International Law

Award

LLM

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Start dates available

  • September 2027

Start dates available

  • September 2027
University of Staffordshire Courses

Open to non-law graduates

Ideal for humanitarian workers, activists and anyone with a passion for tackling global inequalities

Practical and applied

Learn about contemporary issues, the realities on the ground and practical solutions

Interdisciplinary perspectives

Study through a wider socio-legal lens and learn transferable skills

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.

This course is taught by academics who have strong connections within the UN and other human rights and refugee organisations, so our students get insights to the 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

Duration

University of Staffordshire postgraduate courses are usually 1 academic year duration when studying full-time and 2-3 academic years duration for part-time.

Course content

Learn the legal frameworks that shape the global stage and link theory with real-world events. You’ll also cover the work of the UN and its impact on enforcing international law. You can focus in-depth on a topic through your dissertation.

Tailor the course to your interests through optional modules, using case studies to explore realities on the ground. Delve into human rights law and how it relates to issues like gender inequality, forced migration, racial discrimination and economic justice.

Or analyse how international law addresses genocide and war crimes. You can take part in mock international court hearings in our simulated courtrooms. There’s also a module on migration and refugee law, exploring the impact on people displaced by conflict and persecution.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

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.

Careers

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

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, 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

Please note, teaching team staff members may change during your studies.

Profile Image

Dr Samantha Spence

Course Director Associate Professor

Dr Spence is an Associate Professor of International Human Rights and Social Justice and Course Director for Law and International Relations programmes. Her focus is on advancing human rights protections for marginalised and vulnerable groups.

Samantha's profile
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Dr Md Jobair Alam

Lecturer

I lead the LLM in International Law. I teach and conduct research in international law, refugee law, human rights, and minority studies. My research addresses the challenges vulnerable groups and refugees face in securing their rights.

Md Jobair's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 20 September 2027, the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £12,500 per course £16,950 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 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 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 now to International Law

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus LLM Full-time 20 September 2027 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. 

Have you considered?

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

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The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

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The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021