International Banking and Finance Law

LLM International Banking and Finance Law is a distinctive programme that provides a comprehensive postgraduate study package in the area of banking and finance law.

This LLM gives you the opportunity to learn about the international regulatory frameworks in which banks and other financial institutions operate, as well as commercial financial issues such as the legal framework for international syndicated loans, bond issues, secured credit and insolvency.

You will investigate and apply the complex rules of banking and finance law to novel problems and real-world and hypothetical scenarios. You will also critically evaluate the legal rules and underlying policies concerning banking and finance law, and undertake independent research and construct legal argument in the appropriate form.

We teach LLM International Banking and Finance Law from an international perspective and do not simply focus on English law. This makes the programme very appealing to students from countries with established financial services sectors, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as those countries in the process of developing their financial services industries, such as Brazil, Russia, India, China and the Arab Gulf States. We designed this course to benefit you, regardless of your country of origin.

Career possibilities

LLM International Banking and Finance Law is appropriate should you wish to embark upon a career in legal practice, the public sector -- working at the central bank, a financial sector regulator or an international organisation -- or any career where success is built upon the ability to understand, analyse and respond to developments in international banking and finance law.

In addition, the increasing amount of financial litigation and arbitration provides many opportunities for practising lawyers in banking and finance law. A number of our students also remain with us to pursue a further research career as PhD students.

If you want to ...

• explore the catalysts and consequences of banking crises in today's world
• examine international approaches to banking supervision
• discover the legal process involved in the regulation of banks
• study syndicated lending and the issuing of bonds on the international capital markets

... then consider LLM International Banking and Finance Law.

This programme has five compulsory modules. You also choose four optional modules to complete your programme.

Compulsory modules

Insolvency law considers the history of insolvency and explores insolvency in today's world: its meaning and consequences. You investigate the theory, aims, purposes and principles that underpin the law, and examine the options available to insolvents, and the roles of those administering insolvent administrations.

International Banking Law: the regulatory framework will expand your understanding of the way banks operate, and enable you to examine the role of the legal process in the regulation of banks, both on a national and an international basis.

International Banking Law: capital markets and loans examines the role played by international banks in assisting customers that need access to capital. You will study the law and practice of international syndicated lending, and investigate the issue of bonds on the international capital markets.

Research Methods focuses on the mechanics of the research process: how to formulate research questions, design research strategies and generally go about the process of 'researching.'

Dissertation allows you to pursue an area of particular interest within your programme in consultation with a member of staff with appropriate expertise.

Optional modules

The School offers a wide range of optional modules, though the list is subject to change: for example, you may be able to choose from the following.

• International E-Commerce Law
• Insolvency Law
• Corporate Law
• Advanced Corporate Law
• International Law of Credit and Security
• International Corporate Rescue
• Islamic Banking and Finance
• International law of Foreign Investment
• World Trade Organisation Law
• Central Issues in Arbitration
• International Sales Law
• Trade Marks, Geographical Indications, Designs and Trade Secrets

Programme structure

• For the LLM, you study the core modules (60 credits) and take a further four optional modules (60 credits) with an extended research project (the dissertation) of 60 credits over the summer.
• For the PG Diploma, you study the taught core modules and four further options.
• For the PG Certificate, you study the core modules.

Teaching

The structure of the programmes will provide breadth and depth of study and opportunities for drawing upon appropriate resources and techniques. The programmes are based on, at least, fifteen hours teaching time per taught module. Support for the dissertation project is provided via two group sessions, a number of one to one meetings and comment on draft work.

Modules are offered within a small group teaching model, which will provide you with the opportunity to develop interests and informed opinions, and to communicate your conclusions. A variety of teaching provision is offered through lectures and seminars and all students meet weekly in the first semester for academic skills training.

Assessment

Assessment is by a variety of methods but primarily involves the writing of a 4,500 word essay at the end of each module. We assess the dissertation through your submission of a written piece of work of up to 15,000 words.

The entrance requirements for our postgraduate taught schemes are that you must normally possess an upper second class honours degree or non-UK equivalent.If you do not meet the standard academic entry requirements, we will give consideration to relevant and substantial work experience of more than five years. In this case, we will require a full CV, describing the relevant work experience, with your application.We also encourage applicants with professional qualifications or substantial professional experience to apply.Language requirements The School has a minimum requirement.TOEFL score on the internet-based test: at least 92 with, at least, 22 in listening, 22 in reading, 23 in speaking and 22 in writing.A minimum IELTS (academic) score of 6.5 with at least 6.5 in listening and reading and at least 6.0 in writing and speaking.The School keeps its requirements under review and may request a higher level of proficiency. The University of Leeds Language Centre can provide more details on your English requirements. Language Centre pre-sessional courseThe Language Centre also provides the Academic English for Postgraduate Studies pre-sessional course that is designed to help international students develop the necessary language and academic study skills required for successful study on a taught postgraduate degree programme. Pre-sessional courses start in September, January, April, July or August.For further information, please visit the Language Centre’s website or contact the Language Centre via email.We will also accept the following.English Cambridge Proficiency Certificate: Grade C or aboveAdvanced Certificate of English: Grade C or aboveIGCSE or O level: Grade C or aboveAll India 'Standard 12': minimum of 70 per centWe also accept other alternative qualifications to IELTS and TOEFL tests. Alternative accepted qualifications to IELTS and TOEFL tests It is not sufficient for you to submit a letter from your university that states that you can use the English language to a good standard. This is not relevant evidence. You must submit one of the documents above or be intending to take one of the tests noted above.Important information about language testsNew British government regulations state that an ...IELTSTOEFL iBTor PET Academic... test score must be less than two years old when the University of Leeds issues a Certificate of Approved Study (CAS) to an international student that has been offered a place on a postgraduate taught programme.An international student requires a CAS in order to obtain a British student visa.What this time limit means for youWhen you apply to one of our postgraduate courses, you must ensure that your English Language Test score will be less than two years old when we make a decision on your application. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 60 (Grade C) TOEFL iBT® test: 92 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

You can find further information on fees at University of Leeds Postgraduate Fees and Finance.

Information on Scholarships can be obtained from Scholarships at Leeds.

http://www.law.leeds.ac.uk/postgraduates/taught-postgraduates/fees-and-funding