Law LLM

Postgraduate

This course aims to give you a clear, critical understanding of modern international law. Explore a range of general and specialised subject areas designed to help you navigate the complexities of today’s global legal landscape.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CBLT002

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
July 2026

How to apply

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Course overview

This course helps law undergraduates, legal professionals and those with related backgrounds to expand their knowledge of international law and its global impact and build expertise to tackle today’s legal challenges.

Study international law principles and examine how law addresses modern issues.
Examine specialist areas of law such as commercial arbitration, comparative constitutional law and international law.
Investigate and engage with international legal systems, learning to understand the rules, principles and theories of the law beyond the boundaries of individual countries.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Benefit from integrated academic research training throughout modules.
Conduct in-depth research and have opportunities to publish your work in the Coventry Law Journal².
Learn and work in collaboration with your peers through a workshop-based delivery model, tackling contemporary and real-world problems.
Hone your legal skills in mooting competitions held in our own mock courtroom⁴.

Memberships

IALS - International Association of Law Schools

Coventry Law School is currently a member of the International Association of Law Schools, an association of around 160 law schools from over 55 countries, representing around 7,500 law faculty members. Having this status allows you to access a variety of international experiences, including with our partner institutions across the world.

ELFA - European Law Faculties Association

Coventry Law School is also currently a member of the European Law Faculties Association with over 250 members from Europe and beyond.

BILET - British and Irish Law Education and Technology Association

Coventry Law School is currently a member of British and Irish Law Education and Technology Association, one of the largest Technology Law associations in Europe.

Memberships are renewed annually, and there is currently no intention for any of the memberships or partnership to lapse, however if our memberships or partnership are not renewed we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.¹

Collaborations

Central England Law Centre

Coventry Law School collaborates with the Central England Law Centre in order to offer a powerful professional element to your learning, through our Law Employment and Advocacy clinics. Students who participate in the clinics get involved with everything that the solicitors do at the Law Centre with supervisors who are currently working in practice and experts in specific areas of law. They get hands-on-experience doing reserved legal activities, providing supervised advice and assistance to members of the public.

What you'll study

Modules cover the relevant rules, values and institutions of comparative and international law. You’ll study a range of legal topics that test your critical understanding of the law and its practical application.

Modules

Principles of International Law - 30 credits

Explore the concepts and operation of international law, a framework of detailed rules that govern the interaction of States and their legal systems. Content aims to ground you in an understanding of the fundamental concepts and systems that underpin the subject, and explain how these operate together, in connection with international institutions, in the context of international relations. We will explain the differences between public and private international law, and where these differences lie.

The module will examine the two main sources of international law, namely treaties and customary law. The role of international institutions, such as the United Nations, the African Union and the World Trade Organisation, and the development of international rules will be explored. You may have the opportunity to engage with Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project in this module², offering you the chance to interact with other international universities and professional institutions.

Compulsory

Law and Contemporary Problems - 30 credits

This module inverts the traditional model for teaching law, starting by looking at a contemporary challenge, then considering the role the law plays in addressing that challenge. Each week, you will be introduced to a contemporary issue and identify how different areas of law are connected to that issue. We will then explore how a variety of different areas of law can be utilised to address that challenge. This exploration is enabled by the development and application of a range of skills appropriate to scholarship at the postgraduate level, including the use of enhanced research and legal skills relevant to the preparation and writing of written assessments.

Compulsory

Commercial Arbitration- 30 credits

Develop practical skills in arbitration, a growing method of global dispute resolution and explore key concepts and principles of English arbitration law and practice. This is achieved through a consideration of the unique role of arbitration and its legal framework, including applying this to practical sale of goods dispute scenarios. You should acquire a holistic understanding of the legal theoretical underpinnings and resulting practical consequences of arbitration from the standpoint of all parties involved including, but not limited to, arbitrators, parties in disputes and legal practitioners.

Compulsory

Comparative Constitutional Law- 30 credits

Examine on a comparative basis the differing institutional structures for organising government/state power, together with the protection of human rights and provision for judicial and constitutional review. This module has a perspective on constitutional law that examines more than Europe, the US and the UK which are typically surveyed in modules of this type, and will look at East and South Asia, South America and Africa. The module crosses borders by examining overarching themes and engaging in a comparative analysis of the constitutional treatment of global issues. The added benefit is that course materials are post-colonial and apolitical, treating all constitutions equally and not holding any particular constitution as an exemplar. Contemporary constitutional issues confronting many modern states will be examined, such as constitutional populism and the need to update constitutions to reflect contemporary society.

Compulsory

International Law: Crisis and Security - 30 credits

Equip yourself with the key academic skills needed to tackle international crises through this module's practical focus. It provides an advanced exploration of the interplay between international law and global security and crisis, focusing on the ways international systems attempt to regulate, react to and resolve crises. You will critically explore the legal frameworks governing aspects of, inter alia, public international law, human rights, humanitarian law, the use of force and international criminal law, developing working understandings of the role the law plays in dealing with situations such as armed conflict, terrorism, atrocities, natural disaster and population displacement.

Compulsory

Postgraduate Project- 30 credits

You will carry out a substantive piece of independent research into a legal issue relevant to your course. You will be expected to draw upon the knowledge acquired, and the intellectual, technical and analytical skills developed throughout your course. You will be supported in this module through a series of group supervisions and will be allocated a project supervisor. The module includes two routes, and you will be given the opportunity to select your preferred route, although all project titles must be approved by the project supervisor in advance of commencing the project. The two routes are:

Route 1: An individual research-based dissertation.
Route 2: An individual project report.

Compulsory

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops
mooting
legal clinic.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module.

Assessment methods may include:

reports
tests
essays
exams
practical coursework
assignments
viva
presentations.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experiences

This course brings a strong international perspective by incorporating case studies from around the world. We aim to help you develop a global outlook through our academic staff’s global experience. Throughout your studies, you’ll have chances to go on field trips and join Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects with students from other universities worldwide². These opportunities, when available, should help you analyse issues from multiple viewpoints and deepen your understanding of how different legal systems approach various challenges.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed².

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above in any discipline.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

An honours degree 2:2 or above in any discipline.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international pre-master's. Upon successful completion our IPM should provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this postgraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200	Not available
EU	£11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our learning facilities offer you the chance to get the most out of your learning experience.

Moot Room

Develop your advocacy and courtroom skills. Our Moot Room simulates mock court trials where you and other students can role-play as barristers, sharpening your legal skills and knowledge.

students in a mock law room - five students sitting as a jury a male standing addressing a person wearing a judges wig

Legal Clinic

Use the Legal Clinic to develop your practical legal skills and help you stand out in your future career. You will have access to 'real' clients and work alongside trained solicitors and lawyers.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

The skills learnt and practised throughout the Law LLM course can be utilised if you intend to enter the legal profession in the UK and overseas. The skills and attributes developed and acquired throughout the course can also be translatable to many other career destinations.

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

evidence a critical understanding of the theories, concepts, values, principles and rules of international law within an institutional, social and global context
evaluate and critique contemporary issues and developments within various areas of constitutional law, public international law, commercial law and the law relating to technological developments
identify, synthesise and critically analyse relevant and in-depth information from primary and secondary legal sources, using both digital and non-digital resources
draw reasoned and critical conclusions through the application of legal principles and knowledge to complex real-life and/or hypothetical legal, social, political and commercial problems
show enhanced intellectual independence including addressing and resolving legal and related questions, acquiring new knowledge, addressing and resolving ambiguity and engaging in critical analysis and evaluation
appreciate and demonstrate an awareness of social responsibility and ethical behaviour in an academic and vocational capacity
communicate effectively by explaining and conveying information at various levels appropriate to the audience, and demonstrate self-management and an ability to work and research independently and collaboratively to enhance employability.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates of this course have chosen to specialise in business, international and diplomatic relations and human rights law as lawyers both at home and abroad. Others have gone on to work for international organisations in a non-legal capacity in international human rights, the environment, and for local and national government agencies.

You may also seek to go on to further graduate-level study (PhD) or academia.

Our Law LLM is not a direct route to qualification as a Lawyer, Barrister or Solicitor in the UK.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Start your application

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University 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.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

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 current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. 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.