The LLM International Law and International Relations offers students the opportunity to engage with the role of law in international affairs. The inter-relations between international law and international relations have become increasingly intense in the decade since September 2001 as both legal and political responses to threats to international peace and security have been coordinated through the United Nations and regional organizations. This programme provides students with a high quality education in both international law and international relations. It places great emphasis on the inter-relations of both disciplines on issues such as international and regional organizations, regulation of the use of force, terrorism, the protection of the environment, racial and gender equality, national identity, globalization, international human rights, postcolonialism  and conflict resolution. Specialist studies in areas such the ecology, the Middle East and Islam will be available. 

The areas of International law and International relations have been developed by specialists in their field who have published widely including books on the modern state, international environment, international law after September 11 2001, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the African Human Rights system, Islam, Human Rights and Land law. The teaching team comprises of staff who acted as consultants to international organizations and held visiting professor positions in the Middle East, Africa and South and South East Asia.

A good degree in law, social sciences or humanities or another appropriate discipline.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, or whose first degree has not been studied in English medium, then IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.

There are two core 30 credit modules, one 60 credit dissertation of 15,000 words and two optional 30 credit modules. The total programme amounts to 180 credits and is available one year full-time or two years part-time. Core modules are: Current Issues and Research in International Law and  Critical International Relations; two modules can be selected from any available LLM International Law or MSc International Relations module.

The programme is delivered by specialists in their field and the modules are informed by this research. Students will also benefit from the activities of the Centre on Human Rights in Conflict and the Centre for Migration, Refugees and Belonging which include regular seminar series. The UEL library is well stocked with books and journals in international law and international relations and students have access to a wide range of electronic resources and legal data bases. Teaching will be conducted through lectures, workshops, seminars and supervisions. Students will be provided with module guides and lectures will be podcast supported by UEL Plus.

The programme is assessed through a range of assessments including essays, research diaries, case studies, book reviews, oral presentations and a dissertation.

The LLM International Law and International Relations will useful qualification for work in the legal profession, the public service, NGOs, the media and education.

The dissertation is 15,000 words.

Equips you with critical skills and knowledge in important areas

On joining, students receive a helpful induction programme. This will explain the facilities and services available, orient students in the university and help students choose their modules.

Special workshops are also provided to guide students on the preparation of their dissertations.

Teaching is supported by on-line learning and pod-casting of lectures.

The School offers a specialist employability officer to advise students about their options after graduation.

Students have access to resources at UEL library and the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.

The University also offers extensive support services including financial advice, careers advice, counselling and learning support.

The programme is taught by specialists whose published work was assessed as of international recognition and above by the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 in Law and Sociology.  The programme is sustained through research informed teaching and staff who are who have experience of acting as consultants to international organizations, governments and non-governmental organizations. The work of the Centre on Human Rights in Conflict and the Centre on Migration, Refugees and Belonging has been supported by research grants from the European Union, the British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust are recognizes as centres of excellence on conflict resolution, peace-building and human rights. Students and graduates on the current LLM programmes have been successful in gaining internships a wide variety of international and regional organizations including the International Criminal Court, the International criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the Extraordinary Chambers of Cambodia, the United Nations Commissions for Refugees and the International Bar Association.