1. Critically analyse¿the constitutional framework of the United Nations, as well as specialised agencies

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Evaluate¿the processes of representation, decision-making, and budgetary matters within the United Nations, and assess their impact on the organisation's effectiveness in addressing global governance challenges

Enquiry

3. Examine¿the legal and practical mechanisms available to the United Nations for the enforcement of international law and assess their effectiveness and implications for global peace and security.

Knowledge and Understanding; Analysis

4. Debate¿issues of responsibility, accountability, and immunities within the United Nations and the legal challenges that arise in its operations

Application; Communication

Position Paper – Assessing Outcomes 1-4



Through the position paper, students are expected to take a clear stance on these complex issues, develop reasoned arguments, and support their views with legal sources, case studies, and scholarly analysis.

This module is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and institutional framework of the United Nations (UN) and its role in global governance. It explores the constitutional structure of the UN, including its key organs and specialised agencies, and examines the legal principles that guide its operations. You will critically analyse the UN’s decision-making processes, enforcement mechanisms, and accountability measures, and evaluate its contributions to the development and enforcement of international law. By engaging with real-world case studies and contemporary global challenges, you will gain the analytical skills and knowledge necessary to navigate complex issues in international law and governance, preparing you for careers in international organisations, NGOs, or legal practice.



Topics covered include:



Introduction to the United Nations and its Constitutional Framework

The Structure of the United Nations

Representation, Decision-Making, and Budgetary Matters

Enforcement Mechanisms and Military Options

Responsibility, Accountability, and Immunities

The Role of the UN in the Development of International Law

Are you passionate about international relations, global governance, and shaping the future of international law? The¿United Nations Law¿module offers a deep dive into the world’s most influential international organisation. This module is perfect for those eager to explore how the UN operates, how it addresses complex global challenges, and how it impacts the development and enforcement of international law. You will engage with key legal principles that govern the United Nations and its specialised agencies, critically analysing their roles in peacekeeping, human rights, and international security. By examining real-world case studies—such as the Iraq conflict, and Russia's actions in Crimea and Ukraine—you will develop the skills to assess how the UN responds to pressing global issues.

This module not only provides a solid grounding in the legal frameworks of the UN, but it also equips you with practical insights into the decision-making processes, sanctions regimes, and mechanisms for ensuring accountability within the organisation. Whether you aspire to work for international organisations, NGOs, or as a legal expert, this module will give you the expertise to thrive in a global legal environment.

The learning strategy for this module is designed to engage students in a comprehensive exploration of both the theoretical and practical aspects of UN law, with a total of 200 hours dedicated to achieving the module’s learning outcomes. This strategy integrates 39 hours of direct contact with a tutor, complemented by 161 hours of independent and guided study. Students will be expected to allocate 6-8 hours per week for reading, preparation, and consolidation of learning. Prior to each seminar, students will be required to complete assigned reading and prepare for in-class discussions and debates. This includes analysing case studies, drafting position papers, and engaging in group work to simulate real-life legal decision-making in UN settings.



Lectures will introduce key concepts and principles, including the constitutional structure of the UN, legal mechanisms for enforcing international law, decision-making processes, and accountability measures. Real-world case studies will be merged into these lectures to demonstrate the application of legal principles in practice. Seminars will provide opportunities for students to delve deeper into complex issues such as UN sanctions regimes, peacekeeping operations, and accountability. These sessions will be problem-based and highly interactive, encouraging students to engage with legal case studies and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.



The module emphasises¿problem-based learning¿(PBL) to promote the application of knowledge to real-life legal challenges. Students will engage in activities such as:

Group Discussions: Working in teams to debate and critically analyse issues like UN intervention in conflicts and the accountability of peacekeepers

Oral and Written Submissions: Presenting and defending legal positions on UN governance and enforcement mechanisms

Legal Analysis Exercises: Critically analysing how UN legal provisions are applied in case studies, preparing students for professional decision-making.



The VLE will provide detailed guidance on essential and recommended reading. Key international treaties, UN documents, and legal commentaries will be made available to guide independent study. Lecture slides, additional case studies, and seminar questions will be provided in advance to ensure students can fully engage in each session.

The Charter of the United Nations (1945)

The United Nations - https://www.un.org/en/

The United Nations Library - https://www.un-ilibrary.org/content/books

United Nations, The Essential UN (UN 2018)

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.