Postgraduate Diploma in International and Commercial Law
Find out more information about our Postgraduate Diploma in International and Commercial Law based in The School of Law.
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Course overview
About the Course
View All Course Modules
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Jan 2025 (Full-time)
| Module | Type | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence and The Law | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| Banking Law and Fintech | Optional | 30.00 | 7 |
| Corporate Law and Corporate Insolvency | Optional | 30.00 | 7 |
| Financial Crime, Money Laundering and Market Abuse | Optional | 30.00 | 7 |
| International and Comparative Human Rights Law (International Mechanisms) | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| International Intellectual Property Law | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| International Trade and Maritime Law | Optional | 30.00 | 7 |
| Law of War | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| Law of World Trade | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| Marine Insurance | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| Public International Law: Issues and Contemporary Practices | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
Sep 2025 (Full-time)
| Module | Type | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| International and Comparative Human Rights Law (International Mechanisms) | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Law of World Trade | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Artificial Intelligence and The Law | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| Banking Law and Fintech | Optional | 30.00 | 7 |
| Corporate Law and Corporate Insolvency | Optional | 30.00 | 7 |
| Financial Crime, Money Laundering and Market Abuse | Optional | 30.00 | 7 |
| International Intellectual Property Law | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| International Trade and Maritime Law | Optional | 30.00 | 7 |
| Law of War | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| Marine Insurance | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| Public International Law: Issues and Contemporary Practices | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
Jan 2026 (Full-time)
| Module | Type | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence and The Law | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| Banking Law and Fintech | Optional | 30.00 | 7 |
| Corporate Law and Corporate Insolvency | Optional | 30.00 | 7 |
| Financial Crime, Money Laundering and Market Abuse | Optional | 30.00 | 7 |
| International and Comparative Human Rights Law (International Mechanisms) | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| International Intellectual Property Law | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| International Trade and Maritime Law | Optional | 30.00 | 7 |
| Law of War | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| Law of World Trade | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| Marine Insurance | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
| Public International Law: Issues and Contemporary Practices | Optional | 15.00 | 7 |
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDipl)
The Postgraduate Diploma in International and Commercial Law provides you with a specialisation in the field of international and commercial law. It is attractive to law or non-law graduates alike. The programme runs in parallel with Buckingham Law School’s LLM in International and Commercial Law but does not include the research component, in the form of a dissertation. The programme provides you with the key principles of commercial law, whilst developing your understanding of international legal frameworks. Our teaching team, who have extensive experience of practice, provide you with the knowledge and skills to enable you to achieve your academic and professional goals.
The PGDipl is awarded if you successfully pass 120 units of taught modules. Successful completion will mean you have developed a range of skills, including:
- A sound understanding of each of your chosen areas of the law
- Confidence in the analysis of complex case-law and statute
- The ability to argue convincingly, orally and in writing
- The ability to take a co-operative approach to problem solving
Upgrading from the PGDipl to LLM in International and Commercial Law
If you pass all your PGDipl modules in your first term, your performance is reviewed and, if it is of a sufficiently high standard, you are encouraged to upgrade to the LLM. If the upgrade decision is in your favour, you then undertake the research component of the LLM, in the form of a Dissertation (60 units of credits). Successful completion of the Dissertation results in the award of the LLM.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are normally expected to have a first or second class honours LLB.
Mature students
Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
International students
We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.
The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
English levels
If English is not your first language, please check our postgraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.
Selection process
Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be conducted by Microsoft Teams, email or phone.
Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or get in touch via our online form.
Student Contract for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.
Teaching & Assessment
Quality teaching
We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.
High calibre staff
Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.
Teaching methods
Seminars are the primary teaching method for this course. They encourage the development of clear analytical skills and create a forum where you can test your ideas against the arguments of your peers. Whether you enter the legal profession or business world you will find it is essential to have developed persuasive abilities. LLM options are taught in the form of two-hour lectures and one-hour seminar every week of the term.
You are expected to read the cases and other materials relevant to the particular seminar in advance. At the seminar you will be asked to support your opinions and discuss your analysis of the area with your fellow students. In some modules you may be expected to make a presentation on a topic given to you by your tutor. Whilst these tasks may seem daunting at the beginning of the year, you will rapidly gain confidence as your debating skills develop.
Course material is available on the University’s own Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Moodle. This allows students to download lecture notes, submit assignments and share resources in an electronic forum both within the University’s computer network and remotely.
Assessment methods
The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually done by coursework and oral presentations. Please check module information for more details.
Preparation for work
All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.
An annual Legal Workshop is held, in partnership with current practitioners, allowing you to practise advising clients and to present short cases as though in court.
After Your Course
Graduate employment
Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.
What our alumni say
“I graduated from Buckingham with an LLB degree and returned straight after to study for the LLM. Buckingham’s January entry allowed me to complete both my LLB and LLM degrees in under three years.
“The flexible nature of the LLM programme allowed me to study taught modules as well as having the opportunity to write a dissertation in Intellectual Property Law, an area (in) which I have become very interested and will pursue in a PhD.”
“Since successfully completing his LLM Ben has been accepted to commence research for a PhD at Exeter University.
Benjamin Carter
“I completed my master’s degree and these were the best days in my life. I miss my tutors, professors and friends. After I finished my LLM study at Buckingham, I returned to my country, Jordan. I am now working as a lawyer in an international Jordanian bank. I am a member of a human rights organisation and the Jordan Bar Association.”
Basher Alyousef
Fees & Scholarships
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
Jan 2025 Full-time (9 Months) | UK | £6,800 |
| INT | £10,880 | |
Sep 2025 Full-time (9 Months) | UK | £6,800 |
| INT | £10,880 | |
Jan 2026 Full-time (9 Months) | UK | £6,800 |
| INT | £10,880 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Please note that The University of Buckingham has four terms per year. Students will pay the same termly fee for the duration of their studies, unless studies are interrupted and resumed later. The tuition fee quoted is therefore the total cost of the degree. Fees are normally paid in termly instalments.
Postgraduate loan scheme
A system of postgraduate loans for Masters degrees in the UK is available with support from the UK Government. The loan is available for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.
Accommodation
On-campus accommodation
We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.
Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.
What’s included?
All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.
Find out more
If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.
We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, at one of our open days or a Campus Tour, campus tours include a typical student room.