
Course description

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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
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
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.
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 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.