MRes Law

Compulsory modules

Dissertation

Develop high-level skills in research design, management and implementation as you embark on a major independent research project. You’ll demonstrate detailed knowledge of your chosen topic as you critically analyse your subject matter and consider it within the wider legal and socio-political landscape.  

Research Methods (Advanced)

Engage with the process of designing, refining and executing your research projects. You’ll identify appropriate research methods, theoretical frameworks, and genres of academic legal writing that are applicable to your master’s dissertation. 

Optional modules

Contemporary Issues in International Law

Consider the impact of topics such as security, climate change, cyberspace, global health and sustainable development on international law. You’ll explore key case studies related to global challenges as you develop a substantive and theoretical understanding of international law and its implementation.   

Human Rights Law, Policy and Practice

Explore contemporary challenges and developments associated with human rights concepts and institutions. You’ll consider the distinction between civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights as you explore a range of treaties, agencies and bodies and systemic challenges.  

Introduction to International Law

Explore the key features of the international legal system such as the nature of international law, treaties and other sources, the subjects of international law, dispute settlement, and the establishment of state responsibility.  

International Refugee Law

Study principles of state sovereignty and migration control in the context of refugees escaping their home state due to fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, or political opinion. You’ll study the international regime of refugee protection including its virtues and shortcomings. 

Law of Armed Conflict (International Humanitarian Law)

Study the legal protections for injured or captured combatants and civilians, the rules as to how warfare is conducted, and the law of occupation. You’ll learn through major case studies of armed conflict, including occupation, from the contemporary era developing a substantive understanding of the jus in bello and its development.  

International Organisations and Global Governance

Examine key international organisations from universal organisations such as the UN, regional organisations such as the EU, and intergovernmental ones such as NATO. You’ll consider their role in global governance as you explore relevant legal principles and obligations through case studies.  

Advanced International Commercial Law Issues

Develop a critical understanding on the different types of contractual relationships that may take place within the firm, the market, or other hybrid forms of governance. As you study, you’ll explore the concept of mergers, property rights, and the role of institutions in providing governance of societal interaction.  

International Banking and Finance Law

Examine the regulatory and private law aspects of banks and banking including both commercial and investment banks. You’ll analyse the law governing the structure, operation and function of banks and banking markets from a national and international perspective.  

Internet Law

Examine the issues related to the law and regulation of the ‘borderless’ internet as you consider cyberspace theories; data protection, cybercrimes and cyber security,  e-commerce, intellectual property and artificial intelligence.  

Legal Aspects of International Mergers, Acquisitions and Takeovers

Evaluate mergers, acquisitions and take overs in the UK, US and EU while analysing core commercial and financial law principles. You’ll consider the extensive work of policy makers and consider views of shareholders, bankers, investment funds, stakeholders, management, and ‘society’ in relation to corporate and financial regulation.  

International Corporate Governance and the Law

Explore a contextual analysis of corporate governance systems with particular reference to the ‘Comply or Explain’ model introduced by the UK. You’ll examine the structure and components of the system while, learning about its rich history and underlying political and theoretical debates.  

International Commercial Arbitration (CIArb Accredited)

Discover the importance of arbitration as a form of dispute resolution in both domestic and international contexts. You’ll gain a critical understanding of the important aspects of international commercial arbitration, as well as the economic and legal concepts determining the choice of dispute resolution methods by commercial parties.  

Legal Aspects of Corporate Rescue

Acquire critical understanding of the notion of corporate rescue and  reflect on the effects of insolvency on the main methods of corporate funding. You’ll consider key legal and policy issues implicated in the creation of effective rescue systems and stimulate debates on the political economy of failure and rescue.  

International Investment Law and Arbitration

Study the law of foreign investment and investment treaty arbitration through a close analysis of bilateral investment treaties. You’ll acquire an in- depth understanding of the law, politics and economics related to the investment treaty regime while considering the perspective of host states, multinational corporations and other interest groups.  

Emerging Issues in Data Protection and Copyright Law

Analyse the legal protection afforded to privacy and personal data and consider the processing of personal information in the UK and EU regulatory framework. You’ll gain advanced knowledge of the legal, regulatory and policy issues related to data protection and copyright law, with a particular focus on creative works and authors. 

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods. 

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. 

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.