Now more than ever, international law is at the forefront of global discussions and public debates on today’s most pressing issues. Study the foundations of international law at an advanced level through our postgraduate programme and explore its vital role in areas such as the prosecution of war criminals, the regulation of global trade and financial markets, and the management of pandemics.
You will gain a solid understanding of the principles of international law, developing both practical and theoretical knowledge of its role, nature, and function. Our programme also fosters a critical awareness of the social, historical, and political contexts in which international law operates, highlighting how it differs from domestic legal systems and functions as a distinct legal framework.
Your research skills will be enhanced through a supervised research dissertation on an agreed topic in public international law, encouraging creative and innovative thinking within your research. You’ll also develop critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills—highly transferable across legal and non-legal settings—enhancing your professional capabilities and career prospects.
As an interdisciplinary programme, you can tailor your studies by choosing from a range of optional modules. These include International Economic and Commercial Law, which examines legal frameworks governing trade, investment, and dispute resolution, and International Human Rights Law, which explores protections related to gender, asylum, disability, and more. International Environmental and Climate Law focuses on global environmental regulation and climate justice, and International Law, Security and Warfare covers the legal use of force, humanitarian law, and post-conflict regulation. Additional options include Continuity and Change in World Politics, which investigates the evolution of global political structures since World War Two, and International Human Rights Law and Theory, which studies the philosophical foundations and limitations of human rights protection.
2:2 degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification
A postgraduate qualification in international law opens up opportunities for a wide range of roles across the public, private and third sectors. International law provides the framework for cooperation in many fields of international relations, including: peace and security; trade and investment; environmental protection; telecommunications; air travel; and maritime navigation.
This can open up careers in consultancy in international affairs, legal practice, international development, foreign relations and advocacy working for government foreign ministries, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Employers may include international courts and tribunals, UN agencies, law reform agencies, and even the media, in areas of journalism and broadcasting.
By developing your ability to undertake critical analysis, problem solve and present rational, coherent and accurate arguments orally and in writing, you’ll graduate with essential skills valued by legal and non-legal employers alike. The specialist research skills you learn also provide a strong foundation for pursuing further study at doctoral level for those interested in doing so.
Principles of International Law
Dissertation
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