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Postgraduate Taught

Master of Laws LLM in International Law

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code 1234
Duration 1 year full time
2 years part time
Entry year September 2025
Campus Streatham Campus
Discipline Law
Contact

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Typical offer

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2:2 Honours degree

Contextual offers

Overview

  • Gain a global perspective on the challenges within international law and learn how to find ways to overcome them by examining various legal systems and looking beyond the law
  • A flexible programme with the opportunity to specialise in either private or public international law or a mix of both
  • Join a dynamic and vibrant academic environment that attracts students from all over the world, creating a truly international learning community
  • Learn from renowned academics, all highly driven and passionate experts in their fields
  • Develop your research skills by joining one of our research centres and become an active member of our vibrant research community
  • Gain the understanding and skills needed for working in private practice or for governmental bodies, international organisations or NGOs

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Contact

Programme Director: Dr Chris O'Meara

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

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Top 200 for Law in the QS World University Rankings 2024

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Top 20 in the UK for our world-leading Law research

Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021

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Personal tutor support and close contact with academic staff who are leaders in their field

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Top 20 in the UK for Law

16th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a high 2:2 Honours degree with at least 57% or above (or equivalent) in Law (or a degree with a substantial legal component). While we normally only consider applicants who meet this criteria, if you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience in legal professions, we would welcome your application.

Applicants without a Law degree

We welcome applications from students with other qualifications or degrees in an area appropriate to the LLM programme. These may include Social Sciences (eg Politics, International Relations, International Studies), Humanities, Accountancy or Business Studies. Please note this list is not exhaustive and every application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please note: If we feel your application is better suited to one of our LLM Master of Laws and Business programmes we may automatically consider you for one of these.

Entry requirements for international students

Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.

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Entry requirements for international students

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

This programme aims to equip you with a critical understanding of public international law, which regulates relationships among states, international organisations, and non-state actors at the international level.

Studying international law is vital for anyone considering work in private practice or for governmental bodies, international organisations, NGOs, and other institutions that respond to pressing global challenges.

Dr Chris O'Meara

Programme Director

Course content

Studying a Master of Laws in International Law offers a rewarding learning experience with opportunities to deepen your understanding of international law, and to improve skills necessary at all levels of professional engagement with contemporary and future challenges faced by international law.

You will take part in interactive seminars, thought-provoking discussions and critical debates with your peers and academics from across the world giving you unique insight and global perspectives into contemporary law.

Alongside the compulsory dissertation, you’ll choose from an array of optional modules which are all cutting-edge subjects dealing with contemporary and key international issues, such as international human rights law; human rights and digital technology; the right to dignity; the international law of armed conflict; the international law of cyber operations; the use of force; the International Criminal Court; and migration.

Depending on your choice of modules (see list below), you may choose to specialise in:

  • International Law;
  • International Law: Human Rights;
  • or International Law: Conflict, Peace and Justice.

In order to enhance your research and learning experiences and to create a vibrant community of postgraduate students enrolled in this course, you will be affiliated with one of our research centres for the duration of your studies.

In order to obtain an LLM Master of Laws in International Law, you must successfully complete a total of 180 credits:

  • eight 15-credit modules  (chosen from the list below)
  • compulsory LLM dissertation (60 credits)

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Stage 1: 60-credit compulsory dissertation module, 120 credits of optional modules

In addition to the compulsory module listed below, you will study 120 credits of optional modules (60 credits in the autumn term and 60 credits in the spring term) chosen from the list of optional international law modules available in your year of academic study. You may choose to take 30 credits of module(s) outside the Law School, subject to availability and approval by the programme director.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
LAWM640 Dissertation 60

Optional modules

Stage 1: 60-credit compulsory dissertation module, 120 credits of optional modules

In addition to the compulsory module listed below, you will study 120 credits of optional modules (60 credits in the autumn term and 60 credits in the spring term) chosen from the list of optional international law modules available in your year of academic study. You may choose to take 30 credits of module(s) outside the programme and/or the Law School, subject to availability and approval by the programme director. See https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=law for optional Law School modules.

 

The programme offers three specialisms, depending on your choice of modules:

International Law: minimum 90 credits International Law modules; 30 credits of modules of your own choice (from your programme, outside your programme and/or the Law School); 60 credits International Law dissertation.

International Law: Human Rights: minimum 90 credits International Law modules with minimum 60 credits Human Rights modules – see modules marked ‘a’; 30 credits of modules of your own choice (from your programme, outside your programme and/or the Law School); 60 credits International Law dissertation.

International Law: Conflict, Peace, and Justice: minimum 90 credits International Law modules with minimum 60 credits Conflict, Peace, and Justice modules – see modules marked ‘b’; 30 credits of modules of your own choice (from your programme, outside your programme and/or the Law School); 60 credits International Law dissertation.

CodeModule Credits
LAWM145 Dignity, Democracy and the Law [a - See notes above] Term 115
LAWM157 International Human Rights Law: United Nations System [a or b - See notes above] Term 115
LAWM160 Law, Politics and Justice [a - See notes above] Term 115
LAWM162 The International Criminal Court: Law and Practice [b - See notes above] Term 115
LAWM164 The Use of Force in International Law [b - See notes above] Term 215
LAWM189 Legal Research and Writing Skills Term 115
LAWM155 Human Rights and Digital Technologies [a - See notes above] Term 215
LAWM156 International Crimes and Human Rights Abuses [b - See notes above] Term 215
LAWM161 Migration, citizenship and asylum in international law [a - See notes above] Term 215
LAWM163 The International Law of Cyber Operations [b - See notes above] Term 215
LAWM178 LLM Law Clinic Term 215

Fees

2025/26 entry

UK fees per year:

£12,500 full-time; £6,250 part-time

International fees per year:

£25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time

Scholarships

We invest heavily in scholarships for talented prospective Masters students. This includes over £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*.

For more information on scholarships, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

*Selected programmes only. Please see the Terms and Conditions for each scheme for further details.

Teaching and research

Learning and teaching

Formal teaching is delivered via weekly lectures or seminars, depending on group size. Course materials are delivered directly by academic staff, and you are encouraged to actively engage in discussions and debates. You will be in control of your own learning, appropriately supported by peers and staff including a personal tutor.

Assessment

As well as the dissertation, assessment is comprised almost entirely of extended coursework essays, with written examinations in some modules where appropriate.

Research

In addition to your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to benefit from a stimulating programme of research seminars designed to enable staff and postgraduate students to experience cutting-edge research by members of the academic and legal community both within and outside of Exeter.

Extra-curricular activities

Formal learning is enhanced by opportunities to participate in a range of exciting extra-curricular activities including pro bono projects, internships, mooting and networking events.

We have close and active links with Exeter Law School alumni and honorary doctorates, many of whom occupy powerful and prestigious roles in the legal community throughout the world. Where possible, we invite individuals from this community and the broader legal profession to engage with our postgraduate students, whether through research seminars or more informal events, providing you with valuable networking opportunities.

Facilities

The Lasok Law Library, located in the Forum holds in excess of 40,000 volumes and is open 24 hours a day. You can choose from diverse study spaces to suit your specific learning needs, whether dedicated quiet study, group work, or social learning over a coffee.

Our custom-built Moot Court offers students invaluable opportunities to take part in mooting activities and is equipped with the latest technology, including high-spec video conferencing.

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Careers

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Employer-valued skills this course develops

The modules offered include topics you must have knowledge of in order to succeed in senior positions, whether in private practice, corporate or public employment – including international trading companies and law firms, chartering, trade, and marine insurance, the European Commission, the European Court of Justice, or the Governments of EU Member States.

You will gain invaluable experience in finding out the law from the original sources; in preparing and producing extended legal writing; and in presenting a legal proposition briefly and succinctly to an audience.

Graduate destinations

LLM graduates either continue on the academic path and pursue their studies with a PhD; others go into private practice, corporate or public employment – including international trading companies and law firms, chartering, trade, and marine insurance, the European Commission, the Governments of EU Member States as well as international and regional courts and/or organisations or NGOs.

Careers support

When it comes to securing a graduate level position, we enjoy extremely good relations with members of the legal profession regionally, nationally and internationally. You will be supported by an Employability Officer, the wide range of services offered by Career Zone and have the opportunity to meet potential employers face-to-face through our annual Law Fair, workshops and careers sessions.

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