University of Leicester

What you'll study

The programme combines core and optional modules that cover the principles, institutions and contemporary issues of public international law. You will study topics such as public international law foundations, international human rights law, international criminal law, migration and refugee law, international dispute settlement, and international economic law. Module titles and availability vary by year, but typical options include courses on state responsibility, use of force, maritime law, international organisations, and transitional or post-conflict justice.

Teaching is delivered through a mixture of seminars, directed reading, case study analysis and assessed coursework. The degree culminates in a substantial research project or dissertation, normally in the region of 10,000–15,000 words, allowing you to investigate a specialist topic in depth under academic supervision.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree in law (or a closely related discipline). The usual benchmark is an upper second-class honours (2:1) or equivalent; candidates with a lower second-class honours degree (2:2) combined with relevant professional experience or strong supporting evidence may also be considered. All applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate competence in English through an accepted qualification or test, and equivalent international qualifications are considered.

Where appropriate, applicants with significant professional experience in legal practice, international organisations, NGOs or government service can be considered on a case-by-case basis. You will be asked to provide academic references, a personal statement outlining your interests and reasons for applying, and a CV.

Career prospects

Graduates from this LLM typically move into careers that require specialist knowledge of international legal frameworks. Common destinations include roles with international organisations (such as the United Nations and regional bodies), intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, human rights institutions, government departments, and diplomatic services. Others pursue positions in international law firms, chambers, compliance and regulatory roles in multinational corporations, or policy and advocacy posts with think-tanks and charities. The degree also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to continue to doctoral research or an academic career.

Why study at University of Leicester

Leicester Law School offers a research-active environment with staff engaged in international law, human rights, international criminal law and related interdisciplinary areas, enabling students to learn from specialists with real-world and scholarly expertise. The School supports postgraduate students through dedicated supervision, a programme of research seminars and guest lectures that connect you with practitioners and scholars, and practical skills sessions addressing advocacy, drafting and legal research.

The University’s central location and international community provide opportunities for networking, internships and collaborative projects across politics, criminology and media disciplines. Practical employability support, such as careers advice and work-readiness workshops, helps translate academic training into career progression in public, private and third-sector international roles.