LLM
International Law LLM
International Law

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Postgraduate EventsApply Now

Key Information

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Date

September 2025 and January 2026

Typical Offer

See More

Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Date

January 2025

Typical Offer

See More

Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Academic Years

Course Overview

The LLM International Law programme enables students to develop an in-depth understanding of the law in relation to key international subjects. Students are encouraged to consider the role of the law in international affairs and to develop a critical understanding of how the law affects all aspects of international activity, from trade and prosecuting crimes, to the use of force in international relations, human rights, and protecting the environment.

Students can examine the role and relationships of international organisations and institutions such as the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, and the European Union. The programme is informed by the latest debates and developments in international law and aims to engage students in real-world case studies and dilemmas.

The programme also allows students to undertake a substantial dissertation, which is designed to enhance research skills through a detailed investigation in an area of their own choice.

Course Overview

The LLM International Law programme enables students to develop an in-depth understanding of the law in relation to key international subjects. Students are encouraged to consider the role of the law in international affairs and to develop a critical understanding of how the law affects all aspects of international activity, from trade and prosecuting crimes, to the use of force in international relations, human rights, and protecting the environment.

Students can examine the role and relationships of international organisations and institutions such as the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, and the European Union. The programme is informed by the latest debates and developments in international law and aims to engage students in real-world case studies and dilemmas.

The programme also allows students to undertake a substantial dissertation, which is designed to enhance research skills through a detailed investigation in an area of their own choice.

Why Choose Lincoln

Teaching delivered by experts in the field

Complete a research project in a specialist area

A focus on theoretical knowledge, understanding, and practical experience

Emphasis on the development of professional and research skills

A law book on a stand

How You Study

You will be expected to undertake eight modules, four of which are core modules, and four of which are optional ones that you can select based on your interests and career aspirations.

Typically, teaching is delivered through lectures and seminars, however this varies from module to module. Across the week you can expect around eight contact hours.

There will also be a large amount of self-directed study with roughly two hours being self directed for every taught hour.

There is a compulsory dissertation module on the course, and this is a great opportunity for you to engage in an area of research which you are passionate about, based on the modules studies. Previous research topics have included corporate social responsibility in Vietnam, and Valuation of Crypto-assets of a Distressed Business.

How You Study

You will be expected to undertake eight modules, four of which are core modules, and four of which are optional ones that you can select based on your interests and career aspirations.

Typically, teaching is delivered through lectures and seminars, however this varies from module to module. Across the week you can expect around eight contact hours.

There will also be a large amount of self-directed study with roughly two hours being self directed for every taught hour.

There is a compulsory dissertation module on the course, and this is a great opportunity for you to engage in an area of research which you are passionate about, based on the modules studies. Previous research topics have included corporate social responsibility in Vietnam, and Valuation of Crypto-assets of a Distressed Business.

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Contemporary Issues in International Law 2025-26LAW9186Level 72025-26This module aims to explore structural or emerging issues as well as developing areas of international law. By following this module, students should get a better grasp of some areas of development in international law, and how research in law informs and participates in these development.CoreDissertation (International Law) 2025-26LAW9019MLevel 72025-26The Dissertation module comprises two elements: 1. Research methods (20%) The research methods element of the dissertation module comprises a total of four research training workshops (4 x 2hrs), two taking place in the Autumn term and two taking place in the Spring term. Students are assessed through a dissertation proposal. 2. The Dissertation (80%) The production of the dissertation itself provides the student with an opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of investigative academic work on a chosen area of international law (public or private international law or international legal aspects of EU law and governance). In the dissertation the students may develop ideas encountered in the taught modules or with other issues relevant to international law. The completed dissertation should be an original and independent piece of work. It should, in the context of existing knowledge, demonstrate in-depth understanding, critical analysis and original thinking, as well as general academic and communication skills. Undertaking the necessary research and writing the dissertation can provide academic opportunities to apply the research skills and presentational techniques developed during the programme.CoreFoundations of International Law 2025-26LAW9034MLevel 72025-26The aim of this module is to provide students with the foundations of international law. These are necessary to underpin the understanding how the various field of international law operate, whether it regards the protection of the environment or fostering international commerce. This module is focussed on providing the structural elements of international law such as the sources, actors and international institutions. The module will enable students to gain a critical understanding of the impact and operation of this area of law to many contemporary issues.CoreInternational Human Rights 2025-26LAW9011MLevel 72025-26The aim of this module is to provide an opportunity for students to develop a critical understanding of international human rights, and the way in which the concept of such rights is used to promote respect for certain standards and to protect the rights of individuals. The module will involve considering the role of international organisations (such as the United Nations); regional mechanisms (such as the European Convention on Human Rights); and the enforcement of international standards at the global, regional and domestic levels.CoreAsylum, Migration and Human Trafficking 2025-26LAW9165MLevel 72025-26This module gives students a contextualized understanding of how intra- and international migration is regulated and the way in which such regulations affect the rights of migrants. The course discusses critically both the theory and practice of immigration and asylum law. By the end of the module, students are expected to understand the social, economic, legal and political nature of immigration law, the machinery of immigration control, the construction of British citizenship, the current state of European immigration law and free movement rights as well as theories of political and social emancipation in a critical context.OptionalCorporate Social Responsibility and Human Rights 2025-26LAW9030MLevel 72025-26The module introduces students to the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as well as Business and Human Rights. These two separate but overlapping concepts inform how we currently understand the obligations of corporations beyond shareholders. Through this module, students will take part in the debates surrounding it so that they are able to critically evaluate the concepts and their practical implications for companies, regulatory bodies and policy makers in a globalised environment. To do so, student will look at the connections between the national corporate law obligations and International legal obligations.OptionalInternational Business Law 2025-26LAW9008MLevel 72025-26The module will introduce students to the operations of international businesses and how their activities are influenced by legal frameworks. Students will be exposed to the legal and socio-economic factors that affect businesses that operate in the global marketplace. It commences by providing a primer on the nature of international businesses. Against this background, it expounds on the concept of globalisation and its link with international business. The course then focuses on the regulatory environment within which international businesses are developed and in which they operate. Proposed expansion strategies of businesses are also considered within the context of the local and global environment in which they operate.OptionalInternational Corporate Governance 2025-26LAW9013MLevel 72025-26This module aims to give students the opportunity to develop a thorough insight into the theoretical, legal, practical and ethical issues surrounding corporate governance and its influence on the management structure of modern companies. It will explore the relationships which exist between directors, shareholders, management, the company itself and other internal and external stakeholders. Students will have the chance to develop a firm understanding of the concept of corporate governance and the basic principles underlying the implementation of UK and international corporate governance codes.OptionalInternational Criminal Justice 2025-26LAW9015MLevel 72025-26This module provides the opportunity for students to develop a critical understanding of the idea of international criminal justice. The module aims to address the key issues and concepts in and policies underlying the enforcement of international criminal law considering the legal and political environment in which international criminal courts and tribunals operate. The principle focus will be the international crimes which come within the jurisdiction of the current international courts and tribunals – that is war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression– and analysing whether these institutions are effective for the pursuit of justice and peace within the international system.OptionalInternational Dispute Resolution 2025-26LAW9016MLevel 72025-26In this module students will be introduced to the different methods of international dispute resolution in both a public and private law context. This module explores the legal frameworks governing international dispute resolution along with both the political and legal context and concerns relating to them. The module will examine the principal approaches to the settlement of international disputes in public international law and will also introduce students to the increasingly important area of private international law. Students will gain an understanding of the nature of international disputes, both public and private, and the options for resolving them and how a chosen option might be informed by the type of dispute presented.OptionalInternational Environmental Law 2025-26LAW9018MLevel 72025-26This module examines the development and operation of international environmental law, considering in particular the historical evolution of the law, the elaboration of multilateral environmental regimes and the increasing judicial attention given to environmental issues. The module will also consider the issue of responsibility and liability for harm from environmental degradation as it is tackled at the international level.OptionalInternational Investment Law 2025-26LAW9185Level 72025-26This module focuses on the protections offered to foreign investors by international investment law and investor-State dispute resolution procedures. These protections are found in a network of bilateral and multilateral treaties as well as in customary law. The module also explores recent developments in international investment law and how it relates to other areas of international law, such as international development law or permanent sovereignty on national resources.OptionalInternational Law of the Seas 2025-26LAW9187Level 72025-26The aim of this module is to introduce students to an important and dynamic area of international law, the law of the sea. Students will have the opportunity to learn about maritime zones, the law of maritime delimitation, the rules on safety at sea, the protection of the marine environment, fisheries and marine scientific research. The module will enable students to gain a critical understanding of this area of international law through applying what they have learned to contemporary issues.OptionalInternational Trade Law 2025-26LAW9184Level 72025-26The module aims to provide an understanding of the international law of trade. In particular, it focuses on acquiring a deep knowledge of the importance and functioning of the World Trade Organisation in regulating the trade in goods and services. It also supports an analysis and evaluation of its dispute settlement mechanism. The module provides an understanding of the rules in the context of wider aims of international law, such as the protection of health or the environment.Optional

              Modules

                          † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

                          Contemporary Issues in International Law 2024-25LAW9186Level 72024-25This module aims to explore structural or emerging issues as well as developing areas of international law. By following this module, students should get a better grasp of some areas of development in international law, and how research in law informs and participates in these development.CoreDissertation (International Law) 2024-25LAW9019MLevel 72024-25The Dissertation module comprises two elements: 1. Research methods (20%) The research methods element of the dissertation module comprises a total of four research training workshops (4 x 2hrs), two taking place in the Autumn term and two taking place in the Spring term. Students are assessed through a dissertation proposal. 2. The Dissertation (80%) The production of the dissertation itself provides the student with an opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of investigative academic work on a chosen area of international law (public or private international law or international legal aspects of EU law and governance). In the dissertation the students may develop ideas encountered in the taught modules or with other issues relevant to international law. The completed dissertation should be an original and independent piece of work. It should, in the context of existing knowledge, demonstrate in-depth understanding, critical analysis and original thinking, as well as general academic and communication skills. Undertaking the necessary research and writing the dissertation can provide academic opportunities to apply the research skills and presentational techniques developed during the programme.CoreFoundations of International Law 2024-25LAW9034MLevel 72024-25The aim of this module is to provide students with the foundations of international law. These are necessary to underpin the understanding how the various field of international law operate, whether it regards the protection of the environment or fostering international commerce. This module is focussed on providing the structural elements of international law such as the sources, actors and international institutions. The module will enable students to gain a critical understanding of the impact and operation of this area of law to many contemporary issues.CoreInternational Human Rights 2024-25LAW9011MLevel 72024-25The aim of this module is to provide an opportunity for students to develop a critical understanding of international human rights, and the way in which the concept of such rights is used to promote respect for certain standards and to protect the rights of individuals. The module will involve considering the role of international organisations (such as the United Nations); regional mechanisms (such as the European Convention on Human Rights); and the enforcement of international standards at the global, regional and domestic levels.CoreAsylum, Migration and Human Trafficking 2024-25LAW9165MLevel 72024-25This module gives students a contextualized understanding of how intra- and international migration is regulated and the way in which such regulations affect the rights of migrants. The course discusses critically both the theory and practice of immigration and asylum law. By the end of the module, students are expected to understand the social, economic, legal and political nature of immigration law, the machinery of immigration control, the construction of British citizenship, the current state of European immigration law and free movement rights as well as theories of political and social emancipation in a critical context.OptionalCorporate Social Responsibility and Human Rights 2024-25LAW9030MLevel 72024-25The module introduces students to the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as well as Business and Human Rights. These two separate but overlapping concepts inform how we currently understand the obligations of corporations beyond shareholders. Through this module, students will take part in the debates surrounding it so that they are able to critically evaluate the concepts and their practical implications for companies, regulatory bodies and policy makers in a globalised environment. To do so, student will look at the connections between the national corporate law obligations and International legal obligations.OptionalInternational Business Law 2024-25LAW9008MLevel 72024-25The module will introduce students to the operations of international businesses and how their activities are influenced by legal frameworks. Students will be exposed to the legal and socio-economic factors that affect businesses that operate in the global marketplace. It commences by providing a primer on the nature of international businesses. Against this background, it expounds on the concept of globalisation and its link with international business. The course then focuses on the regulatory environment within which international businesses are developed and in which they operate. Proposed expansion strategies of businesses are also considered within the context of the local and global environment in which they operate.OptionalInternational Corporate Governance 2024-25LAW9013MLevel 72024-25This module aims to give students the opportunity to develop a thorough insight into the theoretical, legal, practical and ethical issues surrounding corporate governance and its influence on the management structure of modern companies. It will explore the relationships which exist between directors, shareholders, management, the company itself and other internal and external stakeholders. Students will have the chance to develop a firm understanding of the concept of corporate governance and the basic principles underlying the implementation of UK and international corporate governance codes.OptionalInternational Criminal Justice 2024-25LAW9015MLevel 72024-25This module provides the opportunity for students to develop a critical understanding of the idea of international criminal justice. The module aims to address the key issues and concepts in and policies underlying the enforcement of international criminal law considering the legal and political environment in which international criminal courts and tribunals operate. The principle focus will be the international crimes which come within the jurisdiction of the current international courts and tribunals – that is war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression– and analysing whether these institutions are effective for the pursuit of justice and peace within the international system.OptionalInternational Dispute Resolution 2024-25LAW9016MLevel 72024-25In this module students will be introduced to the different methods of international dispute resolution in both a public and private law context. This module explores the legal frameworks governing international dispute resolution along with both the political and legal context and concerns relating to them. The module will examine the principal approaches to the settlement of international disputes in public international law and will also introduce students to the increasingly important area of private international law. Students will gain an understanding of the nature of international disputes, both public and private, and the options for resolving them and how a chosen option might be informed by the type of dispute presented.OptionalInternational Environmental Law 2024-25LAW9018MLevel 72024-25This module examines the development and operation of international environmental law, considering in particular the historical evolution of the law, the elaboration of multilateral environmental regimes and the increasing judicial attention given to environmental issues. The module will also consider the issue of responsibility and liability for harm from environmental degradation as it is tackled at the international level.OptionalInternational Investment Law 2024-25LAW9185Level 72024-25This module focuses on the protections offered to foreign investors by international investment law and investor-State dispute resolution procedures. These protections are found in a network of bilateral and multilateral treaties as well as in customary law. The module also explores recent developments in international investment law and how it relates to other areas of international law, such as international development law or permanent sovereignty on national resources.OptionalInternational Law of the Seas 2024-25LAW9187Level 72024-25The aim of this module is to introduce students to an important and dynamic area of international law, the law of the sea. Students will have the opportunity to learn about maritime zones, the law of maritime delimitation, the rules on safety at sea, the protection of the marine environment, fisheries and marine scientific research. The module will enable students to gain a critical understanding of this area of international law through applying what they have learned to contemporary issues.OptionalInternational Trade Law 2024-25LAW9184Level 72024-25The module aims to provide an understanding of the international law of trade. In particular, it focuses on acquiring a deep knowledge of the importance and functioning of the World Trade Organisation in regulating the trade in goods and services. It also supports an analysis and evaluation of its dispute settlement mechanism. The module provides an understanding of the rules in the context of wider aims of international law, such as the protection of health or the environment.Optional

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          How you are assessed

                          Modules are mainly assessed by written assignments, however with some courses, modules may be assessed with student presentation. Students will also be expected to write a substantial dissertation. There are no written examinations.

                          Assessment Feedback

                          The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

                          How you are assessed

                          Modules are mainly assessed by written assignments, however with some courses, modules may be assessed with student presentation. Students will also be expected to write a substantial dissertation. There are no written examinations.

                          Assessment Feedback

                          The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

                          Career Development

                          Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business.

                          This course has been designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop a bedrock of knowledge and skills to pursue or further develop careers, working in business, industry, or government. This course also aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge for transitional work within business and industry. 

                          Why Postgraduate Study?

                           

                          How to Apply

                          Postgraduate Application Support

                          Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.

                          A student listening in a seminar

                          January Starts 2025

                          Please note that this course is also available for a January 2025 start. View a full list of courses with January start dates.

                          Entry Requirements 2025-26

                          Entry Requirements

                          First or second class honours degree in International Law, International Relations, Social Sciences with Introduction to Law, Criminology, Political Sciences .

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

                          https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
                          https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

                          January Starts 2025

                          Please note that this course is also available for a January 2025 start. View a full list of courses with January start dates.

                          Entry Requirements 2024-25

                          Entry Requirements

                          First or second class honours degree in International Law, International Relations, Social Sciences with Introduction to Law, Criminology, Political Sciences .

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

                          https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
                          https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

                          Course -Specific Additional Costs

                          For each course, there may additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials, or equipment required. Some courses provide opportunities for students to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University. Where these are optional, students will normally be required to cover their own transport, accommodation, and general living costs.

                          With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts. However, students may prefer to purchase some of these for themselves and will be responsible for this cost.

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

                          Course -Specific Additional Costs

                          For each course, there may additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials, or equipment required. Some courses provide opportunities for students to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University. Where these are optional, students will normally be required to cover their own transport, accommodation, and general living costs.

                          With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts. However, students may prefer to purchase some of these for themselves and will be responsible for this cost.

                          Funding Your Study

                          Postgraduate Funding Options

                          Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

                          Two students working on a laptop in a study space

                          Academic Contact

                          For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.

                          Dr Nicolas Kang-Riou

                          nkangriou@lincoln.ac.uk

                          Postgraduate Events

                          To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

                          A group of students sat around a table, working together on a project
                          The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.