Master of Laws - International Trade and Maritime Law

Students develop a thorough and in-depth knowledge and understanding of the main principles of law in the areas of international trade and maritime law. Exploring the social, political, cultural and economic background of the laws in question, students gain an understanding of how national, European Union Law and International Law interact. Students will cover a variety of topics, including: financing international trade, how marine insurance protects ships and cargoes, international law of the sea issues, sale and carriage of goods by sea contracts, and environmental protection laws.

Essex specializes in commercial law, public law, and human rights law. They are ranked in the top 100 Law Schools in THE World University Rankings 2020 and are top 20 in the UK for research excellence.

This course uniquely combines International Trade Law with a particular focus on Maritime Law and Essex's close proximity to London means students are near the heart of the UK Finance, Insurance and Shipping industries. Students develop their intellectual and critical faculties, encouraging students to think independently and teaching them to present rational, coherent and accurate arguments orally and in writing. It will provide students with an excellent foundation for any career.

Essex's School of Law graduates have gone on to a wide variety of careers in international and intergovernmental organizations or employment with governments across the world, in commerce and banking, in non-governmental organizations and, as might be expected, in the legal profession and the judiciary. Students have joined Protection and Indemnity Clubs, working in the Insurance industry including Lloyd’s of London opportunities; they join shipping companies and associations such as the International Maritime Purchasing Association. Others have gone on to Shipping Law firms or Commercial Banks and students can aspire to careers in organizations such as the International Maritime Organization, UN Conference on Trade and Development or the International Chamber of Commerce. Maritime Law offers a plethora of opportunities and whilst students are at Essex, staff can advise what type of careers will be suitable according to the modules students found interesting in the course.