(Full time) 2021 start
International Banking and Finance Law LLM
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
This is a distinctive programme that provides a comprehensive postgraduate study package in the area of banking and finance law.
The programme will enable you to develop knowledge and skills in relation to the legal rules regulating the financial and capital markets in the UK, as well as at a global level. It will provide you with the opportunity to learn about the international regulatory frameworks in which banks and other financial institutions operate, as well as commercial financial issues such as the legal framework for international syndicated loans, bond issues, secured credit and insolvency.
You’ll investigate and apply the complex rules of banking and finance law to novel problems and real-world and hypothetical scenarios.
Research and professional insight
LLM International Banking and Finance Law is offered within the dynamic Centre for Business Law and Practice with all the facilities that a leading research-led university offers. This includes opportunities for extra-curricular activities that enhance transferable skills and develop your knowledge of law’s impact in the wider world.
The Centre for Business Law and Practice offers a wide range of experience and expertise in a number of fields, with links to the business community through, for example, the Advisory Board, which includes practitioners amongst its members. Industry and professional speakers regularly participate in conference and seminar events, which you’re encouraged to attend.
The Centre includes amongst its members internationally renowned researchers, and a number of teaching staff are qualified in the legal profession.
Studying in the School of Law
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Course content
Compulsory modules studied throughout the year will give you the opportunity to:
explore the catalysts and consequences of modern banking crises
examine international approaches to banking supervision
discover the legal process involved in the regulation of banks
study syndicated lending and the issuing of bonds on the international capital markets.
All of these topics will be examined from an international perspective and do not simply focus on English law. These modules will also enable you to hone your legal research and writing skills, which you’ll be able to demonstrate in your dissertation – an independent piece of research on your chosen topic.
You’ll also benefit from our Support in Academic and Personal Development programme. This runs alongside your taught academic programme in semester one and is specifically designed to complement the School’s induction activities and ongoing academic skills support for students, both UK and international .
The wide-ranging list of optional modules means that you can explore a diverse range of related subjects of interest to you.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Insolvency Law 15 credits
- International Banking Law: The Regulatory Framework 15 credits
- International Banking Law: Capital Markets and Loans 15 credits
- Postgraduate Legal Research Skills 15 credits
- Dissertation 60 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You will also choose 60 credits from the below:
- Intercultural Business and Organisational Communication 15 credits
- Business Thinking and Commercial Awareness 15 credits
- Introduction to Commercial & Contract Management 15 credits
- Cyberlaw: Regulation of Cyberspace 15 credits
- Alternative Dispute Resolution 15 credits
- International Competition Law 15 credits
- Corporate Law 15 credits
- Corporate Finance and Securities Law 15 credits
- International Corporate Governance 15 credits
- Principles of International Financial Law 15 credits
- International Trade Finance Law 15 credits
- International Sales Law 15 credits
- International Tax Law and Policy 30 credits
- Financial Crime 15 credits
- The International Law of Foreign Investment 15 credits
- World Trade Organisation Law 15 credits
- International Economic Law 15 credits
- Central Issues in Arbitration 15 credits
Learning and teaching
Our compulsory and optional modules are taught through a range of smaller group seminars and lectures, depending on the module. All students receive weekly academic skills training in the first semester. Support for the dissertation is provided in group sessions, a number of one-to-one meetings and comment on draft work.
Independent study is integral to this programme – not just to prepare for classes but to develop research and other critical skills.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Assessment is by a variety of methods but primarily involves the writing of an essay of up to 4,500 words at the end of each module. We assess the dissertation through your submission of a written piece of work of up to 15,000 words.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a related area.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Law (6 weeks) and Language for Social Sciences and Arts: Law (10 weeks).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
Application deadlines
International – 30 June 2021
UK – 20 August 2021
If you intend to apply for funding, you should submit an application for a place on your chosen course at least one month before any specific scholarship deadline.
This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Documents and information you will need include:
Original or certified copies of your transcripts
Original or certified copies of your degree certificate
Original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language).
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
Faculty of Social Sciences Taught Admissions Policy 2021
Fees
- UK: £9,750 (total)
- International: £20,750 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
The School of Law usually offers a number of scholarships each year.
Career opportunities
The International Banking and Finance programme enables graduates to pursue careers where success is built on the ability to understand, analyse and respond to developments in international banking and finance law. Recent graduates have gone on to pursue successful careers in organisations such as Pinsent Masons, Fidelity International, KPMG, Alpha FMC and beyond.
The programme also provides a stepping stone to further research projects. A number of our students choose to remain with us to pursue a research career as PhD students.
Careers support
The School of Law offers career and personal development support through the School’s dedicated Employability Officers. You can book one-to-one appointments with our Employability Officers throughout the year to discuss your career aspirations and get advice on how to make the most of your time with us.
The School also arranges a number of community engagement (pro bono) and work experience opportunities, career development workshops, guest speaker events and careers fairs throughout the year. These opportunities will allow you to develop new skills, enhance your career prospects and network with prospective employers.
Find out more about how we support your career development.
In addition to the School-specific careers support, you will also have access to the University’s award-winning Careers Centre. The Careers Centre offers one-to-one appointments, advice on starting your own business, careers events, mentoring schemes and support with your CV, applications and interviews.