Public International Law LLM

Overview

Providing you with a general public international law qualification, this course can be tailored towards a particular specialist interest such as environmental protection, international trade or human rights.

 You will develop a solid grounding in the techniques of arguing and interpreting international law, and expertise in how these elements are put to the test in very different contexts, from protecting the environment, to regulating world trade and humanitarian protection. With 25 qualifying options, you can choose to specialise in various areas of public international law.

The wide range of modules is delivered by an impressive and diverse array of talented academics. Members of the public international law team at Nottingham have published prize-winning works. Many also actively participate in policymaking and implementation of human rights norms at state and international levels.

We host a regular series of seminars through the International Law Association, which are delivered by distinguished visitors from across the world. Recent seminars have covered developments in refugee law, international environmental law and counter-terrorism.

Key facts

• Top 100 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018
• 81% of our research considered world-leading or internationally excellent in the latest Research Excellence Framework
• 96% of law postgraduates in work or further study within six months of graduation
• Dedicated resources including legal skills advice through workshops and one-to-one sessions, computer room, and a full range of legal study and research materials online and in the Hallward Library
• Links to leading firms in London and the regions, private industry and consultancies, and governmental institutions and non-governmental organisations across the UK and wider world

Course details

You will complete a minimum of 90 credits of specialist optional modules. The remaining 30 credits can be chosen from the full selection of optional modules available on the LLM programme. You will also undertake a 60-credit dissertation.

Guidance and support on choosing a public international law dissertation topic and designing your project will be provided through bespoke workshops and one-to-one support.

Teaching

We teach in small-group seminars where possible, allowing for an integrated, interactive learning experience. You are encouraged and expected to prepare for, and participate in, seminars so that you get the maximum benefit from them.

Assessment

You will be assessed by examination or essay, or a combination of both. All assessments take place at the end of the spring term.

Practice assignments, guidance on exam techniques, time management workshops, and one-to-one legal skills advice sessions are offered throughout the academic year to prepare you for these assessments.

Modules

Core modules

• Dissertation

Qualifying module options

• An Uncensored History of International Law
• Biodiversity and International Law
• Business and Human Rights
• The European Convention on Human Rights
• General Themes and Principles of International Environmental Law
• Governance of the European Union
• Imprisonment and Human Rights
• International Criminal Evidence
• International Criminal Law
• International Financial and Monetary Law
• International Human Rights Law
• International Investment Law
• International Law Mooting
• International Law on the Use of Force
• International Law of the Sea
• International Law of Treaties
• Law, Development and the International Community
• Mental Disability and International Human Rights
• Principles of Public International Law
• Public Procurement in EU and International Trade Law
• Religion and International Human Rights
• Rights, Humans and Other Animals
• The Rights of the Child
• United Nations Law
• The World Trading System

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result may change for reasons of, for example, research developments or legislation changes. This list is an example of typical modules we offer, not a definitive list.

Careers

Our graduates move into a wide range of careers. Many go into the legal profession or return to their previous legal careers with specialist knowledge and enhanced prospects. Others successfully seek employment with international organisations as well as international and local NGOs. Recent graduate destinations include BAE Systems, Clifford Chance, London Stock Exchange and Simmons & Simmons.

Some graduates further their academic career by progressing onto our PhD programme. These students often choose to stay at the University of Nottingham beyond their doctorate, with a number of academics becoming members of staff after completing their LLM/masters and PhD with us.

With an advanced law degree from the University of Nottingham, you will be well-placed to pursue your career ambitions and realise your goals.

Employability and average starting salary

96% of postgraduates from the School of Law who were available for employment secured work or further study within six months of graduation. £19,800 was the average starting salary, with the highest being £42,000.*

* Known destinations of full-time home postgraduates 2016/17. Salaries are calculated based on the median of those in full-time paid employment within the UK.

Visit the Public International Law LLM page on the University of Nottingham website for more details!