Secure a job within 9 months of successfully completing your course or your fees back.
Master of Laws
LLM Public International Law Online
Explore the legal framework governing relations between states and international organisations with our LLM Public International Law Online course. Study online in the way that works for you, with two approaches to choose from.
16 hours until application deadline for October 2026 students
Course length
from 12 months to 24 months
Study mode
Full-time or Part-time
Method
Online
Overview
Why choose our LLM Public International Law Online course?
- Develop a critical understanding of contemporary international law topics and their practical application - Including treaties, jurisdiction, state responsibility and dispute resolution. You’ll also cover the use of force, international humanitarian law and forced migration.
- Choose from two online study options - You could study with optional live scheduled workshops led by our lecturers, with 24/7 access to learning resources - or, choose our self-guided option, where you study at your own pace around work and other commitments, with assessments completed to set deadlines.
- Increase your earning potential - On average, postgraduates earn significantly higher salaries, and an internationally recognised master's degree can open opportunities abroad. You'll also have access to CV clinics and reviews, 1:1 careers advice, mock interviews, application clinics and LLM induction workshops to help you get started.
- Customise your pathway - Choose your own research topic, aligned to your interests and career goals.
- Strengthen your network - Connect with other students, faculty and industry professionals on an international scale. Seek out opportunities for future placements and job opportunities.
About our LLM Public International Law Online course
Our LLM Public International Law Online course
Public international law regulates the relationship between states, international organisations and non-state actors across borders. Our LLM Public International Law Online course introduces you to the key principles, sources and concepts of international law.
You'll examine sources and hierarchy of international law and rules, international legal personality and the relationship between international and domestic law. You'll also consider issues relating to jurisdiction, the Law of Treaties, state responsibility, the peaceful settlement of international disputes and use of force. Further topics include substantive public international law such as international humanitarian law and forced migration.
This course will set you up for employment within public international law such as diplomacy or public relations. It will also assist you if you already work within this sector in taking on a more senior role.
Possible study locations and start dates
LLM Public International Law
| Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|
|
|
LLM Public International Law Self-Guided
| Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|
|
|
LLM Public International Law
| Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|
|
|
LLM Public International Law Self-Guided
| Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|
|
|
LLM Public International Law
| Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|
|
|
LLM Public International Law Self-Guided
| Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|
|
|
LLM Public International Law
| Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|
|
|
LLM Public International Law Self-Guided
| Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|
|
|
Course Content
Modules
At the start of the first semester, in addition to a general induction to the programme, there is a two-week induction covering the Key Principles of the English Legal System. This is compulsory for non-law students, but also open to law students wanting a refresher in the fundamentals of the law of England and Wales. This would be useful for any student who has taken a considerable break from legal education.
Semesters 1 and 2 (full-time) / Semesters 1-4 (part-time)
| Compulsory modules |
| Public International Law |
| Research Methods Training |
You’ll then choose three 30 credit modules* to study across semesters from our elective module guide running at your location of study.
View the elective module guide
*All optional modules are subject to availability and may change from time to time. Not all modules may be available in all terms. Only modules running at the location of study will be available to choose.
Semester 3 (full-time) / Semesters 5 and 6 (part-time)
| Compulsory module |
| Dissertation in Public International Law |
Semesters 1 and 2 (full-time) / Semesters 1-4 (part-time)
| Compulsory modules |
| Public International Law |
| One module from the Human Rights and Public Law Centre of Excellence |
| Research Methods Training |
You’ll then choose two 30 credit modules* to study across semesters from our elective module guide running at your location of study.
View the elective module guide
*All optional modules are subject to availability and may change from time to time. Not all modules may be available in all terms. Only modules running at the location of study will be available to choose.
Semester 3 (full-time) / Semesters 5 and 6 (part-time)
You will then choose between the following modules:
| For student selection |
| Dissertation in Public International Law |
| Professional Research Project AND one additional 30 credit module |
Semesters 1 and 2 (full-time) / Semesters 1-4 (part-time)
| Compulsory modules |
| Public International Law |
| One module from the Human Rights and Public Law Centre of Excellence |
| Research Methods Training |
You’ll then choose two 30 credit modules* to study across semesters from our elective module guide running at your location of study.
View the elective module guide
*All optional modules are subject to availability and may change from time to time. Not all modules may be available in all terms. Only modules running at the location of study will be available to choose.
Semester 3 (full-time) / Semesters 5 and 6 (part-time)
You will then choose between the following modules:
| For student selection |
| Dissertation in Public International Law |
| Professional Research Project AND one additional 30 credit module |
Teaching and Assessment
How you'll learn
Online students: The programme involves online live workshops that are two hours long, supported by preparatory and consolidation materials available online.
Online Self-Guided students: The programme is self-directed, with no timetabled teaching sessions, and facilitated through online tasks. Although you have the flexibility to manage your own time, a suggested week-by-week year planner will be provided. You must submit your mock and summative assessments (and sit any exams) at the end of the term in which you have studied a module, at dates and times fixed by the University.
Assessment
Each taught module has its own assessment method. Typically, modules are either assessed by a three-hour unseen written examination or a 4,500-word coursework assignment.
The dissertation module will be assessed by submission of a 15,000-word thesis and provides an opportunity for sustained, in-depth and intensive investigation into, and reflection upon, a specialist area of public international law.
Online October 2026 intake
Full-time students: Your course will be divided into three semesters over 12 months. In semesters one and two, you’ll study two 30 credit modules (four in total) and in semester three you’ll complete your dissertation.
Part-time students: Your course will be divided into six semesters over 24 months. In semesters one to four, you’ll study one 30 credit module (four in total) and in semesters five and six you’ll complete your dissertation.
Online Self-Guided October 2026 and Online February 2027 onwards intakes
Full-time students: Your course will be divided into three semesters over 12 months. In semesters one and two, you’ll study two 30 credit modules (four in total) and in semester three you’ll either complete your dissertation or a professional research project and one additional elective module.
Part-time students: Your course will be divided into six semesters over 24 months. In semesters one to four, you’ll study one 30 credit module (four in total) and in semesters five and six you’ll complete your dissertation or a professional research project and one additional elective module.
Our Academic Coaches at The University of Law will offer you guidance through your course as well as assistance and advice as required during your time studying with us. They'll also be on hand to help you develop your plans for your future career.
Course dates
Application and booking deadlines vary by intake - take a look at our key application and enrolment deadline dates for more information.
With so many options for studying this course, you can be sure to find a start date and study option to suit your needs.
Fees and Applying
Course fees
| Location | Fees |
| 2026/27 Course Fees (for courses starting between 1 July 2026 – 31 May 2027) | |
|
Online |
£12,750 (or £12,250 including a £500 International Bursary*) |
|
Online Self-Guided |
£12,750 (or £10,750 with the LLM Law for All Scholarship**) |
| 2027/28 Course Fees (for courses starting between 1 June 2027 – 31 May 2028) | |
|
Online |
£13,050 |
|
Online Self-Guided |
£13,050 |
All fees above include a deposit of £250.
*Terms and conditions apply. Visit our International Scholarships and Bursaries page for more details.
The University of Law offers a wide range of scholarships and bursaries which makes studying more affordable than ever. You could also be eligible for a Postgraduate Loan.
If you're an alumnus of the University, you may be eligible to receive our £1,000 General Alumni Discount.
Entry Requirements
2:2
Undergraduate DegreeUK entry requirements
2:2 or above from a UK Bachelor's degree, or equivalent qualifications.
International entry requirements
An English Language level equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or above with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
Please note, due to Home Office regulations, students who require a Student Route visa to study with us are not permitted to study online and can only choose face-to-face taught modules.
To find out more about our on-campus course, please visit our LLM Public International Law page.
Applying
Apply to The University of Law
If you would like to study LLM Public International Law Online you can apply directly with us.
Apply now
relatedUpcoming Events
We are offering a range of face-to-face, virtual and on-demand events. From course information sessions to employability events, there's an event to suit everyone.
