LLM International Law

Program Overview

The LLM International Law program at Reading University offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to the study of international law. Students explore various subfields of international law, benefit from expert faculty, and engage in activities that prepare them for careers in fields such as international organizations, legal practice, and academia. The program also incorporates perspectives unique to Reading and encourages students to consider the political and practical implications of the law.

Program Outline

The program will equip you with the specialist knowledge and skills you require to succeed as a professional, scholar, and leader in the field of international law. The program delves into different aspects of the subfields of international law while offering perspectives unique to Reading and our expert faculty. We incorporate interdisciplinary content that distinguishes our program and promotes the critical thinking of our students by encouraging you to consider the political and practical implications of the law. We are committed to providing a program that engages students in activities relevant for professional work in international law. You will be able to choose from a wide selection of modules from the School of Law; the School of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics; and the ICMA Centre, part of the renowned Henley Business School. Benefit from high-quality teaching and courses supported by expert academic researchers and practitioners, and develop links with employers and take opportunities to gain real-world experience. The program is offered under the auspices of Global Law at Reading (GLAR), our research hub for international law, EU law, and human rights law. You will have full access to common student spaces at Foxhill House, library access, and internet access.

Outline:

Compulsory Modules:

• Introduction to International Law: Explore the key features of the international legal system such as the nature of international law, treaties and other sources, the subjects of international law, dispute settlement, and the establishment of state responsibility.
• Dissertation: Develop high-level skills in research design, management, and implementation as you embark on a major independent research project.
You’ll demonstrate detailed knowledge of your chosen topic as you critically analyze your subject matter and consider it within the wider legal and socio-political landscape.

Optional Modules:

• The Use of Military Force: Embark on an in-depth study of military actions of states and the prohibition on the use of force.
You’ll receive a unique insight into the most controversial and fundamental aspects of the modern international legal order, using real-world case studies to understand what circumstances justify military force.
• The Law of Armed Conflict (International Humanitarian Law): Study the legal protections for injured or captured combatants and civilians, the rules as to how warfare is conducted, and the law of occupation.
You’ll learn through major case studies of armed conflict, including occupation, from the contemporary era developing a substantive understanding of the jus in bello and its development.
• International Refugee Law: Study principles of state sovereignty and migration control in the context of refugees escaping their home state due to fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, or political opinion.
You’ll study the international regime of refugee protection including its virtues and shortcomings.
• Human Rights Law, Policy, and Practice: Explore contemporary challenges and developments associated with human rights concepts and institutions.
You’ll consider the distinction between civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights as you explore a range of treaties, agencies, and bodies and systemic challenges. You’ll consider their role in global governance as you explore relevant legal principles and obligations through case studies.
• Contemporary Issues in International Law: Consider the impact of topics such as security, climate change, cyberspace, global health, and sustainable development on international law.
You’ll explore key case studies related to global challenges as you develop a substantive and theoretical understanding of international law and its implementation.
• Research methods for LLM Students or Research Methods (Advanced): Formulate a research question for your dissertation and identify an appropriate methodological approach for your research.
You’ll gain relevant knowledge and develop skills vital to plan and execute your dissertation.
• International Investment Law and Arbitration: Study the law of foreign investment and investment treaty arbitration through a close analysis of bilateral investment treaties.
You’ll acquire an in-depth understanding of the law, politics, and economics related to the investment treaty regime while considering the perspective of host states, multinational corporations, and other interest groups.
• International Commercial Arbitration (CIArb accredited): Discover the importance of arbitration as a form of dispute resolution in both domestic and international contexts.
You’ll gain a critical understanding of the important aspects of international commercial arbitration, as well as the economic and legal concepts determining the choice of dispute resolution methods by commercial parties.
• Contemporary Issues in Intellectual Property Law: Explore intellectual property law through the lens of contemporary debates.
You’ll critically engage with the role and impact of intellectual property law while studying key areas such as copyright, performers’ rights, trademark, and patents as you assess statutory provisions and case law.
• Internet Law: Examine the issues related to the law and regulation of the ‘borderless’ internet as you consider cyberspace theories; data protection, cybercrimes, and cybersecurity, e-commerce, intellectual property, and artificial intelligence.
You can also select modules from programs offered by other schools and departments, including from International Development, Politics and International Relations, and Henley Business School.

Careers:

The skills gained by undertaking a postgraduate law degree are in great demand from both legal and non-legal employers. LLM International Law will be an asset for students seeking employment in international courts and tribunals, United Nations agencies, legal practice and advocacy in the international law field, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the public service (in the areas of foreign relations, international development, etc), law reform agencies, the media (journalism and broadcasting), and academia (with further postgraduate study).

New UK/Republic of Ireland students:

£10,800

• New international students:
£22,350