytical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work independently.

Law graduates enter many roles, including:

• Paralegal
• Legal Engineer
• Probation Services Officer
• Lawyer

Employers our Law graduates have worked for include:

• HCB Solicitors Ltd 
• Deutsche Bank
• Irwin Mitchell Solicitors

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.