International Law LLM

Duration

13 Months

26 Months

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Make a difference to people’s lives by exploring solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing the world today.

On this course, you’ll learn about human rights, migration and refugees, cross-border regulation, technology and trade, and how the global community prosecutes the most serious crimes.

Through an interdisciplinary approach – drawing on law, social justice, economics and international relations – we look at the realities on the ground. You’ll also develop an understanding of legal frameworks and the effectiveness of organisations like the United Nations and International Criminal Court.

The course includes real case studies, such as the plight of the Rohingya in Myanmar, small boat crossings in Europe, and genocides in Rwanda and Srebrenica. Power, politics and populism are key factors behind many contemporary legal issues and emerging challenges.

Our leading academics include independent UN experts and human rights and refugee lawyers, who can tell the real stories behind the headlines. You can also get involved in international collaborations and networks, research opportunities and real-world policy.

On this course, you’ll learn about human rights, migration and refugees, cross-border regulation, technology and trade, and how the global community prosecutes the most serious crimes.

Through an interdisciplinary approach – drawing on law, social justice, economics and international relations – we look at the realities on the ground. You’ll also develop an understanding of legal frameworks and the effectiveness of organisations like the United Nations and International Criminal Court.

The course includes real case studies, such as the plight of the Rohingya in Myanmar, small boat crossings in Europe, and genocides in Rwanda and Srebrenica. Power, politics and populism are key factors behind many contemporary legal issues and emerging challenges.

Our leading academics include independent UN experts and human rights and refugee lawyers, who can tell the real stories behind the headlines. You can also get involved in international collaborations and networks, research opportunities and real-world policy.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: LLM International Law

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: LLM International Law

Course content

Entry requirements

At least a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in Law or a relevant subject such as economics, finance, international relations, political science, history, criminology, criminal justice, or sociology. You may still be considered for the course if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

If your first language is not English a minimum score of IELTS with overall 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each band.

At least a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in Law or a relevant subject such as economics, finance, international relations, political science, history, criminology, criminal justice, or sociology. You may still be considered for the course if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

If your first language is not English a minimum score of IELTS with overall 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each band.

If your first language is not English a minimum score of IELTS with overall 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each band.

If your first language is not English a minimum score of IELTS with overall 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each band.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Careers

The course is ideal if you want to work for social justice and humanitarian organisations, NGOs, policymaking bodies or in legal advisory roles.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Staff

Dr Samantha Spence

Course Director Associate Professor

Samantha is the Course Director for Postgraduate Studies in the law department. Her main area of interest lies in feminism and international human rights law, specifically the rights of marginalised groups.

Samantha's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £12,300 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £6,150 per course £8,375 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus LLM Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021