International Law
(LLM) International Law
Entry for 2026
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.
For information on the composition of this course please see either the on-line Undergraduate prospectus for undergraduate related courses or the on-line Postgraduate prospectus for postgraduate related courses.
More detailed information on the course structure and modules within this degree will be available on this page shortly.
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.