Master in Derivatives Law

The application deadline for the Sep 2026 intake is Aug 31, 2026. The tuition fee is 15,936 USD per year.

Legal professionals and financial practitioners looking to demystify the complex world of derivatives will find this course essential for mastering the “secret knowledge” typically reserved for senior market insiders. Moving beyond surface-level theory, the curriculum bridges the gap between high-level finance and practical legal application, equipping you with the expertise to navigate the sophisticated documentation and regulatory frameworks that govern global markets.

You will explore the evolution of derivative markets since the 1990s, gaining a granular understanding of how law interacts with financial instruments. This is an inherently practical programme, designed to sharpen your ability to interpret market agreements, manage termination procedures, and address the legal nuances of bank liability and regulatory compliance. Whether you are aiming to influence institutional policy or advise on complex transactions, this course provides the rigorous technical foundation required to handle the risks and realities of modern financial derivatives.

Specialised Legal Competencies

• Develop mastery over ISDA Master Agreement structures and provisions.
• Analyze legal challenges in collateralisation and security creation under English law.
• Examine the intersection of financial crisis recovery and institutional liability for mis-selling.
• Understand the structural mechanics of securitisation, repo transactions, and stock-lending.

The University of London, founded in 1836 and headquartered in one of the world’s leading capitals, offers a broad and flexible higher-education environment through its federated colleges and institutes. Serving around 170,000 students with some 50,000 international learners, the University of London is notable for its global reach, diverse academic programs and long tradition of research excellence. Its structure lets students choose from a wide range of disciplines while benefiting from the prestige and resources of constituent colleges.

Academics span arts and humanities, social sciences, law, medicine, business and STEM fields across roughly 100 programs, supported by extensive research networks and partnerships. Students can access world-class faculty, libraries and laboratory facilities hosted by individual colleges, while interdisciplinary initiatives enable cross-college collaboration. The university’s scale also provides abundant extracurricular opportunities, professional development services and pathways to internships and research placements.

London’s international setting offers unmatched cultural and career resources: global firms, cultural institutions and start-up ecosystems are within easy reach. International students benefit from tailored support services, language preparation options and strong alumni networks across sectors and countries. Whether seeking rigorous research training or industry-aligned professional degrees, the University of London provides flexible routes, strong employability outcomes and the vibrancy of studying in a global city.