LegalTech and Commercial Law

Entry requirements

We welcome applications by prospective students from around the world. Ideally you’ll hold a 2:2 degree in law or a cognate discipline, although candidates with relevant experience are also encouraged to apply.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The LLM in LegalTech and Commercial Law at Swansea University offers a pioneering, future-focused education at the dynamic intersection of law, technology, and global commerce.

This innovative programme is designed for legal professionals and graduates seeking to become leaders in the digital transformation of the legal sector, and who are looking to navigate the complex commercial law issues arising from a technology-driven economy.

You will be taught by academics who are experts in commercial law, and the growing field of legal technology. Your learning is further enriched by insights from the Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law, ensuring you can build a strong commercial foundation.

The programme will equip you with dual competency, combining a deep understanding of core commercial law principles, with the practical skills to leverage technology to solve legal and business problems.

You will engage with critical topics such as AI in Law, Blockchain and Smart Contracts, Data Governance, Digital Dispute Resolution, and the Evolving Regulatory Landscape for Technology and Commerce.

As a graduate, you can emerge as a versatile, tech-savvy professional, prepared for new and emerging career paths. You will be well equipped to become an innovative lawyer, legal engineer, compliance technologist or strategic consultant; roles which are highly valued by forward-thinking law firms, corporate legal departments, technology companies, and regulatory startups.

Why LegalTech and Commercial Law at Swansea?

As a postgraduate student at the School of Law, you will be part of a globally recognised law school, with a thriving academic environment that is committed to excellence in teaching and research, and offering an exceptional student experience.

Law at Swansea is ranked:

• Top 125 in the World (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
• Top 151-200 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026), and
• 83.3% of our research produces considerable impact in terms of its reach and significance (REF 2021)

The International Commercial Arbitration module offered as part of this degree has been recognised by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). This means that LLM students who manage to successfully complete the International Commercial Arbitration module at Swansea will be eligible to apply to be awarded the level of Associate Member of the CIArb.

Your LegalTech and Commercial Law Experience

This LLM degree equips you to develop into a 21st-century legal practitioner with a specialist, in-depth command of legal technology and commercial law.

The curriculum critically examines the global development and deployment of LegalTech, analysing how technologies are designed, marketed, and implemented across different jurisdictions. It incorporates a conscious critique of how algorithms can perpetuate bias, and how digital divides can exclude marginalised communities from next-generation legal services. This ensures that, as a graduate, you can understand the technical, commercial, and social dimensions of LegalTech.

The programme comprises 180 credits of study, delivered over three semesters.

In part one, the taught stage, you will study 120 credits from a range of specialist optional modules, alongside core compulsory modules, allowing for a tailored study path. You can engage in in-depth exploration of areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Digital Commerce and the Law, and International Corporate Law and Governance.

Upon successful completion of part one, you will progress on to your final dissertation, where you will undertake a substantial, independent research project of approximately 16,000 words. The dissertation is structured into two parallel projects, each with its own structured milestones and formative feedback, to support you in managing this major research undertaking by providing you with regular guidance.

Through this structure, you will be able to develop a profound and sustained command of complex legal concepts, simultaneously honing your advanced research, analytical, and professional skills that are the cornerstone of successful careers in commercial legal practice, strategic consultancy, and impactful scholarship.

You will learn from academics who are active researchers and industry experts, and your studies will be further enriched by:

• Industry Insights: Guest lectures from leading practitioners, arbitrators, and regulators
• Practical Skills Development: Participation in mooting competitions and specialist workshops
• Global Perspective: Opportunities such as summer schools abroad to broaden your international outlook

You will benefit from comprehensive study support, including access to the law library, dedicated postgraduate study spaces, and guidance from a Personal Tutor who will assist you in navigating challenges and building strategies for success.