International Law LLM

Part of Law
Next open evening Wednesday 5 June
Book Now

Can't attend? See more open events

Course Overview

UK Fees £12,500 *
International Fees £17,000 *
Alumni Discount See details
Duration 1 year

* Price per academic year

Course summary

With globalisation, international law is becoming increasingly important, and our International Law LLM prepares you for a future career in the international arena. Our teaching team is composed of world-renowned scholars who are leading the way in their respective subjects, including – but not limited to – international human rights law, the law of armed conflict, development law, energy and climate change law, international cyber security law, refugee law, the law of the sea, international courts and tribunals. In previous years, our teaching team organised study visits to international organisations and to international courts in London and The Hague.

Our International Law LLM attracts students from every nationality and background, not only those who have previously studied law, but also those with a degree in political science, international relations, or other relevant discipline. This creates a uniquely vibrant and stimulating learning environment in which to study international Law.

The International Law LLM at Westminster Law School is taught in our central London campus, just a short distance from most major British institutions and international organisations. The course can be taken full-time or part-time, and you can start in either September or January.

We also have a research group, International Law at Westminster (ILaW), which conducts important research projects on topical international law issues. These projects have received external funding because of their importance and their potential impact. ILaW also regularly organises events in which students are invited to participate.

Every year, the Oxford University Press Prize is awarded to the best International Law LLM student.

The course will enhance your understanding of the key principles of public international law, the main developments within the public international law framework and the process of globalisation and its significance for international law.

Top reasons to study with us

  • Learn in the heart of London – Studying at our Regent Campus in central London, you'll be part of a diverse, global community
  • Tailor the course to your interests – You can choose from a wide list of specialist international law modules
  • Be part of a vibrant academic community – You'll learn alongside students not only from law but also related subjects, and be part of the International Law at Westminster research community
  • Learn from experts – Our teaching team is composed of world-class researchers who have widely published in their fields of expertise, and won awards for their work

Course structure

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Core modules

The Dissertation module allows and supports extended student research into a topic of their choice within the broad field of international law. This module incorporates seminars and workshop sessions which introduce students to basic research methods in international law. The topic must be agreed between the student and the supervisor and must not replicate materials covered in other coursework submitted for the award of the degree.

You will analyse the sources and subjects of international law, state responsibility, and the implementation of international law into municipal law, and gain an overview of the defining legal principles of international relations. You will also focus on the settlement of international disputes and the enforcement of international law.

Option modules

This module examines the theory and practice of international criminal law including the basic principles of international criminal jurisdiction, and the personal and functional immunities. It also involves a detailed assessment of a range of specific international criminal offences including war crimes, crimes against humanity as well as genocide. Lastly, the work of the ad hoc international tribunals, the mixed courts and the International Criminal Court is discussed in detail.

This module engages with the international law framework in place for the protection of refugees and other forcibly displaced migrants to consider the contours of refugee protection and it limitations in responding to contemporary challenges. The module is underpinned by two key questions: (i) who qualifies as a refugee under international refugee law?; and (ii) does international refugee law provide full protection to individuals at risk of serious rights violations in their countries of origin? These questions are scrutinised through an in-depth examination of the refugee definition in international refugee law and the key obligations which States owe refugees.

The module provides a comprehensive overview of the conceptual legal framework under distinct branches of international law – with an emphasis on international refugee law and its relationship with international human rights law – to examine the ways in which these branches of law interact to protect refugees and people on the move. In addition to providing a thorough understanding of the refugee as conceptualised and defined in law, the module explores the limits of this legal framework by referencing current scholarly and practical debates in the field of refugee protection at the international and European levels. It engages with ongoing discussions by drawing on real-life examples emerging from the global refugee situation.

This module will introduce you to the principles of international law relevant to the development and use of energy resources. You will examine the principles relating to permanent sovereignty over natural resources, ‘shared’ resources and resources outside areas of national jurisdiction. You will also consider the impact of other principles of international law on the energy sector, such as international environmental law, foreign investment and trade law, and human rights. The module has a strong focus on the evolving international legal framework on the mitigation of climate change, and its impact on international energy law and policy.

This module will introduce international law relating to protection of the environment and sustainable development in its social, economic and political context, evaluating strengths and weaknesses of the existing legal framework, and the need for and prospect of its further elaboration and implementation. It will: (1) address sources of international environmental law, key actors and interest groups, and the establishment and functioning of multilateral environmental agreements and relevant international organisations; and identify and examine fundamental principles underpinning international environmental law in the transboundary and global context. (2) examine how these principles, rules, and institutions address specific environmental issues and challenges. (3) consider the nature and adequacy of rules on state responsibility for environmental damage, and other liability rules; and examine questions of compliance and enforcement, including the settlement of environment-related disputes, and the contribution of the jurisprudence of international courts to the development of international law in this field.

This module covers the regulation of the rules and customs of war, including the status and protection of prisoners of war, the protection of civilian populations, the use of certain weapons, the status of combatants and belligerents, and the criminal consequences of the violations of the laws of armed conflict. You will gain a deep knowledge of international humanitarian law, and a thorough understanding of practice and law relating to key concepts, such as prisoners of war, combatants, protected persons, neutrality and war crimes. New forms of warfare, such as cyber warfare and drones, are also addressed.

The module introduces you to the protection of human rights in international law. You will gain an overview of the historical and philosophical background of human rights, and a greater understanding of the protection of human rights at the international level though the UN and regional systems (with particular emphasis on Europe). You will also study contemporary issues in international human rights law, such as humanitarian intervention, responsibility to protect, terrorism and torture.

You will study law and policy relating to international development, including the right to development in international law, international development assistance and poverty alleviation, and law and policy relating to overseas development assistance in the UK and the EU. The module will give you a greater understanding of the global challenges for development, and will give you the skills to undertake informed policy and advocacy work internationally.</p>

This module will introduce you to the comprehensive legal framework of the international law of the sea. It examines the various maritime jurisdictional zones recognised in international law, including principles relating to the territorial sea, archipelagic waters, international straits, continental shelf, exclusive economic zone, high seas, and deep seabed. It also considers the resolution of competing claims to maritime areas and resources, including provisional arrangements. Against this background, the course will focus on contemporary critical areas of concern, such as maritime security and maritime crime including piracy, human rights at sea, sea level rise, the impact of new and emerging technologies in and on the oceans, deep sea bed mining, exploitation of offshore resources, and fisheries management.

You will be introduced to the various techniques and institutions available in international law for resolving disputes between states. This module examines diplomatic means of dispute settlement, including negotiation and mediation, and legal means of dispute settlement – arbitration and adjudication. You will also consider the availability of alternative mechanisms for the resolution of inter-state disputes, and the range of international courts and tribunals that now exist. The module refers to specific past and pending cases and disputes, and there will be a special emphasis on the law, practice and procedure of the International Court of Justice.

This module covers the institutional and legal aspects of the United Nations. In particular, you will focus on: the composition and functioning of its main organs (Security Council, General Assembly, Secretariat, International Court of Justice); membership of the UN; the provisions of the Charter dealing with the use of armed force; the collective security system; and peacekeeping operations.

book icon in turquoise
Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

Checklist top tips icon
Prospectus

Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.

Request a prospectus

Chat icon in turquoise
Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

Live chat with us
(Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GMT)

Open evenings

Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Careers

Our graduates have worked for organisations such as the United Nations, the European Union, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Amnesty International, and Privacy International; law and consultancy firms such as Deloitte; professional associations like the European Banking Federation; and in legal departments within governments.  

After being awarded the LLM, some graduates have undertaken further academic study by doing a research (PhD) degree.

Supporting your career

We offer 1-2-1 appointments with careers advisors, advice on your CV and job applications, and mock assessment centres and interviews. We also run a law vacancy jobs bulletin.

Industry links

You'll have access to events and workshops with law firms, alumni, and career professionals to help you to get started in your law career through our Legal Skills Academy.

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Job roles

This course will prepare you for a variety of roles, including:

  • Academic
  • Human rights officer
  • International law expert in law firms
  • Legal advisor in governmental departments
  • Legal advisor in International organisations and NGOs

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:

  • Amnesty International
  • Deloitte
  • European Union
  • International Committee of the Red Cross
  • UK government
  • United Nations
  • UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Course Leader

Course Team

You'll be taught by a team of world-leading scholars who specialise in disciplines such as international human rights law, the law of armed conflict, international environmental law, the United Nations, refugee law, international courts and tribunal, cyber security law, disarmament, and development. As a result, we offer a great selection of specialised international law modules.

Why study this course?

Fantastic central London location

You'll be studying in the centre of one of the world’s greatest cities, within easy reach of London's unrivalled legal, cultural and political resources.

Be part of our international law community

You'll have the opportunity to get involved in the activities of our International Law at Westminster research cluster, where you can build contacts with leading professionals and participate in events on topical international law issues.

Develop your legal knowledge and skills

You'll enhance your understanding of international law and gain a critical awareness of current issues and new insights in this area, as well as developing your research, analytical and broader transferable skills. 

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Related disciplines include law, social sciences, international relations. Applicants without the standard qualifications, but with significant professional experience in the relevant field or related professional qualifications may be considered.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Related disciplines include law, social sciences, international relations. Applicants without the standard qualifications, but with significant professional experience in the relevant field or related professional qualifications may be considered.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

More information

Studying the International Law LLM at the University of Westminster

What our students say

Kamil Pawlak

Kamil Pawlak

International Law LLM

The International Law LLM is an internationally recognised qualification, taught by teachers of the highest calibre. They set high standards for their students but they also give clearly defined written objectives.

This specific combination provides students with the skills to thrive and succeed in their professional careers.

I very much enjoyed the course environment and I hope to apply much of what I learnt in my professional life.

Zoe J Gao

Zoe J Gao

International Law LLM - 2017

International Arbitration and Resolution team | Dentons

The contents of the course gave me the capacity and confidence to approach a career in law, taking a position in the international arbitration and resolution team of a global law firm.

Outstanding teaching quality as well as knowledgeable and friendly fellow students made lectures incredibly stimulating. I also enjoyed case-analysis from guest lecturers, who are highly respected specialists in their field. The reading materials provided by the library and e-library definitely equipped me through the course. Being a Westminster graduate is one my proudest accomplishments.

Monique Law

Monique Law

International Law LLM

The teaching was first-class and the lecturers passionate about their subjects, which translated into energetic, stimulating and really interesting seminars.

The quality and breadth of readings supporting the lectures was very comprehensive and good as was the ease of access to other materials through the library. The opportunity to attend other seminars was definitely added value.

Learn new skills

Volunteer and gain new skills

We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.

Get extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £12,500 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).

Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.

Find out more about funding for international students.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you’ll be taught

Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
1
11%89%
Scheduled hoursIndependent study

How you’ll be assessed

Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into three broad categories:

  • Written exams: end of semester exams
  • Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
  • Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Year
1
1%2%97%
Written examsPracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2022/23

Research groups

Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.

Find out more about our research groups related to this course:

exterior of University of Westminster building

Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course location

Little Titchfield Street is the home of Westminster Law School and, as part of our Regent Campus, benefits from a central London location. The facilities include a full-size mock courtroom, high-tech learning spaces, a pro-bono clinic and a 382-seat lecture theatre.

Our Regent Campus is made up of three locations – 309 Regent Street, Little Titchfield Street and Wells Street, all of which are just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street.

For more details, visit our Little Titchfield Street page.

Contact us

Call our dedicated team on:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

More information

Your Westminster

Book an open day. Order a prospectus. Sign up for newsletters.