LLM in International Law

Institution University of Surrey
Method At the institution
Location Guildford
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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LLM in International Law

Objectives Alongside the increase in globalisation and of international trade, the post-Cold War international order has been rocked by events like the 'War on Terror', the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the humanitarian crises in regions like Darfur. These developments show that laws between states are as important today as are laws within states. As a student on this programme, you will gain a deeper and more profound understanding of this exciting and still developing area, and gain an opportunity to look more closely at some of the areas of current controversy. Given the fluid nature of international law and the informal nature of the international legal regime, students seeking to specialise in this area will benefit from many opportunities, through large group teaching and seminar discussion, to engage in and debate the key controversies of this subject. During the programme you will have the chance to examine and apply fundamental concepts of international law, and also to understand international law from a theoretical and a political perspective. In addition to the study of some of the chief subject areas of international law, you will also develop an understanding of the international system itself and of global dispute resolution.
Entry requirements Typical entry requirements Applicants should normally possess a good first degree (First or Second class or equivalent) awarded by a UK university or recognised overseas institution. In addition, students whose first language is not English will be expected to have achieved a minimum of IELTS 6.5.
Academic title LLM in International Law
Course description LLM in International Law Module overview

You will take four optional modules, at least two of which must be chosen from the International Law module list. You may choose to study up to two modules from other subject areas within the Law postgraduate portfolio (see the list under the General LLM information). In addition, students taking the LLM programme will complete a dissertation in a topic related to international law. You will discuss the nature and scope of your topic with your tutors during your time at the University.

The Law of International Organisations
This module focuses on the legal nature of the United Nations and its component institutions. You will also examine other international institutions and the concept of international legal personality. In studying this subject, you will also address how these international institutions participate in the development of rules of international law.

International Human Rights
Looking at both the United Nations and at regional systems, this module develops your critical and theoretical understanding of human rights protection at an international level. By taking this module you will find that you examine differing attitudes as to which rights should be protected and how this should be achieved.

Law of Armed Conflict
This module adopts a critical examination of the laws regulating when and how states are permitted to use force, whether in their own right or under the authority of the United Nations. You will engage with questions concerning the extent to which international force is justified and the consequences of the use of force by and among states. Students examine issues like the extent to which force is justifiable in anticipation of an attack from another state or whether it can be justified on humanitarian grounds.

International Trade
The objective of this module is to provide a critical understanding of the legal and business framework of international trade by the examination of European and international laws on subjects such as international sales, financing, insurance and carriage.

International Criminal Law
By studying this module, you will gain a thorough understanding of the way in which the International Criminal Court and other international criminal tribunals deal with criminal acts such as genocide and crimes against humanity, as well as examining alternatives to criminal trials. Unlike the Law of Armed Conflict, on this module you will examine the obligations owed by individuals to other individuals (whether military or civilian) in a situation of conflict.

Programme length
12 months full-time, 24 months part-time