Postgraduate Module Descriptor

LAWM130: International Commercial Law

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Aims

The aim of this module is to critically examine selected aspects of commercial law in relation to cross-border transactions. The aspects selected are likely to be particularly relevant to those in international commercial practice but the module also aims to give all students a solid grounding in advanced Commercial Law. It will critically examine, in detail, some of the challenges of cross-border commercial transactions, as well as harmonisation and uniform law initiatives. Although the point of departure for the module will be a critical evaluation of the principles governing cross-border transacting under the law of England and Wales, it will also critically consider in detail other regimes such as the Vienna Convention on the International Sale of Goods as well as proposals for the future development of this area of law (such as the Common Regional Sales Law and Digital Market Law). It will consider regional and global solutions governing transactions in securities. Finally, it will also examine the arbitration proceedings based on the UNCITRAL Model Law and the New York Convention.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate detailed and systematic knowledge of, and an ability to critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise in context, the complex challenges (political, social, economic etc.) for, and possible responses to, cross-border transacting;
2. demonstrate detailed and systematic knowledge of, and an ability to critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise in context, complex principles governing cross-border transacting under the law of England and Wales;
3. demonstrate detailed and systematic knowledge of, and an ability to critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise in context, complex aspects of other key regimes governing transnational commercial law (such as the Vienna Convention on the International Sale of Goods) as well as proposals for the future development of this area of law (such as the proposed Common European Sales Law);
Discipline-Specific Skills4. use internationally relevant legal and non-legal materials in relation to commercial law;
5. demonstrate detailed knowledge, through structured and discursive writing, of the contextual (political, social, economic etc.) challenges and implications for transnational commercial law;
Personal and Key Skills6. demonstrate the ability to comprehensively use a range of resources for specific learning tasks;
7. present, explain and critically evaluate a range of substantive and theoretical arguments in assessments and teaching sessions; and
8. work independently and to manage time efficiently in preparing for learning activities and assessments.