PG Cert International Business Law

Overview

This specialist short law course will allow you to gain specialised knowledge of the important field of international business law. An understanding of the key components of global commerce is useful in a range of roles, including management of a multi-national company and practising law within an international firm. Many undergraduate law courses do not explore these topics, therefore this course is an excellent way to differentiate your CV and your skillset.

The course will explore the following areas of international trade and commercial law:

• the general principles of transnational contract law
• the remit, procedures and operation of the World Trade Organisation
• competition law and how it is implemented at a national and international level

Working with others through our online learning platform, you will develop your skills in areas such as time management, research, report writing, teamwork and communication. These transferable skills will add to the benefit your new qualification gives you, and you will also have the opportunity to continue your study on our PG Dip or Masters degree.

Teaching methods

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you will have access to your study materials 24/7, including:

• multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments
• discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students
• live Q&A sessions with your tutors
• a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals
• support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team

To ensure you receive the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at 20 students.

Assessment methods

Rather than fretting about exams, you will be assessed exclusively through assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, or by submitting longer written pieces.

We are committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback through the following ways:

• Our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent.
• You will always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme.
• You will be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log onto the learning platform.
• There is a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work.
• You will have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise.

Career prospects

The specialist legal knowledge you will gain is of particular use to those working within roles connected to global commerce, such as a lawyer within an international law firm, a multinational company doing business across borders, a governmental organisation regulating trade, or a research position looking into the future of business. The skills you gain will further enhance your CV to unlock senior role possibilities.

Qualified solicitors or barristers will also be able to use the skills and knowledge gained from studying the course to meet their annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

At University of Essex Online, we believe that everyone should be able to access education. That is why we offer two different entry routes onto our PG Cert International Business Law, which considers academic or work-based experience. Academic entry route - You must have the following qualifications as a minimum: an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification. Work experience entry route - You must meet the following criteria: at least five years’ senior level work experience.