This masters of law programme is designed to help students become experts in the areas of International Law that directly concern the human person - International Criminal Law & International Human Rights Law - whilst mastering the discipline of International Law of which they are part. In addition to the foundational courses in Legal Research Methods and Public International Law, students will be required to study International Criminal Law, International Human Rights Law and write a dissertation on a topic within the International Criminal Law or International Human Rights Law. The remaining courses can be chosen from a range of relevant options.

Through carefully designed course work and varied teaching approaches, students will acquire the intellectual open-ness, technical expertise and critical thinking abilities that are necessary for effectiveness in a globalising world. The programme will equip students to respond effectively to the wide range of intellectual and professional challenges facing those working on legal issues concerning the human person in International Law. The LLM in International Law (specialising in International Criminal Law & International Human Rights Law) will equip them to deal with both case work and policy making.

Course Structure

January intake: Taught modules are undertaken in the period of January to June and September to January and will involve the study of 120 credits. The dissertation (or equivalent) is valued at 60 credits and is undertaken during the period of June to September.

September intake: Taught modules are undertaken in the period of September to June and will involve the study of 120 credits. The dissertation (or equivalent) is valued at 60 credits and is undertaken during the period of June to September.

What will you study on this course?

Teaching will mostly be seminar-based which will promote group and individual interaction, which also ensures that every individual student is encouraged to contribute to discussions. Seminar-based teaching enables lecturers and students to discuss issues and investigate topics in greater depth, and develops critical thinking and solution-based learning skills in students; whilst also allowing the course teachers to monitor closely each individual’s progress. Emphasis will be placed on the use of virtual learning through the mechanism of the Blackboard computer-assisted learning system and databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis. Throughout all modules, comparative elements with other legal systems will be emphasised.

Teaching will be in English. However, in line with the University’s Welsh language policy, students who so wish may be examined and present essays, coursework and dissertations through the medium of Welsh.

Compulsory Modules:

• Legal Research Methods
• International Criminal Law
• International Human Rights Law

Optional Modules:

• Law, Religion and Belief
• Public International Law
• International Law of Armed Conflict
• International Climate Change Law & Policy
• Transnational Crime
• Global Trade Law

Programmes and modules are constantly updated and reviewed. As with most academic programmes, please remember that it is possible that specific modules or programmes may not be offered in any particular year, because a member of staff is on study leave, for instance, or too few students opt for it. Bangor Law School reserves the right to vary or withdraw any course or module.

Modules for the current academic year

Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the International Criminal Law and International Human Rights Law Modules  page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

Employment opportunities for graduates of the programme will include work with international law firms, international organisations such as the United Nations, World Bank, World Trade Organisation and European Union, international courts and tribunals, ‘think tanks’ and research centres, non-governmental organisations and government (eg. Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs). Having taken one of our programmes, there will, of course, also be possibilities for academically inclined students to pursue careers in teaching and research.

Studying a Masters of Law degree opens a range of professional opportunities for those who chose to study for them. We offer a number of specialist Masters of law programmes, as well a more general programme - our LLM Law.