Overview
The LLM in Public International Law aims to provide you with an opportunity to develop recognised legal expertise within the field of public international law. As a system of law, public international law focuses on the treaties, rules, and conduct governing the relationship between states.
The course will approach public international law from the vantage point of the foreign relations, ideas, and substantive issues that shape its development. You will have the opportunity to gain an in depth understanding of public international law as a system of law by not only being introduced to its fundamental aspects, but also by having the chance to explore the skills necessary to apprehend the way public international law regulates the state system and responds to changes within the dynamics of that system.
Benefitting from over 50 years' experience of teaching Law and having the opportunity to participate in the Coventry University Global Leaders programme (subject to application and fees), and our CMI module, there are plenty of ways to develop your skills and stand out in the global graduate market.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedStudent experience
All the support you need, in a top student cityAccreditations and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
The course currently includes the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accredited module, Global Professional Development - Consultancy. Students who successfully complete the CMI module and meet the CMI evidence requirements will also gain a Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Management and a Level 7 Award in Professional Consulting. This will enable you to apply for Chartered Manager status via the qualified route, once all CMI entry criteria have been met (please visit the CMI website for full details on the criteria to qualify as a Chartered Manager and applicable fees).
Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules, but is frequently reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation related to these modules, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
International Association of Law Schools
Coventry Law School is a member of the International Association of Law Schools, an association of more than 160 law schools and departments from over 55 countries, representing more than 7,500 law faculty members. Having this status allows our Law students the opportunity for a variety of international experiences, including with our partner institutions across the world.
European Law Faculties Association (ELFA)
Coventry Law School is also a member of the European Law Faculties Association (ELFA) with over 250 members from Europe and beyond.
What our staff say
Developing an understanding of Public International Law will be vital for the international graduate of the future; with issues such as human rights and the environment becoming more prominent in international discourse, this course prepares you for the dynamic challenges of the international arena.
Course information
Suitable for graduates with or without a background in law who are seeking to gain and/or build upon their knowledge of public international law.
The LLM in Public International Law aims to provide you with an opportunity to develop recognised legal expertise within the field of public international law. As a system of law, public international law focuses on the treaties, rules, and conduct governing the relationship between states. The course will approach public international law from the vantage point of the foreign relations, ideas, and substantive issues that shape its development. You will have the opportunity to gain an in depth understanding of public international law as a system of law by not only being introduced to its fundamental aspects, but also by exploring the skills necessary to apprehend the way public international law regulates the state system and responds to changes within the dynamics of that system.
In the first semester, you will have the opportunity to learn about the frameworks and practices of public international law. In the second semester, you will explore specific branches of public international law, with the chance to develop a deeper understanding of the inner workings of this field. The course aims to offer a specialised and diverse approach to understanding contemporary issues and developments within public international law. In doing so, it is recognised throughout this course that public international law is a contentious field of study particularly with respect to the interaction between sovereignty on the one hand and the regulation of the state system on the other.
You will be taught by experts in the field of public international law, with assessment designed to test both critical understanding of the law, as well as its practical application. In addition to this, you will benefit from over 50 years’ experience of teaching Law, have the opportunity to participate in the Coventry University Global Leaders programme (subject to application and fees), and study a module accredited by the CMI. Please see the Accreditation and Professional Recognition section for more details on our CMI module. Please note that staff are subject to change.
This course can be offered on a part-time basis, with study over two years. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. You can make an enquiry about part-time study using our online forms, for UK and for EU/International students.
Course Specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
In more detail...
The LLM in Public International Law aims to provide you with an opportunity to develop recognised legal expertise within the field of public international law. Suitable for graduates with or without a background in law who are seeking to gain and/or build upon their knowledge of public international law.
Law has been taught at Coventry University for over 50 years and we are currently staffed by over 40 highly experienced academics and former practitioners, who bring their professional and/or research expertise into teaching; our faculty take pride in providing friendly, accessible support and guidance as well as inspirational teaching. Please note that staff are subject to change.
Our learning facilities, which include modern classrooms, open learning spaces and our moot room allow you the opportunity to get the most out of your learning experience. Our Moot Room, which is based on the ground floor of the George Eliot building will give you the opportunity to practise your legal skills. You will also have opportunities to advance your legal knowledge through attendance at conferences, special guest seminars, and through sessions with guest speakers, many of whom are currently working in the legal industry (subject to availability).
Please also note that due to the ongoing situation around COVID-19 restrictions, some teaching spaces may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use. Please refer to the University's webpages regarding our response to Covid-19, for UK students and for International students.
- Guidance on research, study and writing skills together with exploration of research design and methods, in preparation for writing assessments and the final semester Project module.
- Over 50 years’ experience teaching Law at Coventry University
- Benefit from a Law School who are currently members of the International Association of Law Schools and European Law Faculties Association
- Access to the Talent Team, a dedicated service for those students seeking placements and employment, with employability staff with knowledge of the legal profession and associated careers
- International perspective provided by staff exchange visits from other universities across the world (subject to availability).
- Opportunities to attend guest lectures from employers who specialise in different areas of the law, giving you the opportunity to build your professional network. Please note guest speakers are subject to availability).
- Current established student exchange links with the Universities of Liege in Belgium, Strasbourg in France (French speaking), Castellon and Leon in Spain (Spanish speaking), The Hague in the Netherlands, Orebro in Sweden, Pecs in Hungary (where courses are taught in English), the Universities of Kiel and Rostock in Germany (German Speaking) and the University of the West Indies Law Faculty in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (English speaking).
- Global Governance: One of the overarching aims in today’s globalised world is the regulation of international affairs. Political cooperation, especially that aimed at negotiating responses to problems that affect more than one State or region, are operationalised through global governance structures. It is therefore important for lawyers and legally-minded individuals to be able to understand and critically analyse the way in which public international law regulates the global community. This course therefore plays a crucial role in aiming to enhance the knowledge, understanding, and skills of lawyers and legally-interested individuals.
- Justice and Security: The international security regime forms the basis of various branches of public international law, namely international humanitarian law, international criminal law, and international environmental law. Each branch of law is driven by the idea that States and other international organisations need to promote the safety and security of the global community. In doing so, this course is designed to provide you the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to critically appraise the development and operationalisation of these branches of public international law as they relate to issues of securitisation, protection, and justice.
- Public International Law in Practice: An advanced knowledge and understanding of public international law is important for anyone seeking to work within this field of law. International lawyers draw upon both their legal knowledge and practical skills in order to apply them to the various and often complex situations and cases involving the application of international legal norms. This course incorporates a practice-oriented approach to study by challenging you to apply your knowledge and skills to contemporary issues affecting the interaction between States, as well as between States and non-State actors within the global community.
This course can be studied full-time over one year and may also be taken part-time over two years. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. If you are interested in part-time study, please contact us using our online forms, for UK and for EU/International students, for more information about studying this course part-time and to discuss the how your course may be structured.
We place great emphasis on our aim to enhance your transferrable professional skills, so you will regularly have opportunities to lead discussions or develop your presentational skills. We will also encourage you to improve your analytical and critical thinking skills. Teaching will principally be delivered through flexible workshops, which will include expository 'lecture style' content, in-class activities, and discursive seminars. These sessions may be delivered through a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
We will draw heavily on real-life case studies and there will be plenty of opportunities for discussion and debate within workshops. You will be expected to prepare in advance of workshops, with the aim to develop your understanding of a particular subject. We seek to supplement teaching with regular guest lectures - from the UK, Europe, and beyond - bringing new perspectives to the material covered in class (subject to availability).
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include, practical or project work, coursework, tests and essays – currently, this course is not assessed via any examinations, however this may be subject to change and you will be notified if at any point the assessment methods include examinations or any other assessment methods.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments across our courses may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
- Appraise the development of public international law as a distinct system of law
- Critically analyse the practices that have impacted on the development of public international law
- Critically engage with substantive issues that have impacted upon states and the regulation of the state system
- Effectively communicate ideas by explaining and conveying information in varying forms, such as orally and written
- Undertake large research-based projects independently, including an ability to manage their work in an effective manner
- Work either independently and/or collaboratively within workshops and on assessments, making effective use of feedback throughout
- Understand the importance of social responsibility and ethical behaviour in an academic and vocational capacity
- Evidence intellectual independence by addressing and resolving legal and related questions, identifying gaps in their own knowledge, and by acquiring new knowledge by engaging in critical analysis and evaluation
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of consultancy and the theories and practices found in leadership.
We set out below the typical teaching contact hours that you will receive on this course. In addition to the contact hours below, we offer the opportunity to attend additional optional sessions, such as guest lectures (subject to availability), or to meet with staff during their advice and feedback hours.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
In your first and second semester, you will have around 12 contact hours of teaching a week. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
A strong emphasis is placed on the Project module in your final semester and therefore total teaching contact hours may be reduced.
In addition, you will be expected to undertake a significant amount of studying and revising in your own time each week, which will be both self-directed, and also guided, through the use of, for example, hand-outs or online activities.
By its very nature, the study of public international law requires an international perspective, governing as it does the treaties, rules, and conduct governing the relationship between states. We offer international perspectives through case studies, the experience of our academic staff, and, typically, the diversity of our student body within the Law School.
We also recognise the difference that both work and an international experience can make to a future career. As well as having an international theme throughout your studies, there will also be opportunities to attend field trips overseas, which in the past has seen us visit the University of the West Indies Law Faculty in the Republic of Trinidad, The Hague to visit the International Criminal Court and Tobago to experience a different legal system as praxis, and also engage in a moot debate.
We currently have particularly strong links with the South West University of Politics and Law (SWUPL) in Chongqing in China. We have also established links with The University of the West Indies (Republic of Trinidad & Tobago), Stellenbosch University (South Africa), Nebrija University (Spain), Brunswick European Law School (Germany), and the University of Maryland (USA). These provide opportunities for study exchanges and staff also regularly give guest lectures and host joint ‘live’ online seminars with their students (subject to availability). Previously, we’ve organised seminars on topics such as International Development Law, Oil, Gas & Energy Law, Intellectual Property, International and European Law.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any overseas opportunities and that any such opportunities referred to on this webpage may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our staff say
Developing an understanding of Public International Law will be vital for the international graduate of the future; with issues such as human rights and the environment becoming more prominent in international discourse, this course prepares you for the dynamic challenges of the international arena.
Entry Requirements
What our staff say
Developing an understanding of Public International Law will be vital for the international graduate of the future; with issues such as human rights and the environment becoming more prominent in international discourse, this course prepares you for the dynamic challenges of the international arena.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our staff say
Developing an understanding of Public International Law will be vital for the international graduate of the future; with issues such as human rights and the environment becoming more prominent in international discourse, this course prepares you for the dynamic challenges of the international arena.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
The LLM in Public International Law aims to provide specialist knowledge in the legal understanding and application of international law, thus providing graduates with legal specialism in this area of law.
Career potential is wide-ranging and includes work in areas such as international criminal law, international trade and investment law, as well as human rights advocacy. Graduates may obtain employment in their national public service, including their government’s diplomatic service. There is also potential to engage in legal advisory work in inter-governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, and State administrations. Some graduates may choose to work in the area of international arbitration.
The utility of the course is not restricted to those who wish to pursue a career in legal practice, as the skills and attributes developed and acquired throughout the LLM Public International Law course are translatable to many other career destinations across the global jobs market. The course could also prepare you for further graduate level study (PhD) or a career in academia. Please not that further study opportunities may be subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements and additional costs may apply.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University's Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Where our graduates work
Previous graduates on similar courses have gone on to start their legal careers at organisations such as the Criminal Cases Review Commission, Crown Prosecution Service and in high street, national and international firms specialising in commercial and business law. Examples of employers of previous graduates on similar courses include: Brethertons LLP, a growing Midlands firm; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer a leading multinational law firm and Ince and Co, a specialist international commercial firm with offices in Dubai, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Le Havre, London, Paris, Piraeus, Shanghai and Singapore.
What our staff say
Developing an understanding of Public International Law will be vital for the international graduate of the future; with issues such as human rights and the environment becoming more prominent in international discourse, this course prepares you for the dynamic challenges of the international arena.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
