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Course description
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Manchester is the ideal destination for studying public international law. Led by a team of renowned experts, this programme is designed for students to develop their own voice and drive social change.
Choosing this programme has been incredibly rewarding. I recommend it to anyone eager to make a meaningful impact in the field of international law.
Grete Labunski / Public International Law LLM Graduate
Our LLM in Public International Law allows you to develop high-level expertise in the main areas of international law, including:
- international human rights law;
- international humanitarian law;
- the law on the use of force;
- international investment law;
- international environmental and climate change law;
- and more.
In addition, you’ll be able to choose from our diverse range of optional course units, allowing you to pursue your own interests.
You’ll benefit from innovative teaching methods, including problem-based learning, a student-centred approach that encourages you to engage with complex, real-world problems.
You’ll also have interactive seminars with a focus on debate and discussion, allowing you to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Delve into a legal issue of your choice through your individual research project, which is supervised by leading scholars in issues related to security and international law.
Join our diverse, inclusive and inspiring global student community.
Aims
The LLM in Public International Law is designed for students who seek a recognised expertise in the main areas of international law and become generalist international lawyers.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be all-rounders and have knowledge and understanding of the rules, systems, techniques, practices, dynamics and discourses by virtue of which international law is created, conceived and applied.
The course will also provide you with the necessary research skills to autonomously continue to expand, sharpen and update your knowledge of international law.
Special features
- Regular networking events, guest lectures, and conferences with industry leaders.
- Access to the exciting activities and events at the Manchester International Law Centre for an outstanding intellectual experience.
- Opportunities to engage with the Law and Technology Initiative.
Teaching and learning
The course is based on small-group, seminar-style teaching by our research-active teaching staff as well as invited external experts. This master's degree is offered part-time to allow those with a professional occupation to follow the course.
Coursework and assessment
All course units are assessed by either one unseen written examination, or one coursework essay, or a combination of these two methods of assessment.
The course will be 180 credits in total and has a compulsory research component. 120 credits will be taught units and the remaining 60 credits in the form of a 14,000-15,000-word dissertation.
Your dissertation must be within the area of one unit you have chosen. The research element of the course is supported by weekly research methodology lectures delivered throughout semesters one and two, designed to improve your legal writing and research skills. For specialised streams, the dissertation topic must be within those streams.
Course unit details
You will be doing 180 credits in total, 120 of which will be taught course units and the remaining 60 credits in the form of a 14,000-15,000-word dissertation.
The LLM course will typically offer around 30 different course units in any one year, and will always reflect a wide range of subjects across the legal spectrum.
There will usually be course units offered on diverse topics, such as:
international trade and corporate law;
- financial services regulation;
- European law;
- international economic law;
- intellectual property law;
- human rights law;
- corporate governance; and
- law and finance in emerging markets.
Course units are worth 15 or 30 credits each. You will be required to select course units to a total of 120 credits, and so must choose a minimum of four course units or a maximum of eight course units.
Your dissertation must be within the area of one unit you have chosen. The research element of the course is supported by weekly research methodology lectures delivered throughout semesters one and two designed to improve your legal writing and research skills. For specialised streams, your dissertation topic must be within those streams.
Course unit list
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Foundations of International Law | LAWS70431 | 30 | Mandatory |
International Law and Security | LAWS70451 | 30 | Mandatory |
Dissertation (LL.M.) | LAWS70700 | 60 | Mandatory |
Academic Skills for Legal Studies | LAWS50000 | 0 | Optional |
International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law | LAWS61082 | 30 | Optional |
Global Environmental and Climate Change Law | LAWS70442 | 30 | Optional |
International Courts and Tribunals | LAWS70462 | 30 | Optional |
International Investment Law | LAWS72042 | 30 | Optional |
International Commercial Arbitration and Mediation Law | LAWS77082 | 30 | Optional |
Scholarships and bursaries
The School is offering a number of awards for students applying for master's study. To find out more please visit our master's funding opportunity search page .
What our students say
Facilities
At The University of Manchester Law School, you are supported by the first-class resources you would expect of a top law school.
In addition to the networked study spaces at the Williamson Building, you can access a specialist moot courtroom, enabling future legal minds to hone your debating skills in a realistic court setting, as well as The University of Manchester Library , which houses a substantial collection of law books and periodicals, as well as texts to support all the degrees we offer.
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk