AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
CRICOS Code |
045284M |
Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Master of International Trade and Commerce Law is an academic programs for Australian and International law and non-law graduates seeking to extend their knowledge of international commercial and trade law. This program promotes comprehensive knowledge of relevant legal, governance and policy issues in context, fostering a broad and interdisciplinary understanding of this dynamic area.Units available for study within the program enable students to achieve a global and holistic understanding of this area. They are delivered in a flexible way by means of internal or distance modes. The Master of International Trade and Commerce Law is available to both lawyers and non-lawyers and is designed to meet the needs of persons with an interest in business, international business, international studies, finance and commercial law. |
Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities (K) discipline specific knowledge and skills (T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking (P) problem solving and research capability (I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities (C) effective communication (E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens (A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities (J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative (L) commitment to continuous learning |
Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. demonstrate advanced and integrated understanding of a broad and complex body of legal knowledge in the area of international trade and commercial law (K)
2. appreciate the specialised context to which law and legal principles in the area of international trade and commerce from interdisciplinary, international and comparative perspectives (K, E)
3. engage in high level critical thinking and exercise judgment in the recognition and resolution of legal problems that are common in the areas of international trade and commerce (T,P)
4. apply sophisticated legal research skills to the resolution of specific legal problems and to the formulation and articulation of international law and policy reform and corresponding application in domestic law (P, E)
5. communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written forms to specialist and generalist audiences (C)
6. carry out independent research, self-directed learning and develop new and creative ideas and solutions to contemporary legal problems (P, J). |
Learning and Teaching Methods |
• Overview: the Master of International Trade and Commerce Law employs a variety of different teaching methods.
• Lectures: an understanding of the legal principles in the relevant unit, as well as skills in interpreting law and policy in the area, is provided though weekly lectures. The units in the course typically provide 24 hours of lectures that will equip you with a sound grounding in the law in the field. The applicable legislation, case law, public international law instruments and the leading scholarly theoretical discourse in the field will be clearly articulated and critiqued in lectures.
• Tutorials: building upon the fundamental principles provided in lectures, the tutorials provide an opportunity for you to apply this knowledge to real life situations and engage with your peers in refining your understanding and considering differing points of view.
• Online content: the iLearn websites in each of the unit in the Master of International Trade and Commerce Law typically provide access to additional information to support the principles of law studied in the various units.
• On-campus intensives and weekly teaching options: internal students are taught via weekly lectures, weekly tutorials and iLearn website delivery of content. The weekly interaction between academic staff and students, as well as the small class sizes, enable you to form close and rewarding relationship with your teacher.
• External students are required to attend a two-day on-campus sessions which intensively cover the content of the unit. External students are encouraged to ask questions from their lecturer via e-mail so as to ensure that ongoing readings and course materials are understood. Both groups of students are able to access lectures delivered electronically via the iLearn website and are supported by additional online materials delivered via e-Reserve system. |
Assessment |
• Overview: the units within the program employ a variety of different methods of assessment. The forms of assessment within the program include class participation, quizzes, short answer questions, research dissertations and exams. Any one unit will utilize three of these forms of assessment. A brief outline of each of these forms of assessment is provided below.
• Class participation: students will be assessed on the basis of their knowledge, understanding and ability critically to evaluate the issues raised in each topic, as demonstrated through participation in class discussions. Class participation commonly comprises approximately 10-20% of the final mark.
• Short answer questions and quizzes: in certain units, you will be asked to respond in writing to short questions, commonly about 5, which will be posted on iLearn. Typically such written response are limited to approximately 600 words. Alternatively, you may be asked to complete online quizzes to test your understanding of the content covered in the unit. When used, such assessments typically constitute a relatively small proportion, for example 10%, of your final mark.
• Research assignment: the written assignment is designed to enhance your ability to examine a legal problem and provide thoughtful information, clear explanation and sophisticated critical analysis. The question will typically involve assessing a hypothetical scenario and undertaking research on the relevant legal issues and providing a substantiated evaluation and your recommendations as to the course of action to follow. The response is commonly in the vicinity of 4,000 words. When used, the research assignment commonly comprises approximately 40-60% of the final mark.
• Exam: a few of the units in the program include a final exam, most commonly a take-home exam, that tests the knowledge, understanding and problem-solving skills acquired over the course of study. When used, the research assignment commonly comprises approximately 40-60% of the final mark.
• Extended research dissertation: should you wish to do so, you will also have an opportunity to undertake an extended research dissertation. The topic of the dissertation may be drawn from any area in the LLM program. The word limit for the dissertation is 20,000 words. You will be supervised by one of the staff members participating in the LLM program. |
Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details: Phone: +61 2 9850 7497 Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
Graduate Destinations and Employability |
By completing this program, government officials, policy drafters, and lawyers and non-lawyers working in domestic or international institutions will obtain in-depth expertise international and domestic trade and commerce law. This additional qualification enables them to translate their acquired expertise in a range of policy and reform activities in both private and public sectors. |
Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
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