University of Surrey

Postgraduate study

LLM International Law

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. 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.

You will take eight optional modules, at least four of which must be chosen from the International Law module list below. You may choose to study up to four modules from other subject areas within the Law postgraduate portfolio (see the list under the LLM Law information). Some modules may not be offered if numbers are too low. 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.

Entry standards

Applicants should normally possess a first degree (First or Second class or equivalent) awarded by a UK university or recognised overseas institution. 

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 7 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent). 

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

LLM International Law - structure and modules

Module Titles

International Law modules

  • International Criminal Law
  • International Trade Law
  • The Law of International Organisations
  • International Human Rights Law
  • Law Corruption and Development
  • Law of Armed Conflict
  • Terrorism in International Law

International Law Modules

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 Environmental Law

This module introduces legal aspects of issues around climate change and scarce water resources, some of the growing environmental challenges the world now faces. A new field of law has emerged in order to tackle these issues. You will consider the ongoing debate – environment versus development and trade.

International Human Rights

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.

Terrorism in EU and International Law

This module is intended to equip you with a thorough appreciation of the complexities of the legal responses to terrorism both at European and international level. It explores the European approach to counter-terrorism and examines the role of the EU as a security actor. It will analyse different international legal tools of counter-terrorism and discuss the role that international humanitarian and human rights law plays in the fight against terrorism.

Optional Modules

  •  Banking Law
  •  Corporate Governance
  •  Corporate Law
  •  Environmental Policy and Law
  •  EU External Relations
  •  European Union Public Law
  •  Intellectual Property in Employment
  •  Intellectual Property in Fashion
  •  International Carriage of Goods by Sea
  •  Law and Policy of the EU Single Market
  •  Comparative Criminal Justice Policy
  •  Corporate Social Responsibility
  •  EU Counter-Terrorism Law
  •  General Principles of Insolvency Law
  •  Intellectual Property in Catering Industries
  •  International Carriage of Goods by Other Modes
  •  Law and Policy of EU External Trade Law
  •  Mobility and Citizenship in the EU
  •  Criminal Justice System (Sociology Dept)
  •  Law, Society and Social Control (Sociology Dept)

 

LLM International Law - entry standards

Entry standards

Applicants should normally possess a first degree (First or Second class or equivalent) awarded by a UK university or recognised overseas institution. 

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 7 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent). 

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

Planned intake

20

Start date

September

Programme Director

LLM International Law - fees and funding

Fees

International Law (full time):

UK/EU - £5,200 
Overseas - £12,100

www.surrey.ac.uk/pgfees/2012

LLM International Law - professional context

LLM International Law - teaching

Teaching hours

Students will participate in approximately 1800 hours of learning time, consisting of approximately eight hours per week of classes on taught modules, with the remainder consisting of independent study.

Teaching

For our LLM modules you are required to actively engage in seminar discussion. Our modules are usually taught by way of weekly two-hour seminars in groups of up to 20 students. Staff usually provide a broad introduction to each subject area, placing the topic in its legal context, and then discussion is opened up so that you are able to demonstrate their extensive preparatory reading. Given that these are postgraduate programmes, the extent of reading is much more detailed than it is for undergraduate study where there is 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. Staff will often require students 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.

Staff perspective

At Surrey we offer a supportive and friendly environment which gives you the opportunity to study your specialist area in depth.

You are invited to participate in stimulating class discussions, student presentations and other interactive teaching methods. Surrey offers you a wide range of different modules to specialise in your area of expertise but also provides the opportunity to take options from different programmes to widen their horizons. 

We are proud that all our modules look not only at what the law is but also how it works in action, examining how law is relevant to current developments in politics and business. 

All programmes encourage and support the development of research and presentation skills and seek to prepare students for a career in their special field. Thus our LLM programmes provide students with the specialist knowledge that will lead to enhanced career prospects in a variety of different industries, preparing them for research degrees such as a PhD.

I enjoy teaching on the LLM programmes because students are very much involved in the shaping of the modules. The range of students from different countries, professional backgrounds, ideas and interests makes sure that every programme is a new experience where new ideas are discussed. The stimulating class discussion where students experiment with different ideas and arguments never fails to inspire enthusiasm in both students and teachers to find out more.

LLM International Law - learning

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 to you when you arrive.

Computing

In addition to general student resources, the School of Law provides you with 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 office suite, for word-processing and spreadsheet work. All computers are enabled for Internet and email and are available during normal office hours throughout semester time.. The IT resource room is Internet- and email-enabled to allow access to the ULearn system (an online learning environment aimed at providing wider access to teaching material and enhancing your teaching and learning experience) and online library resources. 

The neighbouring School of Management building has wide wireless network, which is available for student use.

LLM International Law - graduate profile

Student Profile: Valy Pana

LLM International Law

I studied for my Law undergraduate degree at Surrey so it was a natural next step for me to apply for an LLM at the University. Besides, Surrey is renowned for its quality of studies in Law and this was an additional reason for my decision to stay here for another year. 

Surrey equips students with a variety of vocational and interpersonal skills. First of all, I think I have developed a strong instinct about the legal way of thinking, about how to deconstruct a case and reach the essence of it. In addition, I have developed my people skills – how to work well as a group and maintain a balance between conflicting ideas or tension. 

After I graduate I plan to pursue a job in a law firm either in the UK or abroad. I am specialising in International Law, so ideally I would like to work for an international institution within the European Union. 

Surrey helped me shape a more international image of the world, in the sense that I merged with people from different countries, representing different cultural and behavioural backgrounds. 

It did take a while to get used to in the beginning; however, after a while I felt there were more things that united us all than separated us. In that sense, I think Surrey has helped my career prospects in teaching me how to adapt to a new environment and how to act beyond any cultural divergences.

Student Profile: Najwa Flimban

LLM International Law

I knew the University of Surrey had a great reputation for employment as it holds a high percentage record for students who find jobs after graduation. I wanted to broaden my knowledge and experience a change,
so knowing that Surrey also had a good international reputation made it the perfect choice. 

What I really enjoyed about my programme was the presentations. I liked being able to express my opinions and talk freely. This is a skill which I feel I have developed at Surrey and it has made me a lot more self-confident, which I love. The staff are also really nice; even if you didn’t ask for help but looked lost they would offer their help.

Although the University has nice buildings and great facilities, I like the little details about the campus, such as the fruit market every Thursday, having conversations in front of the Austin Pearce building with friends and a cup of coffee, or even sitting in front of the lake watching the ducks. 

Before I came to the UK I was a little bit worried that I would not be able to adapt quickly to being in a new environment. However, I enjoyed living in a new place and meeting lots of different people. 

I found that Guildford is a cosy, homely place to live in (even though it feels quite cold to me!) Surrey has put me at the beginning of the road and I don’t see any reason to stop afterwards!

LLM International Law - more

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 or taught programmes. Prominent speakers and visitors contribute to the School’s teaching and research activity.

LLM International Law - apply

You can apply for this programme online using the link(s) below. We recommend making an application as soon as you can, even if you do not have all the necessary supporting information ready at that time.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to enter a username and password. If you've used our application system before, please enter your details or click the forgotten password link.

If you are a new user, you will need to create a username and password by clicking the New User button.

Apply now

Start date

September

Programme length

12 months full-time, 24 months part-time

Programme Director

For general enquiries

T: 0800 980 3200 or
+44 (0)1483 681681
E: pg-enquiries@surrey.ac.uk

For admissions enquiries

T: +44 (0) 01483 686300
E: lawadmissions@surrey.ac.uk

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