Undergraduate International Commercial Law

Summer School modules are designed to be intensive, intellectually stimulating short courses. They are taught by King’s academics in academic disciplines where King's has expertise. Classes are highly international, giving students an opportunity to collaborate with peers from all around the globe.

Each module consists of 150 study hours, comprising 45 hours of intensive synchronous and asynchronous teaching, independent study and group work and is examined to university standards. Comparable to an in-semester 15-credit King’s undergraduate module and therefore typically awarded 3-4 US credits or 7.5 ECTS, many summer students ask their home institution to award them external credit for their King's summer module to use towards their degree programme when they return home.

Transnational corporations form an omnipresent and powerful force in today's world. Increasingly, they are impacting and molding legal and administrative practices in every single state participating in global affairs. Yet, as international actors, they largely evade traditional structures of domestic jurisdiction. This mainly orbits two crucial questions, each of which covering theoretical and practical aspects: 1) What are applicable legal sources and principles governing trans-border commerce? 2) How can the conduct of private corporations be harmonised, and how can disputes arising in this global environment be settled effectively?

This course provides a basic understanding and firm knowledge of historical backgrounds, principles, institutions and actors dealing with international commerce. This includes not only an overview of the international treaty system, customary law, the role and influence of state actors and international organisations, but also a particular insight into the differences and similarities of the law governing international trade and foreign direct investment. On the other hand, this course covers some of the most important and topical aspects of contemporary disputes settlement mechanisms in international business law. This takes into account the role of domestic and international litigation, and includes international arbitration, ranging from ad hoc tribunals over state-to-state proceedings in international trading relations to investor-state arbitration.

By the end of the module, you should have:

• Acquired theoretical knowledge of the historical and institutional evolvement of the legal regime governing transnational economic activities.

• Been trained in the capacity of deploying key techniques to a wide range of actual and potential cases in the field of International Commercial Law.

• Developed speaking and rhetorical skills.

• Developed their understanding of academic debates and arguments as well as practical challenges in the field.

The King's College London Undergraduate Summer School is open to students who are currently, or have been, enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme. We also welcome applications from professionals who have substantial relevant experience in their chosen subject area.

Entry requirements

• Open to students who are currently, or have been, enrolled in an undergraduate degree. We also welcome applications from professionals who have substantial relevant experience in their chosen subject area.
• Minimum grade requirement of 2:1 degree equivalent. See International grade equivalents on our Undergraduate Summer School homepage, under Entry requirements.
• English language requirement of at least level C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR). See full English Language requirements on our Undergraduate Summer School homepage, under Entry requirements.
• Minimum age at the start of the course is 18 years old.

Essay (60%), Blog post (30%), In-class participation (10%) 

Taught on-campus any time between the hours of 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday. 

*Early application discount: prices apply for applications received by 23:59 GMT on 14 February 2025. Subject to availability at the time of application. From 15 February 2025, the standard 2025 tuition fees apply.

As per the fees listed above, booking two sessions receives a discount. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts of promotions. Subject to availability at the time of application.

Suggested course combinations:

• International Human Rights Law

More information on our fees, entry requirements and residential package can be found on the Undergraduate Summer School homepage.

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