LLM International Law
- Programme director
- Regina Rauxloh
- Programme length
- Full-time: 12 months, Part-time: 24 months
- Programme start date
- September 2013
This programme enables you to understand, examine and apply fundamental concepts of international law from theoretical and political perspectives.
Programme overview
The post-Cold War world has been rocked by events such as the ‘War on Terror’, the recent conflict in Iraq and the humanitarian crises in regions like Darfur, Libya and Syria. Globalisation and international trade also play their part. Laws between states are as important today as are laws within states.
This programme will enable you to gain a deeper and more profound understanding of this exciting and still developing area, through looking more closely at some of the areas of current controversy.
Given the fluid nature of international law, students seeking to specialise in this area will benefit from many opportunities to engage in and debate the key controversies of this subject in groups and seminar discussions. During the programme, you will have the chance to understand, examine and apply fundamental concepts of international law from both theoretical and political perspectives. You will also learn more about the international system itself and global dispute resolution.
Our International Law students go on to a range of careers. Some study for a research degree, others go on to practise law or take up a role where a legal background is key, for example, in international business, NGOs or in advisory or consultancy work.
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally possess a Bachelors degree (UK 2.2 or higher) or equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas university or institution.
English language requirements
IELTS minimum overall: 7.0
IELTS minimum by component:
6.0
Fees and funding
All fees are subject to increase or review for subsequent academic years. Please note that not all visa routes permit part-time study and overseas students entering the UK on a Tier 4 visa will not be permitted to study on a part-time basis.
| Programme name | Study mode | Start date | UK/EU fees | Overseas fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLM International Law | Full-time | Sept 2013 | £5,460 | £12,705 |
| LLM International Law | Part-time | Sept 2013 | Please enquire | Please enquire |
Programme content
Module Overview
Teaching is primarily by interactive seminars in which you will be encouraged to adopt a critical attitude to the elements of each subject you are studying. You will develop a profound understanding of the relevant law and its underlying concepts. You will undertake sophisticated and wide-ranging independent research, looking beyond primary legal sources into the underlying theories and rationale of the English and other legal systems.
You are expected to offer fresh insights into legal problems and address the tensions within and among the underlying legal theories. You will select your modules from the following list (subject to timetabling restrictions). Some modules may not be offered.
International Law modules
Semester 1
- Advanced International Environmental Law
- Corporate Governance
- Corporate Law
- International Criminal Law
- International Trade Law
- The Law of International Organisations
- WTO Law
Semester 2
- Comparative Constitutional Law
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- EU International Relations Law and Policy
- International Human Rights Law
- Law and Policy for Ecosystems Services
- Law of Armed Conflict
Optional Modules
Semester 1
- European Human Rights Law
- Foundations of EU Law
- Institutional Architecture of the European Union (School of Politics)
- International Carriage of Goods by Sea
- Law of the Internal Market
Semester 2
- Comparative Company Law
- Criminal Justice System (Department of Sociology)
- Environmental and Climate Change Law: Liability in a Business Context
- EU Employment Law Social Policy
- Foreign Direct Investment
- General Principles of Insolvency Law
- Intellectual Property
- International Carriage of Goods by Other Modes
- Law and Policy of EU External Trade Law
- Law, Society and Social Control (Department of Sociology)
- Marine Insurance Law
- Policies of the European Union (School of Politics)
Examples of module content
International Criminal Law
This module will give you 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. It will also examine alternatives to criminal trials.
International Human Rights Law
This module develops your critical and theoretical understanding of human rights protection at an international level, by looking at both the United Nations and at regional systems. It will probe differing attitudes and opinions over which rights should be protected and how this should be achieved.
International Trade Law
This module provides a critical understanding of the legal and business framework of international trade. You will examine both European and international laws on topics such as international sales, financing, insurance and carriage.
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 consider the extent to which international force is justified and the consequences of its use.
Structure
You will take eight modules, four in each Semester. You will select at least four options from the list of International Law modules. The remaining options can be chosen from the broader list of optional modules. Following the successful completion of these eight modules, you will write a dissertation after the end of the second Semester.
Teaching hours
Students will participate in approximately 1,800 hours of learning time, consisting of approximately eight hours per week of classes on taught modules, with the remainder consisting of independent study.
Teaching
Our modules are taught in weekly two-hour seminars with groups of up to 20 students. Staff provide a broad introduction to each subject area, placing the topic in its legal context, and then discussion is opened. You will be required to actively participate in seminar discussions to demonstrate your extensive preparatory reading. Given that these are postgraduate programmes, the extent of reading is much more detailed than it is for undergraduate study, with far more focus on independent student learning.
A range of teaching methods will be used in these seminars and at Surrey we are particularly keen on developing student presentation skills. You will be required to present on a particular topic as a way of developing your research and presentation skills. You will be asked to read set materials critically and to research current issues with confidence.
Library resources
The Library has a substantial collection of materials, textbooks, monographs, journals and anthologies relevant to the study of law at postgraduate level. There is a wide range of online materials which are constantly being added to as a way of maximising student access to learning materials. An effective Library induction will be provided when you arrive.
Computing
In addition to general student resources, the School of Law has a range of new facilities including access to a bank of standard desktop computers with flat monitors within one of the Law student common rooms.
These PCs have access to a standard Microsoft Office suite for word processing and spreadsheet work. All computers are available during normal office hours throughout semester time. These IT resources are internet and email–enabled, to allow access to our online learning environment and online library resources. These online resources can also be accessed remotely, allowing you to study flexibly.
The neighbouring Management School building has wide wireless network, which is available for student use.
Research in the School of Law
Legal research has been conducted at the University of Surrey for nearly 40 years. Interests cover a range of subject areas and focus particularly on research groupings in European law, international commercial law and international law. This established research culture enables the School to provide a stimulating and supportive environment for both postgraduate research and taught programmes. Prominent speakers and visitors contribute to the School’s teaching and research activity.
Department links
Contact us
For general enquiries
0800 980 3200 or +44 (0)1483 681 681
For admissions enquiries
+44 (0)1483 686 300