1. Identify, analyse, interpret and evaluate key concepts, principles and debates relating to International Law

Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis Learning

2. Apply Private International Law rules to complex problems and issues in cross-border situations and current affairs

Application
Problem Solving

3. Construct and clearly communicate cohesive written legal arguments for a legal and professional audience.

Communication

4. Evaluate from comparative and international perspectives, the impact of International Law in the context of social, economic, and cultural diversity.

Enquiry
Analysis

The precise content may vary from year to year (based on contemporary developments) but the following is an indicative list of areas that may be covered.
Sources of International Law
Personality and Recognition
International Crimes
International Human Rights and Criminal Justice
Treaties and International Relations
Statehood and Self-determination
Nationality
Protection of Individuals and Groups
nternational Disutes

This module will provide students with an opportunity to study the legal rules and theories in International law. It will enable them to engage with academic literature and assess the relevance of the principles of international law in various contextual settings. Students will be able to identify sources of international law. They will consider state personality, in comparison with international bodies such as the UN and analyse the process of recognition and its operation in politics. International crimes and justice will enable students to identify a range of transgressions, gain insight into the history of the development of the crimes and understand how the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court operates in response to crimes and issues surrounding human rights. As such, students will expand their knowledge of human rights by learning about statehood, the right to self-determination, nationality and the protection of groups such as unrecognised peoples and stateless nations.

You will be able to assess operation of international law principles in context of societal changes. Amongst others, you will be able to understand laws regulating immigration, nationality, and jurisdiction for international crimes and cases. You will be able to assess the incorporation of treaties and the effectiveness of these treaties in domestic legislation. You will also understand the process of law making and the decision making in international organisations, such as the United Nations.

The module requires a combined weekly commitment of 3 hours attending lectures (1hour) and workshops (2 hours). Below shows the allocation of learning time in hours:

13 one hour long sessions of scheduled lectures. (13 hours)
13 two hour sessions of scheduled workshops. (26 hours)
161 hours of independent study

In addition to the time spent attending lectures and workshops, there is a requirement that students prepare for their lectures and workshops. This means that students are expected to commit 6-8 hours of private study each week, in addition to their regular lectures and workshops.

The module aims to provide students with a general grounding in International Law. Workshops will focus primarily on the in-depth consideration of questions, including problem-solving. Workshops are an important part of student learning which provide opportunities to demonstrate understanding, knowledge, and application. The communication skills developed in lectures and workshops, by regularly and actively participating in discussions, are highly regarded by employers and professional bodies.

Malcolm Evans, International Law (6th ed, OUP 2024)

James Crawford, Brownlies Principles of Public International Law (9th ed, OUP 2019)

Other text books in this area are also available via Law Trove
Access to WestLaw and Lexis