Law - International Commercial Law & Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR

Overview

This LLM degree programme is relevant to both aspiring and current legal and business professionals wishing to gain specialisation and enhance career opportunities in Commercial Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). It has been developed in consultation with industry experts and in response to their employment needs.



Undertaking this unique LLM programme will not only provide the opportunity to explore the theories of commercial conflict resolution with an emphasis on mediation, but, by virtue of the input and expertise of our chosen industry partners, will enable students to develop practical skills in negotiation and provide the opportunity to become a fully accredited mediator, presenting a wealth of opportunities for career progression in this area of professional practice.



Incorporated within the LLM is a module entitled Commercial Mediation which will be delivered and accredited by Mediation Northern Ireland training course. This qualification is also accredited by the Civil Mediation Council (CMC).



Students will gain a fundamental understanding of the core principles of commercial law examining current developments in areas such as financial markets and derivatives, commercial property law and international intellectual property law. The modules available draw on the strengths of experts on the field and feature input from senior practitioners from relevant industry sectors.



Work placement / study abroad

The Clever, Fulton and Rankin Prize for Outstanding Achievement: This prize is awarded to the top 4 performing students within this module with each student being granted an Internship with the practice.

F/T Programme

Year one

Corporate Law

Commercial Alternative Dispute Resolution

Intellectual Property and Data Protection Law



Optional:

Mediation Project 2

Commercial Property Law

Derivatives and Financial Markets

Mediation Project 1

Dissertation



Year two

International Commercial Law

Innovation in Legal Work

Commercial Clinical Legal Practice



P/T Programme

Year one

Corporate Law

Innovation in Legal Work



Optional:

Commercial Property Law

Derivatives and Financial Markets

Dissertation Part 1

Mediation Project 1



Year two

Commercial Alternative Dispute Resolution



Optional:

Mediation Project 2

Dissertation Part 2

Commercial Clinical Legal Practice



Year three

International Commercial Law

Intellectual Property and Data Protection Law

A minimum of a second class lower degree (2.2) in law or relevant cognate degree with an element of law or other relevant modules.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

Will be considered on a case by case basis.

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.

Start Date: September 2026 and January 2027.

Careers and Opportunities

Commercial Law Practice

Dispute Resolution practitioner

Finance & Banking

Intellectual Property Law

International Trade Law

Accredited mediator