ObjectivesCriminal law and criminal justice are becoming increasingly internationalised areas of law, which means that there is a need within the legal profession to evaluate criminal law theory and the emerging principles of international criminal law. The focus here is on International Law in relation to international criminal processes and the 'international criminal'. This course will be of interest to graduates in law, criminology, social policy and international relations, criminal justice professionals, human rights workers, and policy agents with an interest in criminal justice and internationalism. This course is offered as a Single, Joint or Major/Minor LLM award.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements A good degree in law, or a degree in another discipline, plus either the CPE or GDL conversion qualifications, are normally required. However, applicants from other disciplines will be considered in appropriate circumstances. It is important that all international Law students speak, write and understand English well. Students can assess their fluency by taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For entry onto the LLM programmes a minimum level of 6.5 is required for IELTS, or a written TOEFL score of 580 or computer based TOEFL score of 237. If applicants do not meet the language entry requirements, English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses are available through our Nottingham Language Centre prior to the start of the Masters programmes.
Academic titleLLM International Criminal Justice
Course descriptionModules
The LLM programmes consist of two common modules: Legal Research and Writing, and the dissertation. Students select seven modules depending on their interests.
Elective modules include:
* theory and principles of international criminal law
* foundations of comparative international criminal justice
* genocide and crimes against humanity
* war crimes and the crime of aggression
* terrorism and international response
* contemporary issues in alternative justice
* international criminal procedure
* comparative sentencing and penology.
Course content
The LLM programmes consist of the following two common modules.
* Legal research and writing: This module is designed to develop the special legal research and writing skills that students will need to complete the assessments. It provides an opportunity to examine research methodologies, academic writing and library and information skills.
* Dissertation: The Law School provides a supportive environment for students to carry out a major but focussed individual research project. Students wishing to achieve a Masters degree are required to submit a dissertation of 18,000 to 20,000 words on a suitable topic of their choice.
Students select seven modules depending on their interests. The course will have two compulsory modules: Theory and Principles of International Criminal Law, and Foundations of Comparative and International Criminal Justice. Students will then select option subjects from: Transnational Crime; Development of the International Legal Order; War Crimes and Crime of Aggression; and Contemporary Issues in Alternative Justice.
How do you study?
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed as appropriate to each module and aims to enhance contextualised skills of research and writing. The methods employed include lectures, seminars and workshops. The seminars allow you to examine topics in-depth through the discussion of papers presented during seminars. Although the primary focus is on individual independent study you may have an opportunity to work in groups within seminars.
Assessment
With the exception of the dissertation and the Legal Research and Writing module, which is assessed by the submission of a research proposal, the modules for the LLM programmes are assessed by means of a 4,000 word piece of work. These could be discursive essays, reports, case studies or problem scenarios.
Resources and facilities
Teaching is normally held at the city site of Nottingham Trent University, and utilises all the facilities available to students, including a well-stocked library, with electronic access.
Study routes
The course is one year full-time and is expected to run from September to September.