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School of Law, Politics and Sociology

International Law

(LLM) International Law

Entry for 2024

FHEQ level

This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

Course Aims

The aim of this programme is to develop to an advanced level students understanding of the subject of public international law in its broadest sense to include issues relating not only to the traditional topics of international law such as the use of force and state sovereignty but also to focus on some of the newer and more controversial aspects of the subject such as migration and asylum, minority rights, the role of women, the protection of the environment and global governance. The student will achieve a deeper understanding of issues of international law and its place in the international relations of not only sovereign states but also, more broadly, in the context of world social, political and economic relations. Sussex Law School is in a unique position to offer this programme given its combination of academics interested in this broad range of international issues. It will also provide the opportunity for SLS to draw upon and develop its links with other Sussex Schools/Departments such as IDS, Anthropology, Politics and International Relations. Many of the options to be offered on this programme will be open to Masters students from these and other Departments.

Course Outline (May Be Used in Prospectus)

The aim of this programme is to develop to an advanced level students understanding of the subject of public international law in its broadest sense to include issues relating not only to the traditional topics of international law such as the use of force and state sovereignty but also to focus on some of the newer and more controversial aspects of the subject such as migration and asylum, minority rights, the role of women, the protection of the environment and global governance, particularly in the field of health. The student will achieve a deeper understanding of issues of international law and its place in the international relations of not only sovereign states but also, more broadly, in the context of world social, political and economic relations.

Course learning outcomes

Describe and critically analyse the fundamental principles, practices and institutions of public international law

Reflect critically upon the meanings, purposes and ideologies of international law

Critically evaluate a range of subjects specific to the optional courses chosen on the programme

Understand and make use of the a variety of research methodologies in international law

Undertake a substantial research project

Understand a variety of theoretical perspectives which underpin international law.

Full-time course composition

YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
1Autumn SemesterCoreAdvanced Legal Research and Writing (712M3)157
  CoreCritiquing International Law (709M3)157
  CoreInternational Law in the Modern World (887M3)307
  CorePrinciples of International Law (711M3)157
 Spring SemesterOptionGovernance of the Global Digital Economy (960M3)307
  Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery (717M3)307
  Indigenous and Minority Rights (814M3)157
  International and Transnational Offending (803M3)307
  International Crimes (801M3)307
  International Investment Law (935M3)307
  Migration, Rights and Governance (953M3)307
  Socioeconomic rights: economic violence, social justice and human rights law (956M3)157
  Trade Law and the International System (720M3)307
  Women and Human Rights (873M3)307

Part-time course composition

YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
1Autumn SemesterCoreAdvanced Legal Research and Writing (712M3)157
  CoreCritiquing International Law (709M3)157
  CorePrinciples of International Law (711M3)157
 Spring SemesterOptionGovernance of the Global Digital Economy (960M3)307
  Indigenous and Minority Rights (814M3)157
  International and Transnational Offending (803M3)307
  International Crimes (801M3)307
  International Investment Law (935M3)307
  Migration, Rights and Governance (953M3)307
  Socioeconomic rights: economic violence, social justice and human rights law (956M3)157
  Trade Law and the International System (720M3)307
  Women and Human Rights (873M3)307
YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
2Autumn SemesterCoreInternational Law in the Modern World (887M3)307
 Spring SemesterOptionCivil and Political Rights: Contemporary Challenges (820M3)157
  Governance of the Global Digital Economy (960M3)307
  Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery (717M3)307
  Indigenous and Minority Rights (814M3)157
  International Economic Law Clinic (825M3)307
  International Investment Law (935M3)307
  Socioeconomic rights: economic violence, social justice and human rights law (956M3)157
  Trade Law and the International System (720M3)307
  War, Terror, Violence and International Law (907M3)307
  Women and Human Rights (873M3)307
 Spring & Summer TeachingCoreLLM Dissertation (839M3)457

Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.

The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.