WTO Law – (LL.M.)

Contents

Course length

Full-time: LLM: 12 months; PGDip: 9 months
Part-time: LLM: 24 months; PGDip: 18 months

Students studying for the LLM/PGDip in WTO Law are required to complete the double compulsory module in International Law (40 credits) and the single compulsory module in Advanced Legal Research Methods (20 credits) during the first semester. In the second semester you must take the compulsory module in World Trade Regulation (20 credits).

International Law

The principal aim of the compulsory module in international law is to introduce students to the international legal system and the general rules that govern the international community, set in the context of a rapidly globalising world. The module introduces the philosophical underpinnings of international law, including the nature of the international legal system and the context within which it operates, and examines the sources of international law and the key doctrines and principles. Areas of particular importance in state practice are also examined, including human rights, the use of force and international humanitarian law, environmental protection and international economic law.

Advanced Legal Research Methods

This module, which is compulsory for all LLM students, provides an opportunity for students to develop core skills in legal research. Expert guidance is provided in locating and using international law sources especially electronic sources. Particular attention is also paid to analysis of legal texts, reasoning skills, presenting research, both orally and in writing and appropriate referencing. The Oxford Brookes Library has an expanding collection of international law materials and provides access to a wide range of online databases.

World Trade Regulation

This module focuses on the regulative law and legal framework of sales of goods as provided for by WTO law. The module explains the WTO law on the sale of goods, the so-called GATT 1994. Students will be introduced to the core norms and principles of GATT 1994 law including the most favoured nation principle and the principle of national treatment, and the latest jurisprudence of the panels and Appellate Body. In addition, the lawful exemptions to free trade in goods will be considered as well as the two additional new instruments for certain exemptions from GATT rules, the SPS and the TBT agreements.

In Semester 2 you can choose any two of the following options (20 credits each, totalling 60 master's-level credits)*:

International Trade Law

This module provides an overview of the legal systems governing international trade. International Trade Law has two dimensions: one governs the commercial relationship between traders, including the laws of sale of goods, transportation and finance of trade, which is of a ‘private law’ nature; the other deals with the regulatory relationship between government agencies and traders, including the laws of tariffs and duties, antidumping, subsidies and countervailing measures, which are ‘public law’ by nature. The module covers both the transactional and the regulatory elements, with particular emphasis placed on current issues such as Incoterms, UCP and e-commerce.

European Union Law

This module provides an introduction to the constitutional and administrative law of the European Union. It begins with an examination of the political development and legal nature of the European Union and the operation of its institutions. Discussion then focuses on the nature of community law, its relationship with national law and the role of the European Court of Justice. Finally, the administrative law of the European Union is critically examined.

International Intellectual Property Law

This module aims to explore how, with the rise of information and technology as key global assets, intellectual property laws have been fashioned and constantly transformed to identify, regulate, manage and protect those assets. It examines the process of harmonisation of intellectual property across the world in the context of the international trade regime, the proliferation of overlapping, and often contradictory claims among the diversity of stakeholders as well as policy issues located in ethics, culture and human rights.

Regulatory Theory in Cyberspace

This module considers legal and policy issues that have evolved with the rise of cyberspace; examines current and prospective normative principles and rules for its governance by all stakeholders; and considers future developments in regulatory issues emanating from the divergence of international factors in play. The module will focus on defining the legal and technological issues which make cyberspace a unique zone of discourse for the study of international/transnational regulation and the methods of control which can potentially be adopted.

Students who complete at least 60 credits over the taught elements of the course are eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Certificate in International Law.

Dissertation

Your LLM dissertation is an extended and supervised piece on work on a particular aspect of international law chosen in consultation with your course tutors. It is an opportunity to gain knowledge through systematic academic enquiry and for you to demonstrate your ability to explore and present legal arguments. The style of research may range from empirical investigation to textual analysis. You will develop transferable skills in research and information and project management. You will be encouraged to choose an international law topic of personal interest or one related to your occupation. Full-time students will normally begin preliminary work on the dissertation in Semester 1 and formalise the topic and structure of the dissertation in Semester 2. The main work on the dissertation will normally take place from June to mid-August.