postgraduate programmes in commercial law · commercial law the llm in international commercial law...

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES IN COMMERCIAL LAW

School of Law

POSTGRADUATE

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COMMERCIAL LAWThe LLM programmes in commercial law are provided by the School of Law in conjunction with the ICMA Centre of Henley Business School.We offer a wide range of postgraduate programmes in the area of international commercial law. Our LLM programmes are unique in that they offer students a multidisciplinary perspective through core and optional modules run by the School of Law and Henley Business School.

Commercial and corporate law issues are irrevocably linked to financial issues. These LLM programmes will equip students with the knowledge, skills and practical tools needed to gain a thorough understanding of how the global economy and finance is regulated by law and to advance their career in a dynamic professional environment. The programmes are taught by expert academic staff, members of the Centre for Commercial Law and Financial Regulation.

Top international student rankingA recent survey by the independent education research company i-graduate asked international students at 84 institutions about their learning experience. The University of Reading ranked number 1, ahead of Oxford, Cambridge and Yale. Individual learning elements rated in first place included: academic course content; lecturers who are good teachers; and advice on long-term careers and job opportunities from academic staff.

Centre for Commercial Law and Financial RegulationThe School of Law and the ICMA Centre have established the Centre for Commercial Law and Financial Regulation. CCLFR constitutes a forum for stimulating and conducting research and disseminating knowledge on international commercial law and financial regulation. CCLFR focuses on advancing legal scholarship, brings together scholars and policymakers in law and finance and influences the development and application of commercial law and financial regulation in practice through research projects, conferences, teaching and publications. Recently CCLFR co-organised the 2011 OECD Banking Law Symposium. The Centre aims to become one of the leading institutions for the study of commercial law.

School of LawThe School of Law is part of the world-ranked University of Reading, rated among the UK’s most research intensive institutions and one of the UK’s largest, best-known and most successful campus universities.It is ranked 10th (of 67 university law schools) in the UK for research intensity by the Research Excellence Framework (2014) and Times Higher, and 25th (out of 67 university law schools) in the UK for research power, with 100 per cent of our research adjudged

to be of world-leading or international excellence. With over 40 members of academic staff and a community of postgraduates undertaking our LLM and PhD programmes, the School of Law has a wealth of expertise and facilities to offer our postgraduates. The Law School is located on the main Whiteknights campus in the beautiful Foxhill House, a nineteenth century heritage-listed building that has been adapted to twenty-first century use.

ICMA Centre of Henley Business SchoolPart of the triple-accredited Henley Business School, the ICMA Centre was formed as the first active collaboration between the securities industry and a university finance department. The ICMA Centre is now one of the largest schools of finance in Europe. Offering a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education, as well as professional and policy development research and consultancy, the ICMA Centre’s aim is to deliver the highest standard in financial markets focused teaching, learning and research. The ICMA Centre’s unique integration of theory with practice is achieved through the use of the Centre’s three state-of-the art dealing rooms. All equipped by Thomson Reuters, the terminals run the latest industry simulation software as well as the Centre’s own simulation software platform: ICTrader.

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LLM INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL LAWThe LLM in International Commercial Law is unique, in that LLM students can take core and optional modules at both the School of Law and ICMA Centre, Henley Business School, having an invaluable opportunity to acquire an advanced legal and financial perspective of commercial and, corporate law issues.

The LLM International Commercial Law provides an overview of the main commercial law issues that arise in a multiplicity of transactions. It covers those aspects of law that commercial law practitioners could expect to encounter on a regular basis, including employment law, competition law, contract law and intellectual property law.

ModulesCore modules

• Advanced International Commercial Law

• International Corporate Finance and Law

Indicative list of optional modules from the School of Law and Henley Business School

• Legal Aspects of International Mergers, Acquisitions & Takeovers

• International Commercial Arbitration

• International and Comparative Intellectual Property Law

• International Business Transactions

• Corporate Governance and Accountability

• Financial Markets

For a complete list, please visit www.reading.ac.uk/law/law-pgt-courses.aspx

‘For me, the LLM programme International Commercial Law at the University of Reading was a valuable experience. Especially as a non-native speaker, the courses which are held in small groups of 5 to 15 people encourage an active participation of each student. With regard to content, the programme gives the opportunity to choose from diversified courses which cover a broad range of commercial law issues. Through a taught element on the one hand (courses) and research elements on the other hand (essays and project), communication skills, writing skills and research skills are optimally trained. Moreover, the staff are very friendly and always keen to help with any kind of problem. Overall, my LLM year at the University of Reading was one of the best years in my academic education.’

Stephanie Hake, LLM International Commercial Law

OUR COURSES

LLM International Commercial Law

LLM International Corporate Finance

LLM International Financial Regulation

LLM Intellectual Property Law and Management

LLM Oil and Gas Law & MSc Oil and Gas

LLM International Banking Law

LLM/MSc Law and Economics

LLM International Corporate Law By Distance Learning

LLM Oil and Gas By Distance Learning

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants for all programmes will normally be expected to have an undergraduate honours law degree in the 1st or 2nd class range, or international equivalent, with degree or higher being preferred. Applications are particularly welcome from students holding undergraduate degrees in Business, Finance and Economics as well as in Law.

Candidates with a background other than law or with suitable work experience are encouraged to apply

LLM PROGRAMMESLLM students take core modules and have a choice of a wide range of optional modules at the School of Law and the ICMA Centre, having an invaluable opportunity to acquire a unique legal and financial perspective of commercial and corporate law issues.

LLM students commencing the programmes in October undertake taught modules totalling 140 credits during the autumn and spring terms (October–May/June) and then undertake a written project (40 credits) from May/June to September.

LLM students can also commence the LLM in January. Students take taught modules in the spring term, write the project over the summer (May–September) and then take further taught modules in the following autumn term, completing their studies the following January. The programmes can be taken part-time over two years.

Our taught postgraduate modular system is intended to give greater flexibility in student choices, in provision of teaching and assessment, and in the construction of programmes. Teaching on the LLM programmes is conducted primarily by means of small-group seminars, although lectures and tutorials may form part of a module. Student participation and engagement in discussion with the Faculty and with each other is a key part of learning and teaching on the programmes.

The School of Law has a number of well established research and teaching partnerships with leading universities in Russia (incl. Moscow State University, MGIMO and Higher School of Economics), China (incl. Renmin University University, Peking University), South Korea (incl. EWHA), Taiwan (incl. NTPU, CYCU) and Greece (ALBA Graduate Business School).

All our students benefit from the wide-ranging experience, interests and perspectives of staff who themselves represent a wide range of nationalities.

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LLM INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE FINANCEThe aim of this programme is to analyse the different aspects of corporate finance from an international perspective. This will enable students to identify common aspects in the dynamics and mechanisms of obtaining financing and discover innovative trends in a continually developing area.

From a practical standpoint, this LLM programme will provide the tools to recognise the key elements to implement a successful financing technique by means of the analysis of theoretical issues and actual case studies. Students take core and optional modules at the School of Law and ICMA Centre, Henley Business School, having the opportunity to develop a unique holistic perspective of the legal and financial issues relevant for this rapidly developing area.

ModulesCore modules




• Legal Aspects of International Finance

• Legal Aspects of Mergers, Acquisitions and Takeovers

• Insolvency and Corporate Transactions

• Regulation, Risk Management and Compliance

• International Banking Law

• New Approaches to International and European Financial Market Regulation


• Ethics in Finance


LLM INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REGULATIONThis programme addresses EU financial regulation and supervision with a specific emphasis on banking and securities, and offers an overview of their contemplated changes as a result of the financial crisis. The programme tackles regulatory and legal control of financial markets and financial intermediaries including banks (commercial banks and investment banks), as well as securities firms, insurance undertakings and other more specialist types of service provider, and financial conglomerates (or complex groups).

Students take core and optional modules at the School of Law and ICMA Centre, Henley Business School, having hence the opportunity to develop a unique holistic perspective of the legal and financial issues to enhance their employability prospects in the financial sector.

ModulesCore modules

• Legal Aspects in International Financial Regulation



• Legal Aspect of International Finance



• New Approaches to International and European

• Financial Market Regulation

• Regulation, Risk Management and Compliance



‘It was an amazing experience … both in terms of professional development and social life. Studying at Reading helped me find my dream job in corporate finance as well as many good friends.’

Andriy Romanchuk, LLM Corporate Finance (now working as an Associate at Avellum Partner in Ukraine)

‘Straight after completing the course, I was able to secure a position with a large European banking group’s legal department. There I am benefitting every day from these different perspectives on financial regulation. The LLM in Financial Regulation enabled me to familiarise myself quickly with the tasks in my new position. This is in particular also due to the highly motivated lecturers at Reading University who focus on recent regulatory developments and more on the practical side than on mere theoretical problems. Last but not least the diverse and international atmosphere on campus was the perfect preparation for my job where I deal with colleagues and clients from all over Europe and beyond.’

Stephan Sicklinger, LLM International Financial Regulation

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LLM OIL AND GAS LAW, MSc OIL AND GAS AND LLM OIL AND GAS LAW by distance learningOil and gas activities involve a combination of legal, economic and environmental issues, all of which it is necessary for individuals involved in these sectors to have a thorough understanding. In these sectors there is a gap in the combination of legal and economic expertise as well as a gap in the contribution of environmental/geography science. The LLM Oil and Gas Law/MSc Oil and Gas programme is a multi-disciplinary programme designed to address the cross-border elements of the oil and gas industry but also respond to the demand for highly qualified professionals.

The programme will also be relevant for professionals in the renewable energy sector (especially taking into account the ongoing developments e.g. World Future Energy Summit), as, among other things, the sector itself draws significant R&D capability from the oil and gas sector. After this LLM/MSc programme, professionals working in these industries will have a fully rounded perspective of the legal, economic and environmental perspectives affecting these industries.

There is also a Distance Learning mode available for the LLM Oil and Gas Law. The distance learning option for this programme allows students to study around other commitments. Online delivery of modules will involve a mix of recorded lectures, online tutorials and asynchronous guided study online.

Modules (non exclusive list)• EU Energy Law and Regulation

• Comparative Oil and Gas Policy

• Human Rights in Natural Resources

• Oil and Gas Contract Law

• Legal Issues in Oil and Gas


LLM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW AND MANAGEMENTIntellectual property has a central role in the enhancement of creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and commercial growth in the modern economy. The LLM Intellectual Property Law and Management is designed to respond to the emergent demand for professionals who have studied intellectual property to a high level. The programme will be relevant to graduates wishing to acquire advanced knowledge on legal and business aspects of intellectual property in a commercial context.

This programme is unique in that it offers a multi-disciplinary comprehensive overview of core issues of intellectual property law and management. LLM students can take some core and optional modules at the Law School, ICMA Centre, Henley Business School and Arts and Communication Design, having an invaluable opportunity to develop an interdisciplinary perspective of intellectual property transactions.

ModulesCore modules

• Intellectual Property Law: Copyright and Designs

• Intellectual Property Law: Patents and Trade Marks

• International and Comparative Intellectual Property Law

• Management in Creative and Cultural Organisations

Indicative list of optional modules from the School of Law and Economics

• Internet Law

• Privacy and Data Protection


• Digital Marketing

• Culture and Competition

• World Cinema


‘I am a university lecturer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and I had a chance to be given a scholarship to study intellectual property law in University of Reading. The LLM in IP provides many benefits, for example, it offers a wide range of interesting modules, and it helps me to develop legal knowledge and critical thinking on the cases. The LLM in IP was the best choice for my career and soon I will become one of the few who teach IP in my country.

I have spent a really good time and I enjoy the programme. I am currently writing my dissertation and I am preparing to write a PhD proposal, hoping to pursue PhD research at Reading. I would strongly recommend this course to anyone who wants to develop skills in intellectual property law to an advanced level.’

Sawsan Alghamdi, LLM Intellectual Property Law and Management

‘I chose to study this course at the University of Reading because the course modules are designed to easily bridge the gap between the legal and economic aspects of oil and gas. The oil and gas industry not only needs a strict application of the law but also needs an alertness to the realities of a volatile market and the ever-changing oil and gas policies of diverse nations. No Faculty delivers this better than the University of Reading. Students are given real-life case studies which provoke negotiations, deal-making, constructive arguments and counter-arguments … challenges that an ordinary oil and gas lawyer goes through in the course of duty.’

Mohamed Ruwange, LLM Oil and Gas Law

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LLM INTERNATIONAL BANKING LAWThe aim of the LLM International Banking Law is to train a critical pool of professionals in the key issues that the banking industry faces. This LLM will define and analyse the core challenges and responses in key areas of international banking law. It will also identify and critically assess banking and hedge fund regulation as well as many other important issues in financial law related to risk. The corporate governance related dimension of the recent worldwide financial crisis along with many critical international banking law reform initiatives will also be examined as will the capital adequacy rules and Basel III, and the nature, development and resolution of financial crises. The combination of legal and financial expertise that students will receive should enhance their employability prospects in this sector.

ModulesCore modules




• Legal Aspect of International Finance




• Topics in Financial Regulation


LLM/MSc LAW AND ECONOMICSLLM/MSc Law and Economics adopts a pragmatic and cross-disciplinary approach which will enable Law students to understand the economic effects of legal rules and Economics students to understand the institutional legal framework of market economies.

This LLM/MSc programme aims to attract highly qualified individuals who plan to further their careers by combining these two complementary fields and developing expertise in modern economic theory and techniques, and the structuring of modern commercial transactions. Students will take core and optional modules from both the School of Law and the Department of Economics, thus having an invaluable opportunity to acquire a unique legal and economic perspective of the issues involved.

ModulesCore modules

• Advanced Issues in International Commercial Law or International Corporate Finance and the Law

• Regulation or Microeconomic Policy


• The European Internal Market and Economic Governance

• International Economic Law

• Competition Law

• International Business Transactions

• The Economics of the Multinational Enterprise

• Strategic Diversity and the Political Economy of Multinationals

• Emerging Economies and Policies


‘As a legal professional, there is a greater demand for us to be conversant with laws, other than our home country. Centre for Commercial Law & Financial Regulation has created a conducive environment where people from across the world discuss, argue and challenge ideas. I am indebted with this institution for shaping me to become a more confident person in the international platform. I am now working with one of the financial institutions in London, specializing in the area of regulatory compliance. I secured my job less than a month after I finished my master’s degree. Thank you UoR, this Malaysian girl is now living her dream in London.’

Farhan Samsudin, LLM International Commercial Law (now working for Maybank in London)

‘The LLM degree in Corporate Finance offers the opportunity to combine legal knowledge with financial expertise, a combination which every legal career in the commercial and corporate fields requires. The small number of students in each class allows for active participation in the seminars. The law fair gives students the opportunity to meet with representatives from well- known law firms and companies, and discuss their future career prospects.

The LLM in Corporate Finance provided me with the legal knowledge required for a successful career in law. This year I am doing my legal practice for admittance to the Cyprus Bar association. Looking back, the “Reading” experience is one I would certainly recommend to any student wishing to study in an environment which combines academic excellence with social activities.’

Marian Chronides, LLM International Corporate Finance

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LLM INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE LAWby distance learningThe LLM International Corporate Law provides an overview of the main corporate law issues that arise in a multiplicity of transactions. It covers those aspects of law that corporate law practitioners could expect to encounter on a regular basis, including banking law, project finance, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. The distance learning option for this module allows students to study around other commitments. Online delivery of these modules will involve a mix of recorded lectures, online tutorials and asynchronous guided study online.

ModulesCore modules

• Legal Aspects of Mergers, Acquisitions and Takeovers

• International Banking and Finance Law

Indicative list of optional modules from the School of Law and Economics

• International Financial Transactions: Doing the Deal

• International Corporate Governance and Law

• International Economic Law

• Project Finance, PPP and the Law

• Legal Aspect of International Mergers Acquisitions and Takeovers


DOUBLE LLM PROGRAMMESWe are pleased to offer our new Double Masters Programmes with leading universities around the world. This will enable students to undertake postgraduate study at two institutions in the form of a Double Masters Programme, completing two Masters programmes in two years. Students will be able to choose from a range of programmes broadening their knowledge and understanding of issues in law across different countries and legal systems.

Students from our partner universities who are joining our Commercial Law Masters programmes may be eligible for a discount on the University of Reading tuition fees. Please contact us for details. We currently have Double Masters agreements with the following partner universities: Peking University, Renmin University and East China University of Political Science and Law in China, ALBA University in Greece, MGIMO, HSE and MSU in Russia, Hanyang University in South Korea, Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia and Chung Yuan Christian University and National Taipei University in Taiwan.

Entry requirementsLLM Programmes in Commercial Law, Corporate Finance, Corporate Law Distance Learning, Financial Regulation, Banking Law, Intellectual Property Law and Management, and Law and Economics.

Applicants for all programmes will normally be expected to have an undergraduate honours degree in the 1st or 2nd class range, or international equivalent, with degree qualifications equivalent to a UK 2.1 or higher being preferred. Students with a degree in a related discipline such as economics, business or finance are encouraged to apply.

Oil and Gas programmes

Candidates with a background other than law and economics (e.g. environmental science, geography) or with suitable work experience are encouraged to apply. All applicants are considered on their individual merits.

‘Having completed my LLM programme at the University of Reading, I am now practicing in a boutique law firm in Beijing, China, aiming to qualify as a lawyer in one or two years. Dealing with matters in the field of capital market, I appreciate the wonderful experience in the School of Law, since it delivers practical skills which most universities do not provide. By virtue of what I learnt from the School, I felt that I had stepped into the business ahead of many rivals. These particular commercial law programmes can be highly recommended to anyone willing to get a better understanding of commercial and financial law, especially to those students from non-common law jurisdictions and those who wish to be an international commercial lawyer. The University of Reading is an ideal place to immerse in academic life, fairly peaceful for study while geographically convenient. Studying with excellent lecturers and competitive classmates, I enjoyed an inspiring year. The memory will accompany the rest of my life.’

Wenxiao Liu, LLM International Corporate Finance

‘The main reason I chose this university are the module arrangements of the law school, which were beyond my expectations. Some of the modules are provided by the School of Economics and the Business School, which facilitate a commercial awareness that is really important to lawyers and legal professionals and can enhance law students’ employability in the future. For myself, combining the knowledge from the law school and these commercial faculties, I have started to analyse business from a legal perspective as well as put more economic and commercial consideration in litigation. I feel the modules for LLM are closely connected with the international commercial world, both the west countries and emerging market countries, whilst maintaining the legal theoretical depth.’

Wenyi Chu, LLM International Corporate Law as part of the Double Degree of University of Reading Law School with Renmin University Law School

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CAREERS OPTIONSOne of the School’s distinctive features is its very direct involvement with the development of career paths for its students. Career development and co-curricular opportunities include:

• Practitioners’ workshops on CV writing, covering letters and interview techniques.

• Careers events and networking opportunities with legal practitioners.

• A number of prestigious work experience opportunities in renown commercial enterprises, law firms and research centres. Successful candidates get hands on experience on topics related to their studies by working in the intellectual property industry, the energy sector and commercial entities.

• The School has a dedicated senior member of academic staff overseeing careers guidance and employability enhancement in conjunction with the University’s Student Employment, Experience and Careers Centre.

• Students can also continue to use the University’s careers service even after graduation.

Graduates from our programmes have gone on to work in various capacities, as lawyers for leading commercial law firms, in-house legal counsel for large multinationals, and in international organisations in the UK and abroad.

For more information on careers please visit www.reading.ac.uk/seecc and www.cclfr.com

APPLICATION INFORMATION• We recommend that for entry in October,

students should apply by 1 August.

• For entry in January, students should apply by 1 December.

• International students should take into account the time to obtain a UK visa, if required.

• The School of Law offers a number of scholarships.

• For application forms for entry to LLM programmes, deadlines and details on scholarships, please consult the School of Law’s postgraduate web pages via www.reading.ac.uk/law.

• These LLM programmes can be taken as a full-time, one-year course or part-time over two years

There are two ways of applying for our postgraduate taught and research programmes. For most of our programmes you can apply online, or for all programmes you can fill out an application form. More information on each method of application can be found at: www.reading.ac.uk/pg-applicationform.aspx.

FIND OUT MOREFor more information on any of the programmes contact the Programme Director, Dr Stavroula Karapapa at [email protected] or call +44 (0) 118 378 5033.

DOCTORAL AND RESEARCH DEGREESThe School of Law offers two main postgraduate research degrees:

• PhD (3 years full-time or 4–6 years part-time)

• LLM by thesis (1 year full-time or 2 years part-time)

As a research student, you will join a dynamic and thriving community of postgraduate researchers and you will be an integral part of the School’s life. You will have excellent facilities and support, including research training programmes, reading groups, informal lunches, faculty seminars, financial support for conferences and the like, and career development strategies.

All law candidates have access to the University’s Graduate School where there is 24-hour access to computing facilities throughout the year, study space and a range of up-to-date facilities for the exclusive use of postgraduate research students.

All candidates embarking on a PhD have regular meetings with supervision and independent monitoring panels to ensure that progress is on track and to provide assistance and support. Candidates present their research to peers and Law School faculty each year. For prospective PhD applicants, including our Masters students, the Law School regularly conducts doctoral preparation workshops. These are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to submit strong research proposals with a view to securing entry into doctoral programmes and studentship funding.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTSApplicants for doctoral programmes should hold a Masters degree, usually at merit level or equivalent. Before you submit a formal application, you are welcome to send a research proposal and curriculum vitae to the Law School’s postgraduate admissions office. We will then be able to let you know whether the School can supervise your research and we may be able to provide other relevant advice before you apply.

COMMERCIAL LAW For more information,please contact:

Dr Stavroula Karapapa

School of Law, Foxhill House, University of Reading Whiteknights Road, Earley, Reading , RG6 7BA

[email protected] Tel (0118) 378 5033

www.reading.ac.uk/law

B13061 06.15

‘These programmes, providing a platform to analyse the legal and financial implications of complex issues, are invaluable in developing lawyers capable of the innovative thinking our profession needs to distinguish itself.’Michael E Hatchard Partner, Mergers and Acquisitions and Corporate, Practice Leader Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates

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