Module catalogue: LL6066

LL6066 - International Trade Law (2026/27)

Module specification

Module approved to run in 2026/27

Module title

International Trade Law

Module level

Honours (06)

Credit rating for module

School

Guildhall School of Business and Law

Total study hours

150

114 hours	Guided independent study
36 hours	Scheduled learning & teaching activities

Assessment components

Type	Weighting	Qualifying mark	Description
Coursework	100%		Written coursework (2,000 words maximum)

Running in 2026/27

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)

No instances running in the year

Module summary

International Trade Law concerns shipping and cross-border trade, which are interrelated in both pragmatic and legal terms.

This module enables you to obtain a deep understanding of the context and characteristics of international sale contracts concluded on shipment terms. You will learn about the importance of English law in international commercial contracts. You will also be able to distinguish between the physical and documentary duties of the trade protagonists under a sale contract, understand the cardinal role of the bill of lading in shipping and commerce, and the importance of the proper drafting of the sale contract.

The aim of this module is to enable you to identify, decipher and debate relevant legal issues arising from international commercial law disputes. You will have the expertise to scrutinise sale contracts on shipment terms and advise the buyer and seller as to their respective rights and liabilities, with reference to English law.

This module will give you the opportunity to choose a subject of assessment within the syllabus according to your own particular interests, in accordance with the Inclusive Assessment aims of the ESJ Framework.

It will be of particular interest to you, if you are considering a career in commercial law in general.

This module supports graduate opportunity and employability by giving you key knowledge of a subject which is practised within the professional legal sector; and by giving you a host of transferable skills, including research, critical thinking and communication.

Syllabus

1. International Sale Contracts (LO1, LO2 and LO3)
• Definition and characteristics
• CIF and FOB contracts
• Formation of an international sale contract
• The connection between the contract of sale and the contract of carriage
• Carriage contract obligations of the seller

2. The Role of the Bill of Lading in International Maritime Trade (LO1, LO2 and LO3)
• Passage of risk in international sale contracts
• Transfer of property in international sale contracts
• Classification of physical and documentary duties in an international sale contract

3. Terms (LO1, LO2 and LO3)
• Conditions, warranties
• Sections 13, 14, 15, 15A of the Sale of Goods Act 1979.
• Time of shipment
• Declaration of shipment

4. The Seller’s Duties (LO1, LO2 and LO3)
• Strict compliance or the de minimis rule?

5. Rejection of goods and rejection of documents (LO1, LO2 and LO3)

6. Letters of Credit (LO1, LO2 and LO3)
• Formation
• Principles
• Defining a complying presentation
• Comparison between Cash against Documents and Letter of Credit scenarios

7. The CISG (LO1, LO2 and LO3)

8. Comparative elements (LO1, LO2 and LO3)

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Learning & Teaching Strategy
Weekly two-hour lecture and one-hour seminar.
The lecture will be used for:
• Dissemination of knowledge through an overview of each topic with detailed guidance on appropriate aspects;
• An introduction to relevant academic literature;
• Guidance on learning strategies;
• Use of WeLearn and IT resources;
• Whole group questions and discussion.
The seminar will be used for the development of skills necessary to attain the module learning outcomes through:
• Written and oral questions/answers designed to reinforce fundamental rules, principles and cases;
• A range of step-by-step analytical exercises;
• Problem solving;
• IT tasks, such as research of cases and statutes;
• Legal writing;
• Oral presentation;
• Oral communication;
• Teamwork.

Blended Learning
All learning materials, previous examination questions and sample Q/A’s will be on blackboard for use in directed private study.

Student engagement will be encouraged in both lectures and seminars through weekly use of WebLearn for access to all of the above materials.

There will be required use of the professional legal databases, especially Westlaw and Lexis Plus, for legal research.

Opportunities for reflective learning/pdp
Each weekly seminar will contain space for students to reflect on what they have learnt in relation to the overall syllabus. There will be frequent feedback opportunities structured into the timetable and a range of sample answers posted onto WebLearn.

Employability
Employability strategy will aim to acquaint students with a range of employment avenues both in the legal profession and in those professions into which legal qualifications and skills are transferable.

Student’s Study Responsibilities
The need for attendance, punctuality, preparation and engagement will be emphasised with particular reference to written and IT research, problem-solving, team-work, discussion, debate and critical awareness of the subject.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of international trade law on which to base a systematic evaluation of the key principles.

2. Critically debate contemporary legal issues surrounding international trade.

3. Independently research and advise on essay questions and problem-based case studies

Bibliography

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/B810489A-4D62-9A05-53A0-2AB5E61CD28D.html