University of Reading School of Law

Choose from a large selection of master's-level degrees with a diverse range of specialist pathways and take modules from schools and departments across the University.

• LLM International Law
• LLM Advanced Legal Studies
• LLM Human Rights
• LLM International Commercial Law
• LLM International Commercial Law with International Corporate Finance
• LLM International Commercial Law with International Banking Law and Financial Regulation
• LLM International Commercial Law with Intellectual Property and Management
• LLM International Commercial Law with Insolvency Law
• LLM International Commercial Law with Information Technology Law and Commerce
• LLM International Commercial Law with International Economic Law
• LLM International Commercial Law with International Dispute Resolution (Arbitration)

The International Law and Human Rights programmes are associated with major research clusters in the School. The Advanced Legal Studies degree allows students to draw on the breadth of research strengths in the School to tailor a programme that meets their needs and interests. Alongside these run the International Commercial Law programmes, taught by the School of Law and the ICMA Centre, part of the renowned Henley Business School.

In each programme students undertake taught modules totalling 180 credits during the Autumn and Spring terms and then write a dissertation/project (60/40 credits) from May/June until September. There is also a January intake for some of the LLM programmes.

Teaching is mostly conducted in weekly, discussion-based classes with an emphasis on small group teaching with around 5-15 students in a group. LLM students may select from a range of modules each year that are offered by the Law School and other departments, encompassing subject areas within International, EU and UK law that usually include:

• Theory and Practice of International Law
• Human Rights
• Terrorism, War and Law
• Intellectual Property
• Commerce and Trade
• International Dispute Settlement
• Regulation of Financial Markets
• Oil and Gas Law
• Competition Law
• Banking and Finance

Visit our website for more detailed information about programmes and modules.

For candidates wishing to pursue a research-oriented career, the School offers four research preparation Masters degrees:

• MRes Law and Society
• MA by Research Legal History
• MRes Law
• LLM Research Thesis

In addition, the School's PhD programme offers supervision in a wide range of fields.

The School of Law at Reading provides a study environment that is welcoming and inclusive. We aim to make postgraduate study a collegial experience. All Law students will be enrolled in the Research Methods module which ensures that the cohort meets weekly in class, but the opportunity to meet less formally is also important. In term time the School hosts informal social events for postgraduates. This is an opportunity to chat with your peers, and with academic and administrative staff, with later year PhD students, graduate teaching assistants, and often visitors from other parts of the university such as the International Office, the Student Union, or Student Services. These events have been a great way for students to meet, and for staff and students to get together in an informal environment.

The University of Reading has been at the forefront of UK higher education for nearly a century. Over the decades we have become innovators and pioneers, pushing academic boundaries and leading social change.

We have plenty to offer: a rich history, a beautiful campus in a thriving town, a vibrant academic community, and much more. You’ll be joining a diverse and inclusive community, home to more than 25,000 students from around 160 countries. The University provides an ideal environment to try new things, meet new people and gain new perspectives.

Our main campuses are located close to Reading’s bustling town centre. From there, it’s just 30 minutes to London Paddington by train, and only 45 minutes to Heathrow airport by coach.

Our Careers Team was recently recognised with a StudentCrowd University Award in 2021, ranking in the top 20 for university careers services in the UK, and has won numerous other awards.We’ll help you explore your options and identify your career goals, and we can support you through opportunities such as internships, placements, mentoring and graduate careers.

The School of Law at Reading is one of the leading law schools in the United Kingdom. We are ranked in the top 175 universities in the world for Law (ranked 151-175 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2022), and 99% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Law).

Thrive in our dynamic and international learning environment, underpinned by the guidance of our expert academics and practitioners. All of our LLM courses are built on a legal and multidisciplinary approach to the study of law. You will benefit from modules that will enable you to take advantage of the School’s research strengths in the fields of international law and commercial law.

We place great emphasis on employability skills and experience to help set you apart from other postgraduates. We provide you with a range of opportunities including guest lectures, conferences, research seminars, workshops and careers sessions. We also offer a range of career development and co-curricular opportunities include practitioners’ workshops on CV writing, covering letters and interview techniques, careers events and networking opportunities with legal practitioners.

Graduates from our LLM programmes have gone on to work for national and international law firms, as lawyers and as in-house legal counsels for large multinational companies in the UK and abroad, as well as international organisations and NGOs.

The School of Law is located on the main Whiteknights campus in the beautiful Foxhill House, a nineteenth century heritage-listed building that has been adapted to twenty-first century use.

We have world-leading researchers working on a diverse range of legal issues across all areas of law. Our research is organised into three groups:

• Global Law at Reading
• Centre for Commercial Law and Financial Regulation 
• Law, Justice and Society

Our Academic staff come from a variety of backgrounds and reflect the fact that we are very much a Global Law School.

Some examples of our unparalleled expertise in international and commercial law include:

Professor Marko Milanovic: co-general editor of the ongoing Tallinn Manual 3.0 project on the application of international law in cyberspace, served as one of three high-level experts assisting the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights on the examination of alleged human rights violations committed in Belarus, and is currently advising a taskforce supporting the Prosecutor General of Ukraine regarding accountability for crimes committed during the Ukrainian conflict. 

Professor Rosa Freedman: a leading authority on international human rights law and a member of the UN Secretary-General's Civil Society Advisory Board on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. Professor Freedman works closely with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as a member of the Steering Committee on Women, Peace and Security

Professor Michael Schmitt: the pre-eminent authority on cyber warfare, Professor Schmitt regularly works with NATO and states to advise on the conduct of hostilities in cyberspace. He is Director of the Tallinn Manual 3.0 project at NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Centre of Excellence and holds positions at the US Military Academy at West Point, US Naval War College and the University of Texas.

Dr Alexander Gilder: One of the few international lawyers working on UN peace operations, Dr Gilder is at the cutting edge of research on stabilization, the protection of civilians, and security sector reform. He has published widely on these issues and specifically on the UN missions in Mali, South Sudan, Central African Republic and Côte d'Ivoire. Dr Gilder is both Programme Director of the Global Law Programmes and Deputy Director of our internationally leading research group, Global Law at Reading (GLAR).

Dr Bolanle Adebola: a leading expert on international insolvency and restructuring law, Dr Adebola is a trained advocate with dual qualifications: Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Dr Adebola founded and convenes the Commercial Law Research Network Nigeria (CLRNN), a network established to promote research and knowledge exchange on matters relating to the development and reform of commercial law in economies such as Nigeria.

Dr Andrea Miglionico: a recognised specialist on banking and finance law, Dr Miglionico regularly collaborates with central banks, regulatory authorities, investment banks, and law firms. Having published several journal articles and being involved in the analysis of several cases of banks in distress, Dr Miglionico's research assesses the restructuring mechanism for failing banks, mergers and acquisitions of banks and bank-customer relationships.

Professor Christine Riefa: a world leading expert on consumer law, Professor Riefa is leading the project Cross-border enforcement of consumer law. Professor Riefa has advised governments on reform of consumer laws in different hemispheres. She is widely published with work cited in official documents from international institutions including The World Economic Forum, UNCTAD, the European Parliament and academic scholarship.

Meet some of our inpiring graduates:

Eyas Alkswani: Find out how the International Commercial Arbitration Mooting module gave Eyas the opportunity to participate in 'real world' international commercial law disputes.

Faye Bird: Learn how the course content and learning from experts attracted Faye to Reading and helped her build a career path in academia.

Enyinnaya Uwadi: Read how the wide range of modules and growth opportunities offered by the School of law fostered Enyinnaya's memorable journey at Reading.

Applicants are usually expected to have a degree at upper second class level (or equivalent) in Law or a related discipline. Where applicants do not hold a Law or related qualification then they would normally be expected to show the capacity to undertake advanced study in Law either by virtue of a strong academic record and/or relevant work experience.

International Applicants

LLM candidates at Reading come from a wide range of countries. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to meet the English language requirements. If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

International students can find a wide range of information about language and other matters on the University's web pages for International Students.

The School of Law has a dedicated international tutor, to support and help our international students as they study in a new environment and culture.

Information about our application procedure and links to the online applications form can be found on our webpages. 

For up to date details on our fees and funding, please view the university webpages. 

The School offers partial scholarships through the University of Reading Master’s Scholarships Scheme. 

Also among the opportunities for funding for LLM candidates is the Felix Scholarship.  Please contact Dr Ruvi Ziegler, Director of Postgraduate Studies in the School of Law, before you apply. 

Students undertaking a PhD or a research preparation Master's may be eligible for a wider range of funding. 

The School often has opportunities for postgraduates to work as paid research assistants for members of faculty.

Contact us

Enquiries about LLM programmes and admissions should be directed to your Programme Director:

• Commercial Law programmes: Dr Andrea Miglionico (a.miglionico@reading.ac.uk)
• Global Law programmes: Dr Alexander Gilder (a.f.gilder@reading.ac.uk)
• MRes programmes: Professor Aleardo Zanghellini (a.zanghellini@reading.ac.uk)

Web: www.reading.ac.uk/law

Our beautiful campus offers contemporary study facilities, halls of residence, support services, cafés, shops and entertainment all centrally located on one of the most attractive university campuses in the UK.

The close proximity of all academic and support facilities will make it easier for you to quickly settle into your new environment, integrate rapidly into the student body and help you get the most out of your study period.

The University of Reading is ideally situated in the employment-rich and picturesque Thames Valley. London Paddington is only 30 minutes away by train and both London Heathrow and Gatwick airports are within easy reach.

Your home at university is a place to live, to study, to meet friends, to socialise and - for some people - to discover independence for the first time.

Our halls provide you with a home away from home where you find yourself part of a supportive community. We offer a wide range of accommodation options.

Our accommodation guarantee:
A new full-time postgraduate who has accepted an offer from the University and applies for accommodation by 1 August and satisfies any conditions of their academic offer by 31 August of their year of entry, will be guaranteed accommodation in one of our Halls*.
*Subject to restrictions (see our webpages for details)

The University of Reading is consistently rated highly by its students. Students here benefit from a beautiful campus environment, vibrant students' union, quality halls of residence, and have the skills they need to get good jobs when they graduate.

Leran more about student life at Reading.