LLM Security and International Law / Course details

Year of entry: 2025

Course description

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"The University espouses a remarkable international and global approach to all aspects of study. Law at Manchester takes professionalism and academics seriously."

"I have the privilege to meet students and professors from different backgrounds and fields, which continually allows, and challenges me, to engage with the unfamiliar. The lively nature of the staff has really made a tremendous impact on me. Even when our professors have many students and considerations, they always make time."

Danielle Reeder / Student

Situated in the world-renowned Manchester International Law Centre , this course offers research-led teaching from scholars recognized as experts in their field.

Our LLM in Security and International Law allows you to develop advanced knowledge of the regulatory frameworks necessary to secure international relations and transactions between states, non-state entities, multinational companies, and individuals.

This course is premised on the idea that governing security at an international level requires not only the regulation of the use of force and methods of warfare, but also the regulation of international investments, international financial transactions and intellectual property.

This holistic approach to the concept of security is at the heart of this course. It’s a unique opportunity for you to gain expertise that is relevant to today's changing global landscape.

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 Security and International Law gives the students the tools to understand, apprehend and analyse legal issues arising in connection with traditional as well as transnational armed conflicts, terrorism, modern warfare, security of international investments and transactions, and security of intellectual property.

Special features

  • Regular networking events, guest lectures, and conferences with industry leaders.
  • Opportunities to engage with the Law and Technology Initiative.
  • Access to the exciting activities and events at the Manchester International Law Centre for an outstanding intellectual experience.

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 also offered part-time to allow those with a professional occupation to follow the course.

Coursework and assessment

Most course units are assessed by either one written exam, 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 course 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

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;
  • law and finance in emerging markets.

You will be taking 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.

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, the 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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/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

Meet some of our postgraduate students studying for a master's in International Law, Healthcare Ethics and Law and Financial Law in Student Spotlights .

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 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