LLM Public International Law / Course details

The PGT programmes have both a taught element and a research element. To be awarded a PGT degree, students must satisfactorily complete both elements, to a total of 180 credits. The research element makes up 60 credits of the total 180 credits needed. For the research element to be completed students must complete either two research papers each worth 30 credits, or alternatively can choose to complete a dissertation worth 60 credits. By choosing to write a dissertation, students will be committing themselves to one piece of work amounting to 60 credits, so it is advisable for students to consider carefully before opting for a dissertation in lieu of two research papers.

The dissertation will be a maximum of 12,000 words on an approved topic. Students must submit a provisional title and a brief summary of their proposed topic by a specific date that will be set at the beginning of the first semester by the Progamme Director. If you wish to complete a dissertation you need to approach an academic member of staff, preferably the course director under which your chosen topic might fall, to approve the provisional title. Once completed, the dissertation must be submitted electronically on specific published date (in early September of the year in which the examinations were passed). Further information about title approvals, the supervision process and submission process will be made available during the first semester.

The research component develops students’ forensic legal skills such as analysis, critical evaluation and argument; Students develop the capacity for individual research that can usefully be applied in further study, the legal profession, public service or industry. 

In particular, students are equipped with the skills to carry out the following tasks: engage with and functionally read contemporary international law blogs to to identify a topic of interest; engage with and functionally read contemporary international law blogs and sources to identify a legal problem within that topic; formulate a research question in line with certain guiding principles in literature; construct a database from a literature review using software such as Google Scholar, Scopus, etc.; identify a gap in the literature; construct establish a thesis; Select an appropriate method and methodology; Select an appropriate theory if applicable; critically analyse sources as opposed to describing information; master resources such as Zotero, Mendely etc. to keep track of references. 

On completion of the dissertation, successful students will be able to execute independent learning, reflection and writing and develop a range of transferable skills in problem-solving, reasoning and written communication. In particular, they will be able to: 

Define and describe concepts of a thesis, method, methodology, legal theory and literature review. 

Critically analyse information relevant to selected research topic in written form. 

Identify and describe existing methodologies in academic international law research and writing. 

Design comprehensive literature reviews to identify gaps and establish the context for dissertation/research paper research. 

Formulate clear and focused research questions relevant to the chosen legal topic. 

Select appropriate research methodologies and methods to investigate legal issues. 

Cultivate critical thinking skills to evaluate the reliability, validity and relevance of sources and evidence in legal research. 

Employ resources such as Zotero, Mendely or other, to keep track of references. 

Synthesise complex legal arguments and theories to construct a coherent and persuasive dissertation. 

Practice ethical research conduct including proper citation practices and avoidance of plagiarism, to maintain research integrity.

All PGT students are required to undertake the International Law Research Skills course, the classes for which take place throughout the academic session. There will be one class per week throughout semesters one and two. 

These classes are absolutely essential, as they will equip you with the necessary legal research skills required to successfully complete the research papers. The dissertations are independent pieces of work. The guidance that you will require to submit dissertation of postgraduate standard will come predominantly from these Skills classes. 

Formative feedback, ether written and/or oral, is made available during the supervision process by the supervisor.

Feedback/ comprehensive comments will also be provided on the marked dissertations and will be released with the result.

The topic covered by the dissertations should relate to an area of law studied in either semester one or two as long as it is a core unit if you are following specialised LLM stream.