LLM in Financial and Corporate Law
Delivery & Mode of Study
Language of Instruction
Credits
Factsheet
Introduction
The School of Law of UCLan Cyprus is proud to offer the newly designed LLM Financial and Corporate Law. Within finance and the corporate industry, law is a fast-changing and increasingly complex area. This postgraduate programme will allow students to specialise in a range of exciting subjects within the area of Financial and Corporate Law of use for their future professional career in law, business, or in financial and corporate fields, both nationally and internationally.
Students will gain and develop analytical and reflective skills and expertise in Financial and Corporate Law and benefit from a distinct learning experience, which will enable them to strengthen their academic ability and enhance their performance in employment, as well as further develop their career opportunities. This programme will provide the successful candidate with an internationally recognised postgraduate academic qualification in Financial and Corporate Law and a number of professional accreditation and certification opportunities with local and international specialist bodies or organisations.
The LLM Financial and Corporate Law is available to students from both a legal and non-legal background. Classes are taught during the late afternoon and evening. Emphasis is placed on private research and study, assisted by the University’s remarkable law resources and databases. Therefore, class contact time is limited; reflective of a desire to offer a world-class course of interest to talented, serious, and dedicated students, whilst providing the necessary flexibility for those juggling other professional and personal commitments.
The School benefits from collaborations for certification and/or professional recognition for short courses or specialised modules, leading to academic or professional credits:
- The LLM module in International Commercial Mediation leads to the professional qualification of mediator recognised by the UK Civil Mediation Council and the International Mediation Institute (through the course provider) and the Ministry of Justice and Public Order of the Republic of Cyprus, subject to applicable requirement.
- The LLM module International Commercial Arbitration is yet another specialised module recognised professionally by the UK Chartered Institute of Arbitrators at Associate level, allowing successful participants to use the post-nominal letters ACIArb.
- UCLan Cyprus is a CISI University Partner. Specific LLM modules lay the ground for certification by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI)
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Career Opportunities
UCLan Cyprus graduates can gain or develop careers in multinational and domestic law firms, global and local corporations, banking institutions, the foreign exchange market, the shipping industry, government bodies and a variety of other organisations.
The School of Law organises various extra-curricular activities for all students including postgraduate students such as the Annual Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (Vienna), the Model United Nations events, as well as multiple networking activities, which have proved to be of great benefit to the students in gaining significant knowledge and understanding of the practical implications of the law. Professional activities are also available to postgraduate students who are active professionals, such as short courses in Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing as well as in Dispute Resolution Methods (arbitration, mediation) for purposes of continuous professional development (CPD).
Moreover, all students also have access to the social enterprise vehicle called ICLAIM (Interdisciplinary Centre for Law, Alternative and Innovative Methods) created by academics of the School of Law so that they can develop their practical and entrepreneurship skills and projects in collaboration with the industry. Visit https://www.iclaimcentre.org/
Corporate Lawyer
Specializing in mergers, acquisitions, corporate governance, and business transactions for corporations.
Financial Compliance Officer
Ensuring companies adhere to financial regulations and industry standards, mitigating legal and financial risks.
In-House Counsel
Providing legal advice to corporations on issues such as contracts, intellectual property, and corporate law.
Banking & Finance Lawyer
Advising financial institutions, corporations, and government bodies on financial regulations, investment deals, and banking transactions.
Course Benefits
Specialized Expertise in Financial and Corporate Law
Students with a solid foundation in corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, and financial regulations, ensuring graduates are highly skilled in financial and corporate legal matters. This aligns with the general benefit of gaining specialized legal knowledge that is crucial for financial and corporate law careers.
Professional qualification of Mediator
The LLM module in International Commercial Mediation leads to the professional qualification of mediator recognised by the UK Civil Mediation Council and the International Mediation Institute (through the course provider) and the Ministry of Justice and Public Order of the Republic of Cyprus, subject to applicable requirement.
Professional recognition by UK Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
The LLM module International Commercial Arbitration is recognised professionally by the UK Chartered Institute of Arbitrators at Associate level, allowing successful participants to use the post-nominal letters ACIArb.
Networking Opportunities – Professional Development
UCLan Cyprus offers a range of networking events, industry seminars, and access to a global network of legal professionals. Students can interact with key figures in the financial and corporate law sectors, which not only helps them gain insights but also strengthens their professional network for future career opportunities.
Practical Application and Real-World Exposure
The programme emphasizes practical learning through internships, case studies, and simulations, which enables students to directly apply their knowledge in real business and legal contexts. This practical exposure is a key benefit that makes graduates highly employable and well-prepared for the challenges they will face in the industry.
Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI) certification.
UCLan Cyprus is a CISI University Partner. Specific LLM modules lay the ground for certification by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI)
Course Visual Content
Programme Modules
Compulsory
Module Code:
LW4020
Credit Value:
10 ECTS / 20 UK CREDITS
Module Aims:
- This module aims to give students an understanding of corporate governance issues, focusing initially upon the system in place within the United Kingdom and then exploring various governance systems across the world. The module will address the following: distribution of power with companies, methods of regulating governance, auditors and internal control, the meaning and importance of good governance, the interaction of corporate social responsibility and of human rights issues to a corporation and its governance. It aims to develop students understanding of corporate governance across various jurisdictions and also provide an analysis of the wider moral and policy considerations underpinning today’s corporate governance laws.
Module Code:
LW4948
Credit Value:
10 ECTS / 20 UK CREDITS
Module Aims:
- The module aims to enable students to gain an in-depth understanding of the law governing international transactions in global financial markets and develop an analytical approach towards the causes of the recent global credit crisis and its impact on international financial transactions. The module will examine the changing nature of the participants to international financial transactions and practices. It will address the essential functions and nature of capital markets and financial instruments as well as the rationale and historical evolution of such instruments and transactions, including in the context of the recent global credit crisis. It will analyse legal issues arising from debt financing, securitisation transactions and the transnational regulatory framework of financial market transactions, with comparative focus on the post-crisis EU and UK law. It will conclude with a review of legal issues/challenges arising from the financing and/or taxation of international projects and from cross-border transactions via the use of modern currencies.
Module Code:
LW4013
Credit Value:
30 ECTS / 60 UK Credits
Module Aims:
- To provide postgraduate students with advanced skills required to undertake an extended programme of research.
- To cover practical skills (such as project planning and management) and theoretical skills (such as applying conceptual models).
- It will inform students of a range of different research methodologies and students will be able to assess the appropriateness of particular methodologies for their proposed dissertation topic.
- To enable the students to put into practical effect the research skills acquired during the course and to work in a self-defined field with the objective of producing a substantial piece of work based on critical evaluation and independent thought.
- To give students the opportunity to carry out extended research on a subject of interest to them.
- To give students the opportunity to show their ability to work independently and at a high quality level, on a substantial project.
Module Code:
LW4014
Credit Value:
10 ECTS / 20 UK Credits
Module Aims:
- To provide the essential skills of research, interpretation and application of legal sources required for postgraduate study of international, EU and domestic law.
- To ensure that students understand the relative roles of the various actors in the domestic, European Union and international law policy-making processes.
- To appreciate the distribution of power within the United Kingdom and the European Union.
- To indicate the significance of international law as an influence upon EU and domestic law (and vice versa)
- To ensure that students understand the basic concepts, which underlie the creation of, the operation of and adjudication on international, domestic and EU law.
Module Code:
LW4008
Credit Value:
10 ECTS / 20 UK CREDITS
Module Aims:
- To provide students with a comprehensive and practical understanding of the laws and regulations that govern companies in the UK, with some references to the EU approach.
- To analyse the extent to which the current judicial and legislative framework of company law operates to serve the needs of businesses in an increasingly competitive enterprise culture.
- To develop awareness of the interaction between theory and practice, through evaluating the core rules and principles of company law.
- To examine a broad range of company topics, such as the company as a separate legal personality, the constitution of the company, corporate governance and corporate sustainability, directors’ duties and liabilities, shareholders’ rights and remedies, corporate share capital, as well as aspects of UK insolvency law.
- To consider contemporary developments in Company Law and explore the implications of these developments upon professional practice.
Module Code:
LA4101
Credit Value:
10 ECTS / 20 UK CREDITS
Module Aims:
- To give students a thorough understanding of the laws governing the international regulation of Banking and Financial Services.
- To engender a critical approach to understanding the control of regulation, the processes that exist and the division of responsibilities.
- To highlight the economic, business environment and context of the legal provisions and current developments in economic and political policy.
Optional
Module Code:
LW4010
Credit Value:
10 ECTS / 20 UK CREDITS
Module Aims:
- To provide students with a comprehensive and practical understanding of advanced contract law in commercial and investment-related contracts as governed by English law, EU and international legal instruments.
- To examine a broad range of commercial and investment-related contracts such as agency, insurance, securitisation, inter-creditor and facility agreements.
- To place emphasis on the formation, operation and the relative rights and obligations certain commercial and investment-related contracts create, including remedies.
- To specifically examine the different risks involved in these types of special contracts, whether that is between two businesses entering into a commercial transaction, or between entities in the financial sector in need of investments.
- To explore how both technology and ethical concerns affect such contracts, including an overview of smart contracts.
- To evaluate contemporary legal and industry developments affecting the operations of special contracts at both regional and international level.
- To analyse the involvement of different actors and stakeholders in various types of special contracts, such as governments, financial institutions, businesses, and investors.
- To conclude with a consideration of the impact these various actors may have on the development of commercial and investment-related contracts/entrepreneurship and the protection afforded to the parties involved.
Module Code:
LW4009
Credit Value:
10 ECTS / 20 UK CREDITS
Module Aims:
- 1. To identify the legal and ethical challenges raised by developments in machine learning and Artificial Intelligence [AI.]
- 2. To assess the need for international AI regulation.
- 3. To examine current global trends in the regulation of AI.
- 4. To consider what type of legal personality should be granted to AI and machine/human hybrids, if any.
Module Code:
LW4015
Credit Value:
10 ECTS / 20 UK CREDITS
Module Aims:
- The module aims to explore the role and regulation of arbitration as a method of dispute resolution, adopting a comparative approach and highlighting contrasting approaches to regulation. Students will obtain a thorough understanding of the role and significance of private institutions, national laws and international instruments in providing a framework for arbitration. A particular focus is examination of the ways in which arbitration remains embedded in national legal systems, and a critical assessment of its potential as a ‘supra-national’ system of dispute resolution. Students will be encouraged to undertake a critical comparison of contrasting national and institutional rules and to consider whether the 1958 New York Convention is still fit for purpose. In the national law context, the principal comparisons will be between English law and the UNCITRAL Model Law. At the institutional level, comparison will be made of contrasting provisions selected from the rules of the principal arbitral institutions (e.g. ICC, LCIA). Successful completion of this module can also provide a stepping stone for students to become involved in international alternative dispute resolution (ADR). This module is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, therefore students who successfully complete this module will be eligible to apply to become Associates of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, allowing them to use the post-nominal letters ACIArb.
Module Code:
LW4012
Credit Value:
10 ECTS / 20 UK CREDITS
Module Aims:
- The module is designed to offer comparative analysis of both the law and practice of mediation at national (e.g. United Kingdom, Mauritius, USA), regional (e.g. European Union, African Union), transnational and international levels. It aims to explore the theoretical, practical and ethical problems relating to international commercial mediation. Sessions concentrate on practical mediation exercises in an international commercial context covering the entire procedure, from advising the client on the use of mediation, through the actual procedure itself, through to drafting settlement agreements. Students will develop a systematic understanding of the role of the mediator in national, regional and international commercial disputes and will focus on the necessary skills and techniques of a successful mediation through role play exercises. Successful completion of this module can also provide a stepping stone for students to become involved in international alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Students who successfully complete this module will gain accredited mediator status as this module is approved by the Civil Mediation Council, the recognised authority in the United Kingdom for civil and commercial mediation and the International Mediation Institute (IMI).
Module Code:
LA4513
Credit Value:
10 ECTS / 20 UK CREDITS
Module Aims:
- Terrorism presents one of the most significant challenges to international peace and security. The advent of Islamist terror groups such as Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan in the late 1990s - culminating in the “9/11” atrocities of 2001 - brought to the forefront the need to establish a legal framework for the regulation of terrorism and counterterrorism. The aim of this module is to explain and evaluate the transnational nature of terrorism and the transnational laws and strategies adopted and developed in combatting terrorism, and more recent manifestations of the phenomenon, such as the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh).
Module Code:
LA4603
Credit Value:
20 UK CREDITS / 10 ECTS
Module Aims:
- The module aims to combine several separate but nevertheless increasingly integrated areas of EU governance and EU policies: EU economic and fiscal governance on the one hand and the regulation of banking and financial services in the EU on the other. This module will give to students a thorough understanding of the political and legal framework governing economic policy in the EU, the Economic and Monetary Union, fiscal policy as well as the regulation of banking and financial services within the EU and their increasing intermingling. It aims to engender a critical and multidimensional approach to understanding the various modes of governance relevant to these EU policies, including the control of regulation within the EU, the various processes put in place for these purposes and the division of responsibility between member states and EU bodies. This critical understanding of the political and legal framework of EU economic and financial governance will take account of the economic and business environment, and European integration context, as well as the current political and economic developments with respect in particular to the on-going economic and financial crisis and the creation of a European Banking Union.
Learning Outcomes
A1. To critically reflect on, and effectively apply, legal research methods.
A2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of legal, financial and political issues, principles and rules and be able to apply this knowledge to a wide range of complex real-life situations often arising in the finance and corporate industries.
A3. Show a critical awareness of the main legal, economic and political policy objectives and appreciate the practical impact of these regulations in the areas of financial and corporate law.
B1. Carry out analytical evaluation of a range of primary and secondary sources relating to legal regulation of international business companies and financial institutions.
B2. Critically evaluate the complex dynamics between legal, economic and political regulation of finance, corporations and their governance in a multilateral context.
B3. Develop a critical understanding and ability to evaluate the role international organisations such as the IMF, the World Bank or the OECD as actors in the area of international financial regulation and corporate governance.
B4. Plan and carry out a comprehensive programme of research, using appropriate legal methodologies.
C1. Identify and interpret information relevant to particular issues and apply to complex situations being aware of the context and relationship to other areas of law, economics and politics.
C2. Use the tools of economic analysis and legal reasoning to problem solve and construct well-reasoned arguments, scenarios and solutions.
C3. Demonstrate research skills of project planning, time management, construction of an appropriate research question and reasoned adoption of an appropriate methodology.
C4. Demonstrate conceptual understanding and creativity in the application of knowledge of legal concepts, rules and principles related to international financial regulation and corporate governance in a global context.
D1. Evaluate the rigour, credibility and validity of information from printed and electronic sources and on that basis write intelligible and persuasive prose.
D2. Exhibit or employ problem-solving skills in the finance and corporate industries.
D3. Develop or substantially enhance skills of independent learning, including the ability to plan, time-manage and execute a multi-stage project through the dissertation.
D4. Critically reflect upon effectiveness and efficiency of own independent learning.
D5. Enhance ability to recognise sound and unsound arguments.
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for this programme are:
Requirement 1
Bachelor's degree, with at least Lower Second Class grade or equivalent.
Requirement 2
Proof of English Language knowledge to a score of at least IELTS 6.5, or other equivalent according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Academic Faculty
Dr Nevi Agapiou
Lecturer in International Commercial Law and Dispute Resolution Research Degree TutorLEARN MORE
Dr Demetra Loizou
Course Leader of Master of Laws LLM, Lecturer in International Criminal Law and Humanitarian LawLEARN MORE
Prof. Stéphanie Laulhé Shaelou
HEAD OF SCHOOL OF LAW AND PROFESSOR OF EUROPEAN LAW AND REFORMLEARN MORE
Dr Nasia Hadjigeorgiou
Deputy Head of School of Law, Associate Professor in Transitional Justice and Human RightsLEARN MORE
Dr Katerina Kalaitzaki
Deputy Course Leader of Bachelor of Laws LLB (Hons), Lecturer in EU Public LawLEARN MORE
Dr Maria Tatsiou
Deputy Course Leader of Master of Laws LLM, Lecturer in Financial and Corporate LawLEARN MORE
Dr Henrik Andersen
Senior Visiting Fellow on the Rule of Law and Sustainable Development.LEARN MORE
How To Apply?
Step by Step Application Process.
Complete the UCLan Cyprus application FORM.
Provide copies of:
– School Leaving Certificate & Marksheet
– Bachelor’s Degree & Transcript
– English Language Qualification (see Entry Requirements)
– CV & Personal Statement
– 2 Reference Letters
– ID/Passport
Payment of €50 application fee (non-refundable) for the Admissions Department to officially evaluate your application and if successful to receive your Offer for a Place to Study at UCLan Cyprus.
APPLY NOW * International Applicants: once you receive your Offer Letter, you will proceed to the Visa Application Steps. Find more information here.Quick Links
Student Stories
School of Law
Deciding to study at UCLan Cyprus was one of the best decisions I have made so far regarding my education and future professional career. The university offers a unique selection of modules for each course and provides students with all the necessary guidance to achieve success.
Antonia Michailidi, Winner of 2018 Queen’s Young Leaders Awards
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)School of Law
UCLan Cyprus has taught me the importance of knowing the theory and also combining it with practical experiences. I am very pleased with the professors we had. Besides the academic professors, we also had lecturers that were working in the particular field. Obviously, not everything is textbook. I actually found a job while I was doing my Master’s degree at UCLan Cyprus and then I was offered a full time position after my graduation. The combination of academia and practical networking experiences that I have acquired at UCLan Cyprus have provided me with a great start to my career.
Alexandra Pavlik-Marangos
LLM in Financial & Corporate LawSchool of Law
The experience and knowledge that I have gained during my studies at the LLM programme of UCLan Cyprus, have majorly contributed to the development of my professional career. During the time of me undergoing the LLM program, I was working in the public sector, specifically Cyprus Ministry of Justice and Public Order. In 2018, I made a decision to leave the public sector and open my own Law Firm, in Larnaca Cyprus. This decision was driven by various factors, primarily my aspiration to succeed in the legal sphere and be a private business owner. All in all, I am very grateful for all the supervision I received from the professors of UCLan Cyprus during my studies. I do strongly believe that the knowledge and skills that I have gained strongly contributed to the lawyer and private business owner that I am today.
Yiannos Vasiliou
LLMSchool of Law
I thoroughly enjoyed my Erasmus programme at UCLan Cyprus. Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I believe Cyprus is one of the best places to experience it. The climate is warm, the people are friendly, and the friends I made are incredible! UCLan Cyprus provided an engaging and enjoyable learning experience. I was able to challenge my perspectives and learn more in a year than ever before. If you’re considering studying abroad, go for it—and consider UCLan Cyprus as your destination!
Jorgen Fredrik Holmseth
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)School of Law
UCLan Cyprus is a very interesting University which gives you an opportunity to meet different people from various countries. As far as the academic part is concerned, we are taught by very experienced lecturers. I would advise anyone to consider attending UCLan Cyprus.
Emmanuel Byiringiro
Bachelor of Laws LLB (Hons)School of Law
It is a fascinating experience to be studying at UCLan Cyprus and it has really increased my educational level.
Brian Munyaneza
Bachelor of Laws LLB (Hons)School of Law
The environment at UCLan Cyprus is very helpful, as the campus is in a quiet area that allows you to study effectively. When you seek help for any matter, you receive all the support you need. I also use the gym quite often, which helps me relax from my studies.
Jindu Na
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)School of Law
At UCLan Cyprus there are students from all over the world, and this allows you to gain an international higher education experience. It is the best University on the island!
Seyedehnegar Hejazi
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)School of Law
I chose UCLan Cyprus primarily because it is a British University and it offers student mobility. However studying here I have realised that there are many other great advantage. The University has great lecturers, resources, facilities as well as a very helpful and friendly environment.
Anastasia Butrim
Bachelor of Laws LLB (Hons)School of Law
UCLan Cyprus offers a complete package of excellent teaching and extracurricular activities both of which are crucial for the student life experience. As a Law student, the School of Law ensures that students like me are exposed to relevant and equal opportunities which will enable me to gain useful knowledge and experience beneficial for my chosen career path.
Oluwatodimu Akolade Bankole
Bachelor of Laws LLB (Hons)School of Law
The reason I chose to do my LLM at UCLan University, is because the LLM programme provides a variety of modules that a student can select according to their interest and that the programme runs for just a “year” (which is time effective, for those who want to finalize their studies in as short period of time). Moreover, I like the security both at School and Accommodation.
Gifty Yoseph Habtemariam
Master of Laws LLMSchool of Law
I had the opportunity to study a semester at the School of Law of UCLan Cyprus as an ERASMUS student from Riga, Latvia. During my stay I took courses in relation to commercial, shipping and maritime law which is my particular field of interest, and I am highly satisfied with my choice to study here. The University facilities were highly modern and had all the necessary means required for a law student, with the library and databases providing the required materials to conduct advanced legal research. I particularly enjoyed the extracurricular activities such as the Model United Nations, International Court of Justice Moot as well as the guest speakers and seminars that were provided by the School and University. The overall environment at the University was wonderful and very friendly, where it was possible to meet people from all over the world, which made it all even more exciting. After finishing with my studies I had the chance and opportunity assisted by the School of Law to secure a 2 month internship and work experience in a reputable law firm as well as in one of the leading shipping companies on the Island.
Robert Valpiters
Erasmus Student, School Of Law / UCLan CyprusRequest More Information
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