The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: PG Dip Indicative duration: 16 months
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Fundamentally, the role of international business law is to legislate various commercial activities when trading between one country (and their laws) and another. Understanding this complex area of law is indispensable for any aspiring business lawyer or any legally-minded international commercial manager.

This course will explore the key elements of international business, while optional modules allow you to modify the course content to your career goals and interests. The key topics within the course include:

  • 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

You will develop skills in critical thinking, time management and research skills alongside important legal knowledge. After finishing your PG Dip, you can continue on to our full LLM International Business Law.

Why we’re great

  • Gain a highly recognised postgraduate qualification in just 16 months.
  • Each student is supported by a dedicated team of Student Advisers, who act as their mentor and guide from admission through to graduation.
  • Receive your degree from the University of Essex, a top 30 UK university (Complete University Guide 2025).

The PG Dip International Business Law is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 120 credits.

Optional modules: choose two.

Rapid expansion of exporting goods and technological enhancement of business relationships have impacted on supranational responses to globalisation. That’s why this in-depth module explores legal instruments, performance and breach of commercial contracts, and termination of agency and relevant remedies. 

Learn about the development of the World Trade Organization (WTO), its remit and how it operates procedurally. In this insightful module, you’ll gain a sound knowledge of the legal principles of international trade through WTO agreement, and be equipped with an understanding of the challenges and issues that lawyers and trading nations face.  

How does competition law prevent companies from manipulating market conditions? Find out in this exciting module. You’ll gain an in-depth look at the laws, articles and regulations used to combat such practices – so that upon completion, you’ll have a thorough understanding of how competition law protects the consumer and promotes innovation. 

This valuable module combines both a theoretical and practical approach to develop the research skills essential for completing your LLM dissertation. You'll be taught doctrinal legal research along with empirical, socio-legal and international law methods – so that upon completion, you’ll have an advanced understanding of legal research designs and methods.  

This fascinating module examines the concepts, theories, rules, models and principles of conflict of laws relating to commercial relationships, transactions and disputes. Upon completion, you’ll have gained the knowledge required when managing insecurity and risk in international legal relations. 

Ready to explore intellectual property law? This informative module covers issues relating to copyright, patents, trademarks, passing-off, character merchandising and an overview of design law. Upon completion, you’ll have developed a sound understanding of the variety of forms of legal protection for intellectual property rights. 

Understanding key issues of commercial dispute resolution is important for those seeking work in international commerce. In this comprehensive module, you’ll learn about various dispute resolution methods in international commerce – with a particular focus on Alternative Dispute (ADR) methods, including negotiation, conciliation, mediation and arbitration. 

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’ll 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 seminars and Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

 

Assessments 

You’ll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

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

 

Online learning experience 

Your learning experience will be fully supported by high-quality learning materials and resources, delivered via our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE).  

On average, your learning experience will include the following: 

  • directed learning (40%) this includes participating in tutor-led discussions and seminars, completing interactive exercises on the VLE, and watching videos and lecturecasts. You’ll also be able to book appointments with your module tutor during their office hours, which can be found on the VLE 
  • self-directed learning (30%) – including undertaking wider reading and research in your area of study to develop your understanding of the subject area 
  • assessment (30%) time spent preparing and completing assignments and activities that contribute towards your overall assessment 

Typically, you’ll need to dedicate a minimum 15-20 hours of study per module, per week. 

 

Study duration 

Our PG Dip International Business Law has an indicative study duration of 16 months, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.  

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.  

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.  

All our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.  

On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. 

 

Academic staff 

A quality teaching experience is at the heart of everything we do.  

The dedicated tutors who teach our course modules are subject matter experts, experienced academics and leading industry thought leaders. They play a vital role in ensuring the latest theories and areas of study are covered in our courses, and are proud to provide a high level of academic support. 

You can find more information on our key academic staff and their experience here. 

 

Quality and assurance  

We’re proud to provide a first-class education to students anywhere in the world and adhere to the strictest quality standards 

The University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and registered with the Office for Students (OfS) 

All our degrees are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning, a world-leading education provider with over 15 years’ experience. 

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.

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two-week induction period of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our PG Dip International Business Law, 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

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our PG Cert International Business Law, as a minimum you must have at least three years’ relevant work experience.

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Full tuition fee:

£8,314 UK / £8,700 International (2024-25) Δ

  • Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
  • Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries 
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online. 
  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us. 

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

Δ  All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our PG Dip International Business Law are experts in the field of business law.

What our students say

testimonials

Adam Newman -LLB (Hons) Law with Business

It’s never too late to follow your passions.

I’m considered a mature student and the first thing I want to say is it’s never too late to follow your passions. I’ve always had a keen interest in law, mostly because when you think about it, there isn’t much in life that isn’t affected by law in one way or another.  As the owner of a company, I couldn’t afford to take time away to attend university. The University of Essex Online offered and delivered on flexible learning, the course structure is easy to follow and I can fit studying around work and family life. It’s a struggle at times, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy. <span...

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