Keele University

What you'll study

This Masters focuses on the doctrines, institutions and processes of public international law and related fields. Core themes typically include the principles of state responsibility and sovereignty, sources and interpretation of international law, human rights law, international humanitarian law, international criminal law, and international dispute settlement. You will also study specialised areas such as international economic law, transnational regulatory regimes, and migration and refugee law depending on available optional modules.

The programme combines taught modules with a substantial research component. Taught modules are assessed by a combination of essays, case studies, and unseen examinations or take-home papers. The degree culminates in an independent dissertation or major research project supervised by an academic member of staff, allowing you to pursue a focused topic in depth.

• Core module areas: foundations of public international law, research methods in international law, human rights and humanitarian law, international criminal justice.
• Optional modules: international economic law, comparative constitutionalism, migration and refugee law, international dispute resolution, and topics in regional human rights systems (availability varies).
• Research dissertation: a supervised piece of original research that develops specialist expertise and research skills.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars and small-group tutorials with emphasis on critical analysis of primary sources and case law. You will have access to the University’s law library resources and support for developing legal research and writing. Assessment methods are diverse to reflect doctrinal, doctrinal-critical and policy-oriented approaches.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in law (LLB) or a related discipline such as politics, international relations, philosophy or social sciences, typically at a 2:1 standard or equivalent. Candidates with a lower classification but with relevant professional experience or postgraduate study may also be considered.

International students will need to demonstrate English language proficiency. Keele accepts a range of English language qualifications; common expectations include an internationally recognised test at a level appropriate for postgraduate study with minimum component scores. Applicants should check Keele’s admissions guidance for acceptable qualifications and exemptions.

In addition to academic qualifications, a personal statement outlining your reasons for studying international law, research interests and career objectives is required. References and, where applicable, evidence of relevant professional experience will strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme pursue careers across the public, private and third sectors. Typical roles include policy and advisory positions in government departments, international organisations (such as the UN or regional bodies), non-governmental and human rights organisations, and think-tanks. Other common career paths are legal policy and compliance roles in multinational corporations, positions in diplomacy and foreign affairs services, and work with international tribunals or advocacy organisations.

The degree also provides a strong foundation for further study (PhD) or for those progressing to professional legal training; while the Masters deepens substantive knowledge, those seeking qualification as a solicitor or barrister should also check professional route requirements in their jurisdiction.

Why study at Keele University

Keele’s School of Law emphasises interdisciplinary scholarship and small-group teaching, enabling close contact with research-active staff whose expertise spans public international law, human rights and criminal justice. The campus environment supports focused study, with a strong law library and access to databases and primary sources essential for international legal research.

Students benefit from a range of practical and employability offerings including legal clinics, workshops on legal research and practice skills, and opportunities to engage with visiting practitioners and academics. Keele also provides dedicated postgraduate support for career development and research training, helping students transition into professional roles or further academic study.