Triangle

Course overview

Developments over the last two decades have made public procurement law one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving areas of law. Given the extent to which legal rules now govern the day-to-day conduct of most procurement activity, knowledge of procurement law has become vital for anyone working in public sector procurement.

This programme is open to those with a legal background and those without, and does not require a law degree. It is designed in particular for:

  • procurement officers whose role demands an understanding of the legal rules
  • policymakers responsible for designing and implementing legal rules on procurement
  • lawyers advising on public procurement
  • those seeking to undertake research or teaching in public procurement

It provides a thorough understanding of:

  • the nature of law and legal process
  • the principles and rules of public procurement law
  • the application of these rules in key national and international systems/models, including UNCITRAL, the WTO, the World Bank, the EU and the UK
  • how to implement best practice in the context of a legal framework

Brexit impact

The UK is in the process of introducing entirely new procurement legislation, which is scheduled for adoption in 2023. The programme intends to fully accommodate this major development in a new module, 'Principles of UK Public Procurement Regulation', covering the new statutory and regulatory regime. This will be supported by a bespoke 'Legal Regimes in UK Public Procurement' module covering wider legal regimes relevant to public procurement (for example, public law, freedom of information law, and other public sector legislation) as we continue to engage with leading practitioners and policy-makers on the legislation’s implementation

The UK’s accession to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and signing of a Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU requires the UK system to align with the WTO GPA and EU systems, which are very similar. Students will therefore greatly benefit from in-depth modules on the WTO GPA and EU legal systems and associated case law, which will continue to inform the application of UK law.

Why choose this course?

Innovative programme

You will be taught by leading academics from the school's world-renowned Public Procurement Research Group

Range of materials

You will receive an extensive range of online course materials, comprising bespoke mini-textbooks supplemented with additional readings and self-test questions and answers

Teaching sessions

Each module is supported by a two-day intensive teaching session, held in person, and supported by online delivery for those who cannot attend

Course content

The course is predominantly delivered by distance learning (online), supported by in-person teaching weekends. It is designed to be studied part-time to fit around your commitments. For each module, you are provided with extensive materials, including basic text, case studies, further reading and self-test questions.

Students are given access to the full range of learning materials via the university’s online platform Moodle, which can be accessed via a web browser or a free app. This means that you can study anywhere and reduces the need to physically access libraries on campus. The content is supported by free access to the key user-friendly legal databases (on which training is provided) and articles.

Students have access to dedicated online academic support, including legal skills support. An online discussion forum is available for each module, which provides opportunities for peer-to-peer support. In addition, each student is allocated a personal tutor when they join the programme, who is available to advise students on their academic studies within the school (for example, via a review of feedback from early progress checks, and advice and guidance on how to support academic development).

You can view an example PDF timetable, however, this is subject to change year on year.

Modules

The Public Procurement Law and Policy LLM programme is offered on a part-time basis, to be completed over 24 months. This requires the completion of eight modules plus a dissertation.

Core modules

Introduction to Public Procurement Regulation: Basic Principles and Concepts

This module first examines basic concepts in procurement regulation, specifically the objectives of regulatory provisions (such as value for money, integrity, accountability, social development and procedural efficiency) and their relationship with each other, and the key principles of transparency and competition through which such objectives are implemented.

The module then considers how these objectives and principles are typically implemented and balanced in regulatory rules by reference to a study of the main rules of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Public Procurement. This study will cover regulatory rules on: the scope of public procurement rules; procurement methods for goods, construction and services (including professional services); qualification and pre-qualification (including use of qualification lists); specifications; bid evaluation; conclusion of contracts; and supplier review (bid challenge/remedies).

The module will also provide an introduction to further issues, namely procurement of privately financed infrastructure; electronic communications and auctions; framework agreements; and horizontal policies (use of procurement to promote social, environmental and industrial development etc).

EU Procurement Law

This module examines the basic rules and policies of the EU on public procurement and their implications for procurement strategy. It covers topics including the purpose of the EU rules; the application of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to public procurement; and the way in which the procedural rules have been implemented and operated in UK legislation and case law. 

Advanced EU Procurement Law

This module examines various specific topics in EU public procurement and provides a critical assessment of the relevant EU rules against the background of sound procurement practice. It covers framework agreements; electronic procurement; regulation of the utilities sector; social and environmental policies in public procurement; innovation (including the innovation partnership procedure); and in-house and public-public arrangements.

Legal Research Methods in Public Procurement

This module examines the different methods relevant for research in public procurement regulation, including the objectives, benefits and limitations of each, and their inter-relationship. It provides an in-depth examination of doctrinal legal method and an introduction to other key research methods, including theoretical, comparative law, qualitative and quantitative. 

These various methods will be examined through studying general literature on research methods and through specific case studies of the use of the different methods in the context of research on public procurement regulation.

Optional modules

Students can choose from: 

Corruption and Collusion in Public Procurement

This module examines corruption and collusion in public procurement and explores methods used in national and international systems to identify, prevent and sanction these phenomena. It covers topics including practical mechanisms to deter and redress corruption including criminal and administrative sanctions (such as debarment), codes of ethics and anti-corruption commissions; the role of rules against foreign bribery; and the role of competition law in dealing with supplier collusion. 

Government Procurement in the WTO

This module examines the current rules regulating government procurement under the Agreements of the World Trade Organisation, covering both the multilateral agreements (in particular GATT and GATS) and the plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement. This includes the current coverage of the GPA rules; the approach to GPA negotiations; the obligations for covered procurement under the GPA in relation to tendering; the system of enforcement (inter-governmental enforcement and supplier challenge systems); and the impact of the GPA on use of procurement promote social objectives and sustainable development. 

and either of:

Procurement and Development

This module examines the role of procurement in the delivery of aid to developing countries and the characteristics of procurement systems in developing countries. As to the role of procurement in the delivery of aid, the course examines the procurement procedures and policies of major multilateral, regional and national institutions. It covers the procurement procedures and policies of the development banks, in particular the World Bank and the regional development banks, the UN Development Programme, and EU institutions.  

UK Public Procurement Law

This module examines in detail those aspects of UK procurement law that do not derive from the EU's procurement regime. In particular, the module will consider how the UK’s general rules of constitutional and administrative law operate in the area of public procurement and may impact upon procurement practice.  

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Monday 23 October 2023.

The PGDip programme is offered on a part-time basis, to be completed over 21 months. This requires the completion of eight modules. There is no dissertation.

Core modules

Introduction to Public Procurement Regulation: Basic Principles and Concepts

This module first examines basic concepts in procurement regulation, specifically the objectives of regulatory provisions (such as value for money, integrity, accountability, social development and procedural efficiency) and their relationship with each other, and the key principles of transparency and competition through which such objectives are implemented.

The module then considers how these objectives and principles are typically implemented and balanced in regulatory rules by reference to a study of the main rules of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Public Procurement. This study will cover regulatory rules on: the scope of public procurement rules; procurement methods for goods, construction and services (including professional services); qualification and pre-qualification (including use of qualification lists); specifications; bid evaluation; conclusion of contracts; and supplier review (bid challenge/remedies).

The module will also provide an introduction to further issues, namely procurement of privately financed infrastructure; electronic communications and auctions; framework agreements; and horizontal policies (use of procurement to promote social, environmental and industrial development etc).

EU Procurement Law

This module examines the basic rules and policies of the EU on public procurement and their implications for procurement strategy. It covers topics including the purpose of the EU rules; the application of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to public procurement; and the way in which the procedural rules have been implemented and operated in UK legislation and case law. 

Advanced EU Procurement Law

This module examines various specific topics in EU public procurement and provides a critical assessment of the relevant EU rules against the background of sound procurement practice. It covers framework agreements; electronic procurement; regulation of the utilities sector; social and environmental policies in public procurement; innovation (including the innovation partnership procedure); and in-house and public-public arrangements.

Corruption and Collusion in Public Procurement

This module examines corruption and collusion in public procurement and explores methods used in national and international systems to identify, prevent and sanction these phenomena. It covers topics including practical mechanisms to deter and redress corruption including criminal and administrative sanctions (such as debarment), codes of ethics and anti-corruption commissions; the role of rules against foreign bribery; and the role of competition law in dealing with supplier collusion. 

Government Procurement in the WTO

This module examines the current rules regulating government procurement under the Agreements of the World Trade Organisation, covering both the multilateral agreements (in particular GATT and GATS) and the plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement. This includes the current coverage of the GPA rules; the approach to GPA negotiations; the obligations for covered procurement under the GPA in relation to tendering; the system of enforcement (inter-governmental enforcement and supplier challenge systems); and the impact of the GPA on use of procurement promote social objectives and sustainable development. 

Legal Research Methods in Public Procurement

This module examines the different methods relevant for research in public procurement regulation, including the objectives, benefits and limitations of each, and their inter-relationship. It provides an in-depth examination of doctrinal legal method and an introduction to other key research methods, including theoretical, comparative law, qualitative and quantitative. 

These various methods will be examined through studying general literature on research methods and through specific case studies of the use of the different methods in the context of research on public procurement regulation.

Optional modules

Organisation and Management of Procurement Systems

This module examines the key issues relating to the setting up and management of public procurement systems, including in the specific context of developing countries. It covers topics including basic institutional structures, implementation issues, and development of human resource capacity. 

or

Principles of UK Public Procurement Regulation

The module examines the UK’s transition (including the transitional arrangements post-Brexit) to a new domestic regulatory model.  It considers topics including procurement principles (value for money, public benefit and integrity); procedures (dynamic markets, framework agreements, and direct awards), contract management and remedies. 

Procurement and Development

This module examines the role of procurement in the delivery of aid to developing countries and the characteristics of procurement systems in developing countries. As to the role of procurement in the delivery of aid, the course examines the procurement procedures and policies of major multilateral, regional and national institutions. It covers the procurement procedures and policies of the development banks, in particular the World Bank and the regional development banks, the UN Development Programme, and EU institutions.  

or

UK Public Procurement Law

This module examines in detail those aspects of UK procurement law that do not derive from the EU's procurement regime. In particular, the module will consider how the UK’s general rules of constitutional and administrative law operate in the area of public procurement and may impact upon procurement practice.  

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Monday 23 October 2023.

The PGCert programme is offered on a part-time basis, to be completed over 10-24 months (according to the modules chosen). This requires the completion of four modules. There is no dissertation.

Core modules

Introduction to Public Procurement Regulation: Basic Principles and Concepts

This module first examines basic concepts in procurement regulation, specifically the objectives of regulatory provisions (such as value for money, integrity, accountability, social development and procedural efficiency) and their relationship with each other, and the key principles of transparency and competition through which such objectives are implemented.

The module then considers how these objectives and principles are typically implemented and balanced in regulatory rules by reference to a study of the main rules of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Public Procurement. This study will cover regulatory rules on: the scope of public procurement rules; procurement methods for goods, construction and services (including professional services); qualification and pre-qualification (including use of qualification lists); specifications; bid evaluation; conclusion of contracts; and supplier review (bid challenge/remedies).

The module will also provide an introduction to further issues, namely procurement of privately financed infrastructure; electronic communications and auctions; framework agreements; and horizontal policies (use of procurement to promote social, environmental and industrial development etc).

Optional modules

Students can choose from: 

Corruption and Collusion in Public Procurement

This module examines corruption and collusion in public procurement and explores methods used in national and international systems to identify, prevent and sanction these phenomena. It covers topics including practical mechanisms to deter and redress corruption including criminal and administrative sanctions (such as debarment), codes of ethics and anti-corruption commissions; the role of rules against foreign bribery; and the role of competition law in dealing with supplier collusion. 

Government Procurement in the WTO

This module examines the current rules regulating government procurement under the Agreements of the World Trade Organisation, covering both the multilateral agreements (in particular GATT and GATS) and the plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement. This includes the current coverage of the GPA rules; the approach to GPA negotiations; the obligations for covered procurement under the GPA in relation to tendering; the system of enforcement (inter-governmental enforcement and supplier challenge systems); and the impact of the GPA on use of procurement promote social objectives and sustainable development. 

and either of: 

Procurement and Development

This module examines the role of procurement in the delivery of aid to developing countries and the characteristics of procurement systems in developing countries. As to the role of procurement in the delivery of aid, the course examines the procurement procedures and policies of major multilateral, regional and national institutions. It covers the procurement procedures and policies of the development banks, in particular the World Bank and the regional development banks, the UN Development Programme, and EU institutions.  

UK Public Procurement Law

This module examines in detail those aspects of UK procurement law that do not derive from the EU's procurement regime. In particular, the module will consider how the UK’s general rules of constitutional and administrative law operate in the area of public procurement and may impact upon procurement practice.  

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Monday 23 October 2023.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Distance learning materials
  • Case studies
  • Self-assessment exercises
  • Self-study
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Guest speakers

Each module is supported by a two-day intensive teaching session, held at the University of Nottingham. These sessions usually take place in January and June. Students have the opportunity to enhance their understanding through traditional face-to-face teaching, including lectures, seminars and workshops. These will be delivered by a dedicated team of academic staff from the University of Nottingham, with key sessions also presented by leading guest lecturers from professional practice and international institutions.

The intensive teaching sessions constitute an important element of the programme, helping to ensure it is of the same high quality as the school's full-time programmes. Students are strongly encouraged to attend, although this is not mandatory for obtaining a qualification.

Please note that the format of the intensive teaching sessions is subject to change in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

How you will be assessed

  • Assignments
  • Essay

Introduction to Public Procurement Regulation: Basic Principles and Concepts and EU Procurement Law are each assessed through two assignments:

  • One is to be submitted during the module cycle, before the intensive teaching takes place
  • The second is to be completed towards the end (either a further take-home assignment or a work-based assignment), after the teaching has taken place

All other modules are assessed with one assignment per module.

Assignments will take the form of either:

  • take-home assignments (completed over the weekend to minimise interference with work commitments); or
  • work-based assignments

Please note: There is no requirement to attend Nottingham to complete assignments.

Contact time and study hours

The course is a distance-learning course, so students will study at their own pace. A suggested schedule of study is provided with the respective learning materials when each module commences, to give some guidance.

Each module requires 5 to 10 hours of study per week. The exact number of hours may vary, depending on prior knowledge of the area being studied. It should be noted that the Master of Laws degree is a highly valued qualification and study on this programme requires regular and consistent commitment.

Students are invited to attend up to four intensive teaching weekends each year (depending on modules studied). There are two consecutive weekends of teaching in January, and a further two in June. Attendance at these weekends is strongly encouraged, but not compulsory.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

LLM/PGDip/PGCert

Undergraduate degree2:1 or high 2:2
Additional information

Applicants with alternative academic backgrounds also considered where they have relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications such as a MCIPS.

Applying

Our application closing date is confirmed each year. Generally, all applications must generally be submitted by the first or second week in August in the year commencing study. There is no guarantee that applications submitted after this date will be considered. Applicants are therefore advised to apply early.

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply
Distance learning

Where you will learn

Distance learning

Distance learning is designed to be flexible, so you can choose where and when you study. This allows you to fit your course around work or other commitments and study at your own pace.

Our online teaching is an interactive learning experience. You will receive support from your dedicated tutor, who will guide you through your studies and answer any questions.

Play video

Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Fees

Qualification LLM PGDip PGCert
Home / UK £13,000 £8,667 £4,333
International £13,000 £8,667 £4,333

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

Achieving this qualification demonstrates knowledge in this specialist field of public procurement regulation that is both high level and spreads across the whole field, as well as advanced skills in the law for those who have no prior legal training.

Most students are already working the field of public procurement, often in a very senior capacity, whether as lawyers (in-house or in private practice), procurement practitioners in the public/utility sectors, consultants, policymakers or (in a few cases) suppliers. For these students, the specialist knowledge and understanding of procurement law gained from the programme greatly enhances their ability to perform their roles.

Students have also used their qualification to move on to more senior roles in their current organisations or other organisations, as well as to move into new sectors - for example, from working in EU procurement law to working in development procurement, or from procurement practice to consultancy. Many students also report that their professional performance has benefited significantly from the contacts made during the programme with other high-level specialists across the field.

Some of our students are new to the field and have used the qualification gained to move into this rapidly growing field. A few have also taken the programme in order to obtain a comprehensive knowledge of public procurement regulation as a background to pursuing a PhD in the field, or have decided to undertake a PhD after completing their study.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates
" In addition to the intrinsic value of increased knowledge, obtaining the LLM degree increases both my professional capabilities and possibilities. "
Geir Tor Gaukerud, Public Procurement Law and Policy 2019 cohort

This content was last updated on Monday 23 October 2023. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.