The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements. In the event of changes made to the government advice and social distancing rules by national or local government, the University may need to make further alterations to the published course content. Detailed information on the changes will be sent to every student on confirmation in August to ensure you have all the information before you come to Oxford Brookes.
LLM in International Law
LLM or PGDip or PGCert
Key facts
Start dates
September 2021 / September 2022
Location
Course length
Full time: LLM: 12 months, PGDip: 9 months, PGCert: 9 months
Part time: LLM: 24 months, PGDip: 18 months, PGCert: 18 months
Department
Overview
Our LLM in International Law gives you advanced knowledge of the legal aspects of the global economic system, essential for today's legal or business professional.
The course provides the opportunity to study the relations between:
- states
- individuals
- international organisations
- and other non-state actors.
A wide variety of modules allows you to tailor the course to your particular career aim and plans. You will study a range of issues relating to:
- the creation of legal obligations
- recognition of states
- the role of international organisations
- liability for international crimes and dispute settlement
- the use of force
- environmental protection
- human rights
- regulation of international trade and investment.
Our graduates have gone on to careers in international legal practice, international and national trade bodies. As well as in government and academic posts.

How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
Students will normally be required to have (or to be expecting) a good honours degree, or an equivalent degree awarded by a university outside the United Kingdom. The degree may be in Law or in a related discipline. We welcome applications from both non-Law graduates and work experience-based candidates.
Students new to the academic study of law will be advised to read a number of recommended texts by way of induction before they begin the course. Students are also encouraged to attend the induction sessions provided in the week prior to the beginning of the course.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
An IELTS minimum score of 6.5 (with 6.0 in reading and writing) is required.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
Financial support and scholarships
There are International Student Scholarships available for 2020 and other scholarships and funding options for postgraduate international students.
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
Learning and assessment
In Semester 1 you will take two compulsory modules and two elective modules.
In Semester 2 you will take one compulsory module and two elective modules.
You will complete your studies by completing your LLM dissertation. This is an extended and supervised piece on work on a particular aspect of international law, chosen in consultation with your course tutors. It is an opportunity for you to:
- gain knowledge through systematic academic enquiry
- demonstrate your ability to explore and present legal arguments.
The style of research may range from empirical investigation to textual analysis. You will develop transferable skills in research and information and project management.

Study modules
The modules listed below are for the master's award. For the PGDip and PGCert awards your module choices may be different. Please contact us for more details.
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
You'll experience high-quality learning through the diversity of methods used throughout the LLM courses. These include:
- lectures
- seminar discussions
- individual and small group tutorials
- case studies
- group presentations
- individual presentations.
You will acquire and practise legal reasoning as well as research and IT skills. Particular emphasis is placed on skills training.
Research
Our academics are at the forefront of a wide range of internationally recognised and world-leading research and projects.
Our LLM course team consists of researchers working within the following research groups:
- international law
- critical approaches to law
- fundamental rights and equality
You can attend the programme of research seminars and other events that underpin the research culture of the School of Law. You will have the opportunity to become involved in research through specialist modules in which teaching staff have expertise. They also supervise dissertations in their specialist subjects.

After you graduate
Career prospects
Graduates from the LLM succeed across an impressive range of careers from policy makers and human rights activists through to diplomats and commercial lawyers. LLM staff can advise you and direct you to possible careers and employers depending on your particular needs and ambitions.
"In the future I hope to further develop my legal research skills and gain enhanced knowledge of International Law in order to pursue a career in legal research. I think that overall an LLM is a unique opportunity to develop skills that could be applied in other related areas."
LLM Alumna, Olga Chetverikova
Pursuing an academic career in law
Research is fundamental to the Law School and is one of the reasons we performed so well in the last REF. Your own interests will be reflected in the modules you choose and many students feel moved to continue their academic studies and become specialists themselves. Several former LLM students have chosen to become researchers, publishing and lecturing on their work and graduating to do a PhD.
"The grounding that I now have in international law has allowed me to take on work that I would not previously have been qualified for. For example, I am currently developing a programme of litigation on the issue of counter-terrorism and human rights for an international organisation. I have lectured at Harvard Law School and been invited to contribute to an edited volume produced by Harvard."
LLM Alumnus Richard Carver, Associate Lecturer and Human Rights Consultant
Our Staff
Dr Sonia Morano-Foadi
Sonia's main area of research currently is EU law and in particular Citizenship, Migration and Human Rights within the EU. She also teaches in the area.
Read more about SoniaProgramme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.
For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.