Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)

Students participating in a Mock Witness Examination exercise

The LL.M. in International Business Law is an English language full-time programme. It is a 60 ECTS credits (one year) post-graduate university programme, running from late September to June. Courses are divided into two semesters, with exams held in January and June. Students take 8 core courses (5 credits each), an optional module (5 credits) and write a thesis on a topic of the students' choice (15 credits). 

The core curriculum includes courses on all of the key aspects of international business law: 

• International Company Law and Corporate Governance
• International Commercial Transactions
• International and European Competition Law
• International Tax Law and Regulatory Aspects of International Trade and Investment
• International Investment Law and Dispute Settlement
• International Litigation and Arbitration
• International Banking and Finance Law
• International Law of IP, IT and Data Protection

The optional module may be satisfied in one of three ways:  enrolling in a law faculty or select economics course; completing an internship or participating in a Moot Court Seminar and related moot court competition.



Fast Facts
 
2:1 student:faculty ratio

• Truly global student body
• Average class size 35 students
• LL.M. core courses reserved exclusively for LL.M. students
• Location in the heart of Brussels
• Active teaching methods (moot court, witness examination exercise, mock investment arbitration, class presentations)
• Assessment based on exams, projects and class participation
• Faculty of both academics and active practitioners able to share practical insights and experience
• Extra-curricular activities such as guest lectures, access to conferences on cutting legal issues and visits to the European Institutions which are headquartered in Brussels
• A dedicated academic coordinator advises all LL.M. students

The programme is organized through the department of continuing education. It is officially recognized by the Communauté Française of the Kingdom of Belgium as a University Programme Level 7, without sanctioning an academic rank, meaning that under Belgian laws and regulations, the LL.M. does not qualify for access to the Belgian bar or to regulated legal professions.  Students who wish to seek the academic recognition of the programme or transfer of credits for a PhD in their home institutions or countries are advised to seek information on such recognition before enrolling.

LL.M. candidates who successfully complete the programme are awarded a LL.M. in International Business Law, signed by the rector of the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB). Most applicants to the LL.M. will already hold a degree giving access to the bar (in the UK, for example, this is a LLB while in Europe it is a Master). 
 

For more information contact: 

Academic Coordinator and Program Administrator
LL.M. International Business Law
brusselsllm@ulb.be
T : +32 (0)2 650 3874
 
http://www.brusselsllm.com ;
https://www.facebook.com/BrusselsLlmULB/?fref=ts ;

Campus

A leading university in Europe with over 25,000 students (1/3 of whom are international). Located in the heart of Brussels with access to a wealth of opportunities. ULB offers extraordinary extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, including lectures, workshops, internships, career events, writing seminars and social activities.

Solvay Building in which LL.M. classes meet

Students in the LL.M. in International Business Law benefit from small classes (average 35 students), low student teacher ratio and group camaraderie amongst the LL.M. students.  LL.M. core courses are reserved for LL.M. students.  Optional courses are selected from the broader law faculty offerings.

Courses are held on the main campus of the ULB, the Solbosch campus.

Professor Pascal Hollander

The LL.M. features an outstanding faculty of academics who also practice law and bring practical experience to the program.

The LL.M. is open to students who hold a “primary” law degree (students are required to have a level of education sufficient to access the relevant bar in the country in which they have studied.  In most countries this will be a masters (i.e. Belgium) but in some it may be a bachelor (i.e. UK)).    As the LL.M. is a post-graduate programme students are expected to have taken university level course(s) on the basic aspects of business law, including company law.

Current students from around the world bring with them a wealth of diverse educational and professional experiences. The LL.M. seeks highly motivated students and independent learners ready to engage in small classroom discussions who wish to deepen their knowledge in International Business Law. The LL.M. also attracts students wishing to take full advantage of the extraordinary range of opportunities offered in Brussels, the capital of Europe (from internships to visits to the European Institutions to guest lectures from distinguished practitioners).

Deadline for Applications: applications are accepted on two closing dates.

1 March: Applicants who require a visa to study in Belgium and/or are submitting a scholarship application must apply by 1 March.  Other applicants are encouraged to submit the application by the 1 March deadline.

1 June: Applicants who do not require a visa to study in Belgium and are not applying for a scholarship may apply by 1 June. 

After 1 June: please contact brussesllm@ulb.be to inquire as to whether spots are available.

Please see https://brusselsllm.com/ for a copy of our application form and relevant details.  Applicants should send the application form and the following documents to brusselsllm@ulb.be:

• LL.M. Application Form
• Curriculum Vitae in English
• Certified copy and translation in English or French of all University level degrees
• Academic transcript containing a list of all courses followed and results obtained at University level
• Proof of English proficiency 
• Proof of professional experience, if available
• Two letters of recommendation
• A short statement of reasons for applying to this programme

Candidates must establish English proficiency in one of the following ways: 

• TOEFL test with a score of minimum 90
• IELTS test with an overall score of minimum 6.5
• Cambridge English Language Assessment: minimum grade C1 Advanced 
• primary degree or significant coursework at university level in English
• other written evidence of English proficiency (subject to acceptance by the admission officer).

EUR 6,900 per year.

A limited number of scholarships are available.  The scholarship application can be found on our website and must be submitted together with the application form by 1 March.

Visit to the European Commission

The ULB is located in Brussels at the heart of Europe.  The LL.M. in International Business Law program includes visits to the European Institutions in Brussels, provides access to conferences on cutting legal issues and organizes guest lectures by legal practitioners.  On a personal level, students are well-situated to explore Europe from a central location.

Students find their own housing though are referred to university partner housing and a housing assistance office.