Law - International Commercial Law

Overview

Internationally recognised postgraduate diploma allowing specialisation in the area of International Commercial Law.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in International Commercial Law is available on a full-time basis over a one year period. Lectures are held in the evening time to allow those who are working or have other daytime commitments during the day to pursue the programme.



Please note: The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts? in International Commercial Law is a cognitive masters. In order to be eligible for the course you will need to possess the following: 2.2 degree in Law or a related discipline (that has a 50% legal component to the degree) or foreign equivalent.



Relative work experience may also be taken into consideration.



Why Study at International Commercial Law at Griffith?

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in International Commercial Law offers students advanced, specialised legal training, qualifying you to work in a multinational legal environment.

• Graduates of this programme will receive an internationally recognised Postgraduate Diploma.

• Students will gain a firm understanding of the key principles of International Commercial Law, for example, International Intellectual Property Law, International Financial Services Law and Corporate Governance.

• Students will acquire highly transferable skills attractive to a wide range of businesses outside law including in both major corporations and international institutions.

• A strong international focus gives students a key advantage when building a career in today's globalised legal landscape.

• All of our lecturers are experienced academics who are specialists in their field.



Course Highlights

• Unique international Commercial Law focus

• Experienced lecturers - experts in their field

• Small class sizes - more individual attention to help you reach your personal potential

• Evening time lectures - it is possible to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma with work or other daytime commitments.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in International Commercial Law is one year in duration. The student will complete six subjects. In the first semester, the student will complete three mandatory subjects and in the second semester, they will choose three commercial electives. (Electives run subject to demand and at the discretion of the faculty.)



Assessment in the taught modules in semesters 1 and 2 is by way of assignments and examinations. Upon meeting with the faculty a two-year option may be arranged where necessary.



Year One

Public International Law

Public International Law is concerned with both the relations between States and with the relationship between individuals, international organisations and States. This module enables the learner to understand and evaluate Public International Law and its role, potential and limitations in International affairs. It enables learners to identify the sources of Public International Law and develop their ability to apply these appropriately to a range of actual and theoretical situations. The module examines the operation of international organisations such as the United Nations and their impact on the wider principles of International Law. Learners gain an understanding of the formation and formalisation of international treaties and an awareness of the principles of State sovereignty. The module addresses a number of current legal issues in the development of international law and Learners become familiarised with the treaties on which International Law is based, the rules of Customary International Law and a knowledge of the institutions which apply International Law.



Advanced Legal Research and Writing

The aim of this module is to inculcate in the learner advanced legal research and writing skills. The module initially focusses on the development of online research skills and search operators. The learner develops an understanding of various research methodologies which can be employed when conducting research; doctrinal, comparative, socio-legal etc. Furthermore, the module fosters within learners the ability to write excellent legal prose with style, precision and accuracy. Learners master a legal house style; the Oxford University Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities (OSCOLA).



International Commercial Law

Typical international commercial transactions involve numerous contracts over national boundaries. The objective of the module is to make participants familiar with the key contracts and institutions in international commerce. Learners examine private international law (conflict of laws) issues, international contract terms (INCOTERMS), and the Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) and UNIDROIT principles as they apply to international contracts. Attention is paid to the role of the WTO as it is considered one of the most important developments in the history of international trade law. GATT is another significant area upon which there is significant focus.



Electives

International Commercial Arbitration

This module is designed to provide a broad overview of the legal and practical aspects underpinning International Commercial Arbitration. The objective of any arbitration is to resolve a dispute. So as to facilitate resolution, all unnecessary obstacles need to be removed. In the context of international disputes there can be many obstacles, such as language barriers, different jurisdictions, different legal principles etc. To alleviate these difficulties a number of international instruments have been enacted throughout the years culminating in the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law in 1985.



This module focusses primarily on both the substance and application of the UNCITRAL Model Law, and also its integration into Irish law. Candidates are required to achieve a high level understanding of the UNCITRAL Model Law so as to discuss in a competent manner the practice and procedure involved in International Commercial Arbitration, and the applicable legal principles.



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*This elective runs subject to demand and discretion of the Faculty of Law.



International Tax Law

This module focusses on an analysis of principal features of the International Tax Law system, from the perspective of Irish and EU law. The module looks generally at the main theories, concepts and principles of International Tax Law and then more particularly at the main substantive areas of the subject such as Public International Law and Taxation, the OECD Model Income Tax Convention and EC law as it affects Member States’ tax systems. Thereafter, the module examines important issues such as the different approaches to Corporate Income Taxation, tackling International Tax Avoidance, International Tax Law as it applies to developing countries, and the issues in modifying established International Tax Rules to regulate E-commerce activity.



*This elective runs subject to demand and discretion of the Faculty of Law.



International Financial Services Law

At a time of tentative emergence from crisis on the global markets, this module seeks to enable learners to address the major regulatory and contractual aspects of Financial Services Law. The module deals with the institutional structures created to protect international financial transactions. There is a particular focus on the impact that European Union legislation is having on the area, with a number of the key regulations being examined in detail. There is also a strong emphasis on the 2008 Financial crisis and the impact that it has had on the financial services industry. The module is suitable for those seeking to work in law firms which have International Financial Services as a significant part of their workload, but also for those who hope to work directly in the Financial Services sector.



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*This elective runs subject to demand and discretion of the Faculty of Law.



EU Internal Market and Competition Law

The objectives of this module are twofold. Firstly, it seeks to develop within the learner an in-depth understanding of the economic and political basis for the Internal Market of the European Union and the laws that ensure its operation. Secondly, it requires the learner to critically analyse the European Union’s policies in the sphere of Competition Law. The module will address a number of current legal issues in the development of the Internal Market, such as the future of the Eurozone, the position of Public Services and the impact of the developing jurisprudence on Citizenship. The learner is encouraged to critically assess the basis for Competition Law within the EU and engage with academic commentary and court decisions to determine whether the overall policy goals are being met.



*This elective runs subject to demand and discretion of the Faculty of Law.



International Intellectual Property Law

This module provides a detailed overview of the principles regarding the key aspects of Intellectual Property Law: International Copyright, Patents, Design Rights, Trademark and Passing Off and Misappropriation of Personality and Publicity and Privacy Rights. Case law illustrating the application of these principles along with international treaties dealing with Intellectual Property is addressed. The module seeks to enhance the learner’s ability to apply theoretical aspects of the jurisprudence to real life situations through the use of case studies.



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*This elective runs subject to demand and discretion of the Faculty of Law.



Corporate Governance

The primary objective of this course is to impart a critical understanding of the structure, objectives and mechanisms of Corporate Governance, and the legal and other issues affecting systems by which corporations are directed and controlled. Themes and issues explored include: theoretical and overview perspectives on Corporate Governance; the nature of the corporation, the basic model of the firm, principal-agent theory; the legal framework of Corporate Governance; the role and responsibilities of directors and boards; enforcement of director duties; monitoring and legal compliance issues; executive compensation, takeovers, and shareholder activism. This module also deals with the emergence of Corporate Governance requirements in developed/developing capital markets. The module sets out the divergent ways in which Corporate Governance is applied across the globe, in particular examining the reliance on principles or alternatively, rules. It examines both country specific codes and international practices. Case studies on major corporate scandals are carried out in detail in order to assist in the understanding of Corporate Governance principles.



*This elective runs subject to demand and discretion of the Faculty of Law.



International Privacy and Data Protection Law

This module provides an explanatory overview to data protection and privacy law, taking an international perspective that encompasses Irish and EU law. The module will consider theoretical and practical approaches in understanding the power and significance of handling personal information securely.

2.2 degree in Law or a related discipline (that has a 50% legal component to the degree) or foreign equivalent or relevant work experience.



English Language

Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency.

How to Apply

All applicants must apply online here uploading a copy of the following:

• Photo I.D. (driving licence or passport)

• Degree transcripts from previous studies

• Module descriptors from previous studies where the degree is not of a cognate discipline.

1 Year. Full-Time.

Intake Dates:

We run two intakes for this course, commencing as follows:

Autumn: September*

Spring: February*



*subject to sufficient numbers.

Academic Progression

Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in International Commercial Law can progress onto the LL.M. programme through the completion of a 20,000-word dissertation in a relevant area.



Career Progression

Students who wish to specialise in an area of law within a legal firm or practice at the Bar often choose the postgraduate diploma to give themselves sufficient knowledge in that area. Increasingly, companies are dealing with the international markets and for this reason, the Postgraduate Diploma in International Commercial Law is very popular amongst lawyers in this area.