Public International Law  LLM

Overview

The City LLM in Public International Law concentrates on the development of a thorough and critical understanding of Public International Law (PIL). The course is designed to provide you with expert knowledge of the principles within which international law operates.

The City LLM in Public International Law offers two major programme options. First, students can take an LLM in Public International Law. Students are able to choose from approximately 15 different module subjects. You can then complete a dissertation in any one of the four modules you have already undertaken.

Alternatively, you can choose to add a specialism to your LLM in Public International Law by taking two modules and a dissertation in a chosen spealist area of law. We offer specialisms in: International Human Rights, International Dispute Resolution, International Law and the Global Economy, International Criminal Law and Justice and International Law and Armed Conflicts. 

Why the City LLM?

  • Opportunity to study a rich range of cutting edge subjects in Public International Law
  • Obtain specialist knowledge from acknowledged experts in the field of Public International Law
  • Gain transferable skills by taking part in mooting, workshops, networking events and pro bono activities organised by the School
  • Enhance your career prospects with an internationally recognised postgraduate degree
  • Benefit from the School's international and national partnerships, indlucing the opportunity to unertake an internship

 

Course Fees:

  • Full-time EU: £12,750
  • Part-time EU: £6,375
  • Full-time Non EU: £12,750
  • Part-time Non EU: £6,375

Start Date:

September

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

Candidates should have a very strong academic profile and good English. The entrance requirement is normally a first degree in law, social science, humanities or related field or an equivalent professional qualification and experience. Evidence of at least upper second-class honours ability will be looked for, but full credit will be given for professional experience.

Students do not need to have previously studied Public International Law, however if they have not they will be required to take the general PIL module.

Postgraduate Preparation Programmes


If you do not qualify for direct entry, our partner INTO City University London offers academic preparation programmes which focus on the skills you need. Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Business, Law and Social Science at INTO City University London means guaranteed progression to this degree.

Kaplan International College (KIC) London

Additionally, the University works in partnership with KIC London to provide preparatory courses for international students.  Foundation and Pre Masters courses at KIC London offer comprehensive support to students including regular one-to-one tuition. Progression to the University is guaranteed if you complete the KIC London course at the required level.

English Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English, the following qualifications are also required:

IELTS: 7 or above
TOEFL (internet based): 107 or above
Language Programmes

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner, INTO City University London offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree. Please click the links below for more information.

English for Postgraduate Study
Pre-sessional English

Visa Requirements

The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course at City, there are different rules for:

  • Students on courses of more than 6 months
  • Students on courses of less than 6 months
  • Students on a pre-sessional English Language course

For more information see our main Visa page.

When and Where

Start Date:
September
Duration:

1 year full-time

2 years part-time

Course Content

The course aims to enhance students' ability to analyse, interpret and criticise the laws, rules, policies and practices that underpin PIL. The academics teaching on the course are specialists in their respectitive fields and are at the forefront of recent developments in the interplay between domestic and international systems. You will also have the opportunity to take part in mooting, practitioner workshops and an introduction to practising lawyers.

Course Structure

You are required to study four modules in Public International Law.

Specialisms:

To be awarded  a specialism in any of the following areas you need to complete two modules and a dissertation in your chosen specialist area.

Specialist areas and required modules:

International Human Rights

Modules:

  • International Human Rights in Law and Practice
  • Minorities and Indigenous Peoples in International Law

International Dispute Resolution

Modules:

  • International Dispute Settlement
  • Law of International Organisations

International Law and the Global Economy

Modules:

  • International Law and the Global Economy
  • Law of Treaties

International Criminal Law and Justice

Modules:

  • International Criminal Law 1: Institutions and Structures
  • International Criminal Law 2: Crimes and Liability

International Law and Armed Conflict

Modules:

  • Law in War
  • International Law and the Use of Force


List of all Modules

  • Law of the Sea
  • Public International Law
  • Law of Treaties
  • International Human Rights in Law and Practice
  • Minorities and Indigenous Peoples in International Law
  • International Dispute Settlement
  • International Responsibility of States and International Organizations
  • Law of International Organisations
  • International Law and the Global Economy
  • Theory of International Law 
  • International Criminal Law 1: Institutions and Structures
  • International Criminal Law 2: Crimes and Liability
  • Financial Crime in an International Context
  • Law in War
  • International Law and the Use of Force


Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

The LLM team has considerable experience of professional training for lawyers and, between them, many years in practice. This unique mix of practice and teaching experience is fully utilised on the LLM course for your benefit.

There are ten two-hour seminars for each course. One of the core values of the LLM is that we try and provide a strong level of support to our students and this means that we keep our classes small. All our classes run on the basis of a minimum of five students and a maximum of 30, which provides you with a positive and interactive learning environment to study in.

You will have an allocated personal tutor who will support you throughout your time at City. In addition to your allocated personal tutor, we have tutors who can offer you individual careers support reviewing CVs, including providing advice on gaining a career in international law.

Assessment

You must complete four modules and a 15,000 - 20,000 word dissertation. The modules are assessed by a course essay of 6,000 words and the dissertation must be completed during the summer term.

Fees

  • Full-time EU: £12,750
  • Part-time EU: £6,375
  • Full-time Non EU: £12,750
  • Part-time Non EU: £6,375

Funding

For up-to-date information about tuition fees, living costs and financial support, visit Undergraduate Fees and Finance or Postgraduate Fees and Finance.

For further information and ideas about how to fund your course, visit Financing your study.

Career Prospects

The LLM in Public International Law provides a good academic grounding in this increasingly important area of legal practice. On completing the LLM students will be well placed to obtain employment with governmental and non-governmental agencies,commercial law firms, NGOs and in house legal departments of multinational corporations with concerns about corporate responsibility at an international level. Overseas students who are seeking employment with their foreign and development offices in their home country will benefit from the programme. The course will also assist British students seeking to practice in international law either at the Bar or as solicitors.

Postgraduate Experience

Students who complete the LLM may wish to continue their academic studies by enrolling in a PhD or MPhil offered by The City Law School.

Master and research students are encouraged to play an active role in our activities, which include a series of seminars organised by the School's research group on International Law and Affairs.

 

Find out more about City University London

Applications can be made directly to The City Law School. You can apply online for both the full-time and part-time course or you can complete a paper application.

Applications open in September each year for enrolment the following September. Late applicants run the risk that the course may be full after the initial round of offers has been made.

Don't miss out, make sure you get yours in early!

Full-time Application

Part-time Application

Paper Application