Postgraduate taught programme

LLM

International Law

Acquire and deepen specialist legal knowledge on selected issues in international law and policy.
LLM International Law
About Details Careers, industry and research Postgraduate student life Fees and funding Apply Register for open evening

About

The international rules-based order is imperative in addressing the many challenges presented by humanitarian crises, environmental degradation, and transnational criminal conduct. The LLM International Law examines the foundational concepts of international law and focuses on their application in critical areas such as human rights, humanitarian law, and international and transnational criminal law, while offering scope to appreciate geopolitical realities from the perspective of international relations.
 

Internationally relevant and interdisciplinary programme

The programme’s multidisciplinary approach enables students to contextualise international law within broader issues of international relations and global security. Additionally, the programme provides scope for examining further perspectives from international relations, identifying key challenges, and exploring legal and policy responses within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Research-led with a vibrant academic culture

Taught by research-active academics, the LLM International Law, offers a contemporary and interdisciplinary insight into the geopolitical drivers of international law. LLM students are encouraged to attend the Law and International relations seminar series, which hosts regular seminars and workshops with invited speakers of national standing, adding a rich and complementary dimension to the programme.

Strong professional and practical links

Established, long-standing links to global NGOs such as the International Committee of the Red Cross offer tangible real-world engagement with the law and policy studied in the course. A close working relationship with immigration-focused NGOs further enhances students’ understanding of the practical and professional contexts in which international law operates, and supports graduates in developing relevant networks and career pathways.

Details

 
 

Overview

Throughout this course you will engage with both foundational and advanced concepts of public international law, focusing on critical areas such as human rights, humanitarian law, and international criminal law. The programme’s multidisciplinary approach will help to contextualise international law within broader issues of international relations and global security. 
Additionally, the programme provides scope for examining further perspectives from international relations, identifying key challenges, and exploring legal and policy responses within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Delivered over 1 year full-time or two years part-time, it is comprised in a core module ‘Studying Law: Advanced Skills and Theories’ alongside a choice of four modules chosen from the following:
Semester 1
International Human Rights Law 
Public international Law 
Semester 2
International Humanitarian Law 
International and Transnational Criminal law
International Security
You will then complete a capstone dissertation in a negotiated subject of their choice, within the parameters of the award title.
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Core modules

LAW729
Studying Law: Advanced Skills and Theories

This module develops advanced understanding of law’s theoretical underpinnings. It deploys key ideas and theories to analyse and raise foundational questions about the development and performance of modern legal systems, institutions, and doctrines. It gives learners the opportunity to enhance their critical evaluation and argumentation skills by engaging with advanced theoretical scholarship and complex ideas and supports transition to postgraduate study by providing skills training.

LAW730
Law Dissertation and Advanced Research Skills

The dissertation module provides the opportunity to undertake a substantial self-directed, research project on a legal topic of choice. First, students are introduced to concepts and methodologies commonly used in legal research, enabling understanding of how a range of different methods are applied in the context of law and their relationship to legal theory. Students will utilise these skills to design their own research project and contextualise the work carried by others.

Optional modules

IRL726
International Security

International Security has traditionally been concerned with the stability of the states-based system, the use of force, nuclear proliferation, military strategy, and the distribution of resources. Today, concerns about climate change, migration, poverty, health, privatisation, organised crime and international terrorism are also on the agenda. This module undertakes to study these issues with the help of case studies.

LAW731
International Human Rights Law

The module provides a comprehensive overview of the theories and principles of international human rights law. The main international legal frameworks, institutions, and systems that promote and protect human rights worldwide are presented and critically examined. Additionally, the module encourages critical reflection on potential clashes of human rights and differences in their application.

LAW732
International Humanitarian Law

This module focuses on developing an advanced critical understanding of international humanitarian law. This involves an examination of the law of armed conflict, contemporary social, political and legal challenges and an exploration of the core principles and distinctions of IHL. Research-led, and with learning structured around a critical and applied context, the module focuses on the development of armed conflict and the advancement of the law alongside these issues.

LAW734
International and Transnational Criminal Law

This module critically examines international criminal law addressing core crimes including genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. Transnational criminal law focuses on crimes of international concern affecting multiple states and governed by suppression conventions including cybercrime, drug trafficking, environmental crimes, human trafficking, maritime safety offences, migrant smuggling, piracy, slavery, terrorism, and transnational organised crime.

LAW735
Public International Law

A module that focuses on the primary legal principles of the public international legal order, before exploring a range of substantive areas, such as, for example, the use of force, the law regulating the conduct of war, International Human Rights, International Criminal Law and International Environmental Law.

LLM Courses starting September 2026

Our suite of LLM Law programmes offer an opportunity to delve deeper into one of four specialisms:
If you have any questions regarding any of these programmes, please contact Mr Jason Lowther  
 
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The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Careers, industry and research

 
 

Human rights and international humanitarian law

Our research expertise in human rights law and international humanitarian law includes exploring children’s rights and the legal protections available for those in conflict zones. Our research also aims to investigate how the activities of international police cooperation entities may impact human rights. We analyse various aspects of international law, including international institutional law, procedural aspects of transnational and international criminal law, in conjunction with international human rights law.
Our primary objective is to evaluate whether international police cooperation entities have sufficient legal safeguards in place to prevent their members from misusing their systems. Special attention is given to the functioning of INTERPOL and its notices and diffusions systems.
A child stands facilg the remains of buildings in a war torn country.
 
 
 
 

Â鶹´«Ã½ Law Review

This online annual journal is produced and edited by our academic staff. It aims to encourage and promote legal scholarship and writing on a wide range of legal issues, and includes articles and reports from both staff and students. 
Read the Â鶹´«Ã½ Law Review
Mayflower. Getty 182871656. The Mayflower II is a replica of the 17th century ship Mayflower, celebrated for transporting the Pilgrims to the New World. The ship is docked at the State Pier in Â鶹´«Ã½, Massachusetts. Â鶹´«Ã½ is known for being "America's Hometown" for its great prominence in American history and culture.

Research-informed teaching

The research expertise of our staff in international law and international relations will ensure that you benefit from a rich environment of research-informed teaching.
Mr Jason Lowther Associate Professor of Law


Associate Professor of Law

Dr Simone Schroff Associate Professor in Law


Associate Professor in Law

Dr Lisa Deblasio Lecturer in Law


Lecturer in Law

Show all

Selected pubications
G. Calcara and L. Fisher, ‘Who is Allowed to Cooperate? Assessing the Concept of Membership of Interpol in Light of the Denial of Participation of Taiwan’ in M. Deflem (ed) Democracy, Governance, and Law (Emerald Publishing 2025). 
G. Calcara, ‘INTERPOL and International Police Cooperation’ in P. Caeiro, S. Gless, and V. Mitsilegas - with M.J. Costa, J. De Snaijer and G. Theodorakakou (eds) Elgar Encyclopedia of Crime and Criminal Justice (Edward Elgar Publishing 2024).
G. Calcara and M. Launiala, ‘An overview of INTERPOL´s Involvement in Tackling Maritime Piracy: History, Developments, and Legal Issues’ in Y. Eski and M. Wright (eds) Maritime Crime & Policing (Routledge 2023).
G. Calcara, ‘Balancing International Police Cooperation: INTERPOL and the Undesirable Trade-off Between Rights of Individuals and Global Security’ (2021) 42(2) Liverpool Law Review (Springer), pp. 111-142.
G. Calcara, ‘A transnational police network co-operating up to the limits of the law: examination of the origin of INTERPOL’ (2020) 11(4) Transnational Legal Theory (Routledge), pp. 521-548.
G. Calcara, ‘Headnote on the INTERPOL´s Rules on the Processing of Data’ (2019) Oxford International Organization (OXIO) (Oxford University Press).
G. Calcara, ‘Rethinking legal research on matters of international police cooperation: Issues, methods and raison d’être’ (2019) 40(2) Liverpool Law Review (Springer), pp. 95-111.
G. Calcara, ‘Preventing the Misuse of Interpol: A Study on the Legal Safeguards of the Organization’ (2018) 87(1) Nordic Journal of International Law (Brill), pp. 56-78.

Postgraduate student life

Postgraduate study at the Â鶹´«Ã½ is about more than just getting a qualification — it’s a chance to explore your subject in greater depth, challenge yourself intellectually, and grow both personally and academically.
With a supportive learning environment and flexible study options — including part-time and January start dates — you can shape your studies around your personal and professional commitments. Our supportive teaching, and welcoming student community, means you’ll be part of an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and independent thinking. Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, Â鶹´«Ã½ offers the space, resources and inspiration to help you thrive.
 
 
 
 
Joyita - student blogs web page

The University takes every single step to ensure that students are supported. There are continuous workshops on referencing, a writing café and peer-supported learning sessions. Furthermore, lecturers are generally aware and sensitive to transitioning to university therefore they are always offering support when needed.

Joyita
MSc Advanced Psychology

 
 
 

Your Â鶹´«Ã½ community

At the Â鶹´«Ã½, you get the same access to support, sports, and societies as undergraduate students. That means everything available to undergraduates is open to you too, whether it’s joining a sports club, attending events, taking part in student societies, or accessing health and wellbeing services.
You’re a full member of the Â鶹´«Ã½ community, and that comes with all the benefits. So take advantage of what’s on offer — get involved, stay connected, and make the most of your time here.
 

Your societies

is a student run society which aims to give students the best opportunities to develop transferable skills making you an extremely valuable graduate after your time at Â鶹´«Ã½.
UPLS provides more than understanding of what it takes to be a lawyer. It gives hands on experience of mooting, debating, negotiations, client interviewing as well as participating in mock trials. All of which is supported by our local legal community, of law firms, chambers and professionals who sponsor us, judge finals and attend our Annual Cheese and Wine Networking Evening.
Two students having a drink together on Â鶹´«Ã½'s Barbican

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for UK students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£10,600 per year
Part-time study
£590 per 10 credits
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about Fees and costs of studying . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£18,700 per year
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying . 
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As a postgraduate at Â鶹´«Ã½, there are plenty of funding options available, including postgraduate masters loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

Postgraduate Masters Loans (PGML)

You may be eligible to apply for a to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate masters course.
 

Tuition fee discount for Â鶹´«Ã½ graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Â鶹´«Ã½, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students 
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

An Honours degree in Law with a minimum of a 2:2 classification from a UK university. An Honours degree with some inclusion of Law and/or Policy in a related discipline, such as criminology, international relations or other social science, will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Extended entry requirements

  • All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above.
  • Applicants who do not have appropriate Higher Education qualifications may be admitted to the programme on the basis of relevant prior experience if they can demonstrate the potential to successfully complete the programme. The Admissions Tutor / Programme Leader, in accordance with the University’s Academic Regulations may require such applicants to provide further evidence to support their application and undertake an interview.

Ready to apply?

Apply online

After you apply

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Programme code
8286
Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Â鶹´«Ã½
 

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
 
Contact the Faculty International Team
If you are an international student wanting to study with us in the UK, you can ask questions about your course and scholarship options by registering your interest in studying with us in 2026 .
 
 
 

BSearch entry requirements for your country

5

Extended entry requirements

  • a suitable English language qualification. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element). English language requirements  
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.

Ready to apply?

As an international student, you can apply for this course directly through the Â鶹´«Ã½ or through an agent in your country.
 

Apply online

Need support with your application?

  • Personal statement guidance
  • Student visa support
  • Travel and arrival information
  • and more
 

After you apply

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Programme code
8286
Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Â鶹´«Ã½
 
 
 

Visit us at a postgraduate on-campus open evening

Visit us on campus to find out more about postgraduate study, speak to academic staff, and take a look around our campus and facilities.
 
Book your place
Student in art classroom in Roland Levinsky Building