Welcome to your International Law course

Welcome to the LLM International Law Course, welcome to University of Staffordshire.

We know you're already passionate about your subject, which is why we're excited you've chosen University of Staffordshire as the place to turn possibility into reality.

Congratulations on joining the LLM International Law cohort!

You are now part of a distinctive course, and we are dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition as you embark on this important academic journey.

To support you in preparing for your new course and to provide insight into the experience of being an LLM in International Law student, your course team has organised introductory materials and additional activities. We encourage you to carefully review the information provided below.

Course delivery

All our lectures will be face to face and each module is delivered through a combination of interactive lectures and seminars spread across a 10-week term, with a two-week independent study period and a final week dedicated to assessment (total 13 weeks).
Our virtual learning environment (VLE), known as Blackboard Ultra, empowers you to take control of your learning by providing flexible access to materials both before and after classes. Additionally, we may occasionally host activities through the online learning community and other platforms, such as Microsoft Teams. If you haven't used these systems before, there's no need to worry! We will offer training and support to help you get started. These resources are essential for both academic and professional success, and they are provided by the university. All you need is an internet connection to access them.
Ongoing academic mentoring and support will be available. Your course leader, module leader, and personal tutor will be accessible for contact throughout your studies at the University of Staffordshire.
Support services will be fully accessible both online and face-to-face, including our disability service, careers service, student guidance advisors, IT support, and counseling services, among others.

Semester one activities

In the first few weeks at university, students will attend introductory sessions to discover academic resources and campus services, helping them adjust to university life. Students will participate in group work and discussions to build teamwork and communication skills. Academic mentors will assist them with optional module selection and understanding of degree requirements. Overall, the first weeks will be an exciting time filled with learning and new experiences.

In your first semester at university, you will study three modules designed to help you build and strengthen your foundations in international law.

Research Methods will assist you in developing advanced skills in writing, summarizing, and critical assessment. You will gain a critical understanding of research strategies by comparing, evaluating, and justifying both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Public International Law will provide you with the expertise and analytical skills necessary to navigate complex global issues and contribute to shaping a just and lawful international community. United Nations Law offers a solid grounding in the legal frameworks of the UN while equipping you with practical insights into decision-making processes, sanctions regimes, and mechanisms for ensuring accountability within the organisation.

Pre-learning

Stay informed by reading news articles about human rights, migration and refugees, cross-border regulations, technology and trade, as well as the global community's approach to prosecuting the most serious crimes. The course will include real case studies, such as the struggles of the Rohingya in Myanmar, small boat crossings in Europe, and the genocides in Rwanda and Srebrenica. Pay attention to both digital and print media to understand how power, politics, and populism significantly influence many contemporary legal issues and emerging challenges. The following are useful:

Blog of the European Journal of International Law
Blog of the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law

Please read the following:

Gleider Hernández, International Law (2^nd edn, OUP 2022)
James Crawford, Brownlies Principles of International Law (9^th edn, OUP 2019)

You will also have access to the digital version of these books through Law Trove once you enroll in the course with us.

Other online resources:

Un Resources and Documents: https://www.un.org/en/library/page/un-resources-documents
International Court of Justice: https://www.icj-cij.org/home
European Court of Human Rights: https://www.echr.coe.int/
Blog of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law: https://www.biicl.org/blog

Reading one of the following newspapers regularly will support your awareness:

The Times
The Telegraph
The Independent
The Guardian

Equipment and Software

Having an internet-connected device is essential for your studies, and we highly recommend using a laptop. Mobile phone screens are generally too small for effectively reading and navigating the learning resources available through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), legal databases, or your library account. If you do not own a laptop, you can borrow one from the university on a short-term or long-term basis when you arrive.

Download software

Trips and activities

You will be given the opportunity to take part in trip/s. Past trips have been to courts (local, regional and London), the decommissioned Shrewsbury Prison, the Welsh Parliament, the Houses of Parliament in London, and the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool.

Meet the team

Dr Samantha Spence

Course Director Associate Professor

Dr Samantha Spence, Associate Professor and Course Director for PG Law, specialises in international human rights, gender justice, superstition-related harms, and marginalised communities, with global research and UN policy impact.

Samantha's profile

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

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.