Learning outcomes
The aim of the programme is to provide thorough knowledge of the rules and framework of international commercial affairs related to shipping.
The LLM aims to develop the student’s ability to see the practical effects and make comparative analyses of different sets of regulations within the complex field of maritime commercial activity.
Scandinavian and international perspective
All subjects are approached with an international perspective, although the programme takes as its starting point the international rules seen from a Norwegian (Scandinavian) perspective.
What will you achive?
1. Detailed knowledge of maritime law on the basis of
- the Norwegian (Scandinavian) Maritime code, which is to a large extent based on the central international conventions regulating maritime activities and the shipping business,
- central international standard contracts used in the maritime industry;
2. Detailed knowledge of two other subjects of their own choice closely connected to maritime law, such as marine insurance law, petroleum law, petroleum contracts law or English contract law.
Practical approach
The programme puts weight on giving the students a practical approach to legal problems in the maritime field. The practical approach is sought by doing exercises based on real life situations, several field trips to maritime actors in the shipping industry in the Nordic countries and by letting the students take part in a moot court competition.
Legal theory and method, comparative analysis and specialization
During the programme you will be introduced to advanced legal theory and method and develop your skills in comparative legal analyses. You will be trained in basing your legal opinion on the relevant legal sources. Theoretical and methodological skills will be developed through class room lectures, seminars, the writing of essays and class room discussions.
The LLM in Maritime Law is completed by writing a master thesis. Writing a thesis gives a genuine possibility to specialize and concentrate on selected issues in Maritime Law, based on the student’s own interests. It is also an opportunity to train the skills in comparative analyses.
Target Group
The programme offers first and foremost a specialization for lawyers and students with an educational background in law.
The programme accepts a few students each year (about 20%) without a legal background. Normally, the condition is that they have an educational background in shipping-related subjects or experience from working in the shipping industry. In exceptional cases, also students with other educational backgrounds than mentioned above have been accepted. It is our experience that accepting a few students each year without a legal background is highly beneficial for the learning environment.