Course summary
A Master of Laws (LLM) in Public International Law, offered by The University of Law, is a postgraduate degree designed for law and non-law graduates to enhance your academic legal knowledge. This internationally recognised Master’s explores the complex issues surrounding the legal framework governing international relations and can open up pathways to careers in judicial review, immigration practice, charity or NGO, international organisations, policy work, and more. Public International Law regulates the relationship between states, international organisations and non-state actors across borders. This course will introduce you to the nature, structure, legal sources and concepts of contemporary international law in addition to a number of key rules and principles. You will examine sources and hierarchy of international law and rules; international legal personality; the relationship between international and domestic law; issues relating to jurisdiction; the Law of Treaties; state responsibility; the peaceful settlement of international disputes and use of force. You will also consider issues of substantive public international law such as international humanitarian law and forced migration. This course will set you up for employment within public international law such as diplomacy or public relations. It will also assist you if you already work within this sector in taking on a more senior role. When you study the LLM Public International Law with us you will:
- Be taught by our expert lecturers, including subject matter specialists, former and current practitioners, and research and teaching focused academics.
- Benefit from strategic partnerships with firms, regulators and accreditation bodies, which inform our programme development.
- Improve your employability by gaining important transferable skills and mapping your career with our careers team.
- Strengthen your network - connect with other students, faculty and industry professionals on an international scale, and seek out opportunities for future placements and job opportunities.
- Increase your earning potential - the 2022 Graduate Labour Market Statistics found that postgraduates on average earn £6,500 more than their graduate counterparts.
- Get ahead of the competition - gain in-depth knowledge of your topic of interest and become a subject expert, which will provide you with a competitive edge in the job market.
- Enjoy flexibility - We understand that everyone’s circumstances are different. That’s why we offer a wide range of study modes (full-time, part-time, on campus, online) across our courses to provide you with the greatest choice and flexibility you need to succeed in your studies.
- 95% of postgraduate students in employment were in highly skilled employment 15 months after graduating (2020/21 Graduate Outcomes data). Contains HESA Data: Copyright Jisc 2022.
- Prepare for the future of Legal Technology – study modules in legal technology and gain insight into this emerging area of law.
Modules
Terms 1 & 2 (full-time) or 1-4 (part-time) In addition to a general induction to the programme, there is a two-week induction covering the Key Principles of the English Legal System. This is compulsory for non-law students, but also open to students wanting a refresher in the fundamentals of the law of England and Wales. This would be useful for any student who has taken a considerable break from legal education. Compulsory modules include: Public International Law Research Methods Training to help you prepare for your dissertation You may then choose three from the list of elective modules which includes modules such as: Domestic Human Rights and Judicial Review Immigrational Law International Criminal Law International Human Rights Law
Assessment method
Modules are assessed by a three hour unseen written examination or 4,500 word coursework assignment. All assessments are conducted online. The dissertation module will be assessed by submission of a thesis (15,000 words), and provides an opportunity for sustained, in-depth and intensive investigation into, and reflection upon, a specialist area of Public International Law.
Entry requirements
Students should possess a UK undergraduate degree in any subject at 2:2 or above, or an equivalent qualification. A compulsory two week induction is required for all students, unless they can evidence the successful completion of either: an LLB or equivalent; or a minimum of 3 legal modules, worth at least 80 QCFcredits that must include; English Legal System Contract Law Law of Tort English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English An English language level equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
2025/26:
UK - £14,000 (London), £12,400 (Non London)
INT - £19,050 (London), £17,700 (Non London)
Online - £12,400
All fees above include a deposit amount of £250
Provider information
The University of Law
2 Bunhil Row
London
EC1Y 8HQ