LLMInternational Trade and Maritime Law (Top-up)
Contact admissions
Why study a international trade and maritime law (Top-up) master's degree at Solent University
This specialised top-up course is designed to advance the topics and techniques learned on Solent’s PGDip International Trade and Maritime Law, allowing students to earn a full master’s degree.
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022)
- £0minvested in our campus estate and facilities in the last five years
- The course is taught by experienced academics and legal practitioners as well as prominent industry speakers.
- Designed for professionals in the international maritime industry, the course explores how legal claims may arise within the context of international trade practice, and how marine disputes and liabilities are investigated and managed.
- We are a founding member of Southampton City Law Network, so you can make use of an extensive network of professional connections, and experience workshops and guest lectures from visiting professionals, as well as additional opportunities to explore careers within the legal profession.
Course overview
You will have the opportunity to select a topic of interest within your chosen discipline, and design, plan and conduct research to develop your ideas and investigate your topic, producing an academically rigorous dissertation that advances knowledge in your chosen field.
Through this process you will make decisions about your research, analysis, practicalities and difficulties of doing research, this will enable you to develop academically and professionally.
You will learn the fundamental skills of academic investigation, from research methodology to planning, applying for ethics, conducting legal research, analysis, and writing your research project into a dissertation.
You will also develop an enhanced range of philosophical, logical and analytical skills, which will enable you to construct sound and persuasive arguments within the subject of maritime law.
On completing your dissertation, you will have a practical examination of an industry-relevant topic and well-researched and practical solutions you can apply in your career – along with a full master’s-level law qualification to take that career even higher.
The course starts in May 2024.
Course features
Distance learning
You can study this course anywhere in the world. The course will be delivered through online study
This course is for
This LLM top-up is only available to students who have completed our PGDip International Trade and Maritime Law. It is ideal for students looking to add a legal element to their career, both in the UK and internationally – particularly those interested in managerial or in-house legal positions.
What this course leads to
The course offers the opportunity to specialise or enhance your managerial and business skills with dedicated legal knowledge, opening up a range of career opportunities.
- Maritime chartering
- Ship chartering
- Marine insurance
- Marine consultancy
- In-house maritime lawyer
- Management
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Semester three
Core modules
Dissertation
You will learn about the processes and academic debates around doing research, planning, applying for ethics, conducting legal research, analysing your findings and writing your research project into a dissertation. You will learn how to manage the research process and understand complications and how to manage these when they arise during data collections.
Learning resources
At Solent, our aim is to deliver innovative, inclusive and intellectually stimulating teaching to develop self-confident and highly employable graduates. All our courses are designed with employability in mind, which makes industry-based learning a priority.
Learn transferable skills
On this top-up course you will develop practical academic research and critical analysis skills, enhancing your ability to identify and investigate problems and produce effective solutions. You will also hone your written communication skills, allowing you to more effectively convey your arguments, analysis and conclusions to colleagues and decision makers.
Warsash Maritime School
Warsash Maritime School is the home of seafarer training and maritime studies, building on the history and tradition of the world-renowned Warsash Maritime Academy.
The School provides high-quality education and training for the maritime and offshore industries to meet the international demand for crew, officers and captains who are trained to the highest professional standards.
Deck (navigation), marine engineer and marine electro-technical officers benefit from our internationally recognised certification programmes, from initial entry as an officer cadet to Master and Chief Engineer.
Our STCW safety training is delivered by technical specialists with many years' experience in their field.
Facilities
On this distance learning course, you will use our Solent Online Learning (SOL) portal.
SOL gives you access to extensive online library resources, course materials, essential readings and other background information, and study support tools.
Alumni network
As part of our global alumni community, you can take advantage of a range of benefits.
Whether it's been days or decades since you left us, or you're soon to don your cap and gown, things are constantly changing at Solent. We're always innovating, but we're also immensely proud of our heritage. And that means you.
Research and knowledge exchange
Solent University prides itself on carrying out not only pioneering research, but also research that addresses real world problems. We offer opportunities to study for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in a number of areas.
At Solent, we want to help you achieve your best and discover new insights. Whether you're thinking about applying for a PhD, or already underway with your research studies, you'll find useful guidance and information in our research pages.
Find out moreSupport at Solent
All students at Solent University have access to a range of specialist support services. Whether you are having financial difficulty, need additional help with academic skills or want advice on setting up your own business you'll find that help is always on hand.
Most of our specialist support services are based around the Student Hub, a central space where you can access all of the information and support you may need during your time at University. The Student Hub is the first point of contact if you have any queries relating to your course, including questions about your timetable, options, and assessments and extenuating circumstances.
Solent's learning technologies team are on hand to offer help and guidance with the University's online learning platform, Solent Online Learning (SOL). You can contact the team either by email or via their virtual helpdesk, which is open 10am-4pm on weekdays.
Find out more
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 fees were:
- UK and Channel Island full-time fees: : £2500
- EU and international full-time fees: : £4500
For more information, visit our tuition fees page.
Alumni discount
Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.
Find out moreBursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Discover Solent University Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.Find out what Southampton has to offer Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
Completion of Solent University’s PGDip International Trade and Maritime Law. Students who have the same credits for the same underlying programme of studies will also be considered.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our 2023 course entry statement document.
Your application checklist
Applications for postgraduate courses can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. However, we strongly recommend you apply at your earliest convenience.
Please ensure you upload the following mandatory documents with your application:
- Two academic references.
- Certified transcripts of qualifications, including English language proficiency if non-UK student.
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of current visa (if applicable).
- A personal statement.
- Employer sponsor form, where appropriate.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Study options
Make your application
- 1 semester full-time (distance learning)
