1. Critically analyse¿the sources, hierarchy, and general principles of public international law, and apply these principles to contemporary global issues

Analysis; Knowledge and Understanding

2. Evaluate¿the concept of international legal personality, including the roles of states, international organisations, and non-state actors, and assess their rights, duties, and interactions under public international law

Enquiry

3. Examine¿the relationship between international and domestic law, and critically assess key issues such as jurisdiction, state responsibility, the Law of Treaties, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes, using real-world examples.

Analysis; Knowledge and Understanding

4. Apply¿the principles of public international law to substantive areas and critically reflect on how these legal frameworks address contemporary global challenges.

Application; Problem Solving

Essay – Assessing Outcomes 1 – 4



Students will be required to critically engage with key legal principles and real-world applications, testing their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to contemporary issues.

This module offers an advanced understanding of the foundational principles, key doctrines, and contemporary issues in Public International Law. It addresses the structure and sources of international legal norms, the roles of various international actors, and the interplay between international and domestic legal systems. Students will critically engage with real-world case studies and contemporary challenges, such as climate change, armed conflict, and state sovereignty.



Topics covered include:



Introduction to Public International Law

Sources and Hierarchy of International Law

International Legal Personality

Relationship Between International and Domestic Law

Jurisdiction in International Law

The Law of Treaties

State Responsibility

The Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes

The Use of Force in International Law

Contemporary Challenges in Public International Law

Are you ready to explore the legal frameworks that shape the world stage? The¿Public International Law¿module offers an in-depth examination of the rules governing relationships between states, international organisations, and non-state actors. Ideal for students interested in international relations, global governance, and legal practice, this module equips you with a solid understanding of the principles and practices that underpin international law. Through a critical analysis of key legal sources, treaties, and case studies, you will explore essential topics like the use of force, the peaceful settlement of disputes, state responsibility, and the relationship between international and domestic law. You will also dive into contemporary challenges such as environmental law, international trade, human rights, and armed conflicts, linking theory with real-world events like climate change negotiations and global security crises.

This module is perfect for anyone aspiring to a career in international law, diplomacy, or global policymaking. Gain the expertise and analytical skills needed to navigate complex global issues and contribute to shaping a just and lawful international community.

The learning strategy for this module is designed to engage students in an advanced and comprehensive exploration of the principles, structures, and contemporary issues of international law. A total of¿200 hours¿is allocated to achieving the module’s learning outcomes, including¿39 hours of direct contact¿with a tutor through lectures and seminars, supported by¿161 hours of independent and guided study. This structure ensures that students gain both a theoretical foundation and practical insights into the field of public international law.



Lectures will introduce key concepts and principles of public international law, including sources of law, international legal personality, state responsibility, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Students will explore foundational doctrines such as the use of force, the Law of Treaties, and the relationship between international and domestic law. Real-world case studies will be integrated into lectures to demonstrate the application of international law in practice. Seminars will provide opportunities for deeper discussion of complex legal issues, such as the enforcement of international law, the role of international organisations, and challenges in international legal frameworks. These sessions will focus on problem-based learning (PBL), where students will analyse case studies, debate legal doctrines, and apply theoretical knowledge to contemporary global challenges such as climate change, human rights, and international trade.



The module employs¿problem-based learning¿to encourage students to apply legal knowledge to real-world scenarios and develop their critical thinking skills. Students will engage in the following activities:

Group Discussions: Working in teams, students will debate pressing issues such as the legality of military interventions, the accountability of international organisations, or the balance between state sovereignty and human rights. These discussions will foster collaborative learning and help students develop persuasive legal reasoning skills.

Oral and Written Submissions: Students will present legal arguments on complex topics such as jurisdictional conflicts or the enforcement of international law. These submissions, both oral and written, will allow students to articulate their understanding of legal principles and refine their analytical abilities.

Case Study Analysis: Students will critically evaluate landmark cases from international courts, analysing the judgments and applying international legal principles to new contexts. This analysis will enhance students’ ability to interpret legal sources and understand the implications of international legal decisions.

Crawford, J. Brownlie’s Principles of Public International Law (9th Edn, OUP 2019)

Evans, M. International Law (6th Edn, OUP 2024)

Gray, C. International Law and the Use of Force (4th Edn, OUP 2018)

Pavel, C. Law Beyond the State (OUP 2021)

Access to appropriate primary and secondary legal resources via the library databases, such as: Westlaw; Lexis-Nexis; Practical Law Online; Law Trove; E-books and Journals
Computing facilities to access material available via Blackboard and the web.