Study for your LLM in two of Asia's great cities: applications are now open for the NUS LLM in International Business Law programme. This is a collaboration between the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL) in Shanghai, China.

The degree is awarded solely by NUS. Students will spend the first two months (August and September) at the NUS campus in Singapore, where they will read 2 to 3 subjects and undertake internships with leading law firms, government agencies or the courts. They will then spend seven months (October to April) at ECUPL's downtown Changning campus in Shanghai, where professors from both NUS and ECUPL will offer a total of 10 subjects.

The programme provides a solid legal foundation in international business and financial transactions law. The cutting-edge subjects taught include comparative corporations law, banking and international payments, international taxation, comparative corporate governance, international commercial arbitration, international and comparative law of sale, international corporate finance, cross-border commercial transactions and Chinese intellectual property law.

The programme lasts 10 months, requiring the study of 10 subjects in total, and is taught entirely in English by leading NUS and ECUPL faculty. The course is primarily targeted at students from outside Asia who desire a comprehensive English-language specialization in international business law, with a focus on emerging Asian markets such as China. It also provides students from non-common law backgrounds with an overview of common law principles relevant to international business and commerce. Finally, the course offers students a unique and unparalleled opportunity to live and study in two great Asian financial centres, Singapore and Shanghai.

The current group of students comprises 44 highly motivated individuals from 12 countries, including China, India, Canada, Austria, Spain, Chile, Italy, Germany, Malaysia, Philippines and Turkey.

The tuition fee is US$6,900 (or S$10,000, 4,800 Euros or RMB 50,000). Accommodation is available near or within both campuses in Singapore and Shanghai. Applications close 31 January 2008. For application materials, pre-requisites, course details and more information in English or Chinese, click on http://law.nus.edu.sg/prospective/postgrad/coursework/llm_ibl.htm. Enquiries may be sent to lawtankj@nus.edu.sg.

Hi, I'm italian law graduate and I'm interested to the LL.M. in international business law but I saw that the deadline for application is 31 january 2008 and my IELTS score will be ready for 25-29 february 2008. What can I do?
I hope I must not wait for the next LL.M. to apply..
Thank you
Fedefra

Not a problem. You can submit your application form by 31 January 2008, and then send us the IELTS score later when you receive it.

Alan Tan
NUS Law

Ok thank you,
so I'll send my applcation form and then the IELTS score. What can I write in the form about the IELTS point?
Then I wanted to know:
1) Is there a internship during the LL.M. in IBL? If yes is only in Singapore or also in Shanghai?
2) Are there possibility at the end of LL.M. to find a job related to what I studied? Because in Europe we often find this infomations directly from the students who have partecipated reading their experience on the University website.
Thank you

Best Regards

1. Yes, there is an internship built into the programme, and it takes place in Singapore. The student can also seek to have internships in Shanghai after the completion of the course.

2. Yes, several students have found jobs in Singapore, Shanghai and their home countries after the course, pretty much related to international business law.

Alan Tan
NUS Law

IBL students have amazing job prospectus in Asia. The coursework programme already includes a compulsory internship in Singapore. Further, if international students are interested for an attachment in Shanghai they must write to law firms in person. Top notch law firms particularly in Shanghai are very happy to receive such applications.

However, if students are wishing to work in Singapore they may send there resumes to law firms. Alternatively, they may write to head hunters. Some of the recommended head hunters are LEGAL LABS, LAW RECRUIT, LAW ALLIANCE, HUGHES-CASTELL so on and so forth.

Should you need further information feel free to write. My email address is

amrinder_sidhu@rediffmail.com

Will you all the best for your future endeavors.

Regards

Amrinder

Thank you for your reply.. It was very clear!!
Now I'm finishing my application for IBL and If I have other doubts I'll write you
Bye

Best Regards
Fedefra

Dear prospective applicants(students),
I am Abhishek Mishra, a current academic year student of LL.M(IBL), NUS, Singapore. I am completing my second part of this program in Shanghai, China. I thought to participate on this forum and add some informations, from a student point of view. As I can understand the uncertainties that clouds our decisions to join an LL.M program;
First and foremost, this program is a unique opportunity to learn and travel, in one go. I consider this as a rare opportunity for students. As a business lawyer one need to understand various legal system, we have an opportunity to study in two most prominent legal system of world, common law and civil law. I term this opportunity as live and learn.

Further, most important is the course structure; course is designed in way which is relevant with our practical requirements, as lawyer, therefore serves the purpose of taking this course. Professors are authorities in their respective subjects and teach the class in a fashion that makes it interesting and learning. Lectures enables you to learn the application of law and not just knowledge of the law. In other words, students have a great opportunity to satisfy his/her intellectual hunger to learn and apply the law.

Next issue that is warranted here must be the financial one. It is very subjective issue though, however, for those student who might have a tight budget, I must add something here, so that they can make a decision. Besides, the fee, and two months expenses that one will incur, the life in Shanghai, costs u as much as in any other city of Asia, of course depending on your life style. Its not at all expensive. And above all, the value addition that one get by obtaining this degree is invaluable, so taking a student loan is worth.
NUS is a friendly place, staff and professors are caring and responsive to one's queries.
Few words are desired here about the life in Shanghai. one of the most vibrant cities, with a great infrastructure and transportation. You can witness a good fusion of exotic and western culture. Chinese mates are great, cordial and caring. Language might be a problem, sometime,they will be very helpful, and wont let u feel uncomfortable.
Jobs is the last but not least component of this blog, previous year recorded very good placement of last year students, both in China and Singapore. Candidly, in this regard i have very little to share, as I am also like you waiting for studies to complete and plunge into the world of job seekers. But prospects are great as business is booming, so business lawyers are bound to be in demand.
If you have any further doubts, you can use my experiences that I have had so far...my email id is
mishraabheeshek@hotmail.com
I wish all the best to all the applicants. and hope to see them around.
Best,
A

Hi there...as far as i'm aware, the course starts from July 2008 and the first 3 months are to be spent in singapore and the rest 7 at shanghai..am i correct here? anyone?

yes you are correct. the first two months and a half are studied in Singapore and then you have the opportunity to join the internship program either in the Supreme Court or in the top Law Firms. Then, after a needed break, you continue in Shanghai.

Eric

so provided my application does get through...for how long will i have to have to arrange accomodation in singapore? ny suggestions?

We stayed from July 12th until late September but NUS will inform you on time (if the information is not already on their website) how long you will stay in Singapore. Trust me, they are really organized and the information comes on time. Also the accommodation in the nearby hostel (Evans Lodge) is where the majority of the students stay. Is not easy to find a short term lease agreement in Singapore and is usually more expensive and inconvenient (if you do not like to wake up early) to find your own room elsewhere.

Tnx so much...its becoming clearer now....I really appreciate all the assistance... :)

hi, i'm lea. i'm holding a bachelor degree in Business. To my knowledge, 1st degree is a MUST, but is there any other pathway for non-law degree students to apply for this course? years of experience in the Law industry? I'd be grateful for your reply.

Yes, that is correct. A prior law degree is needed. Why don't you send me your full c.v. and I will take a further look.

Alan Tan
NUS Law

hi everybody
i sent my application form since january for the ibl llm
and unfortunutaly i didn t receive anything yet
i just want to know if it is normal and when we will know about it
thanksssss

I had contacted Alan with the same query. They are still reading and ranking the application- he said that the decisions will be released only by 31st of March, 2008.

I can't wait any longer, I'm so impatient in waiting for the outcome of the application.

I'm really interested in knowing what quota will be accepted into the IBL programm, how many fellows have applied and how many places are there to be filled...

Wish you all the best with your applications!

A

I am just wondering if I was offered an admission, is it feasible to ask for a deferral? P.S. I am applying for Corporate and Financial Services Law in academic year 2008-2009.