Overview
This Master’s in International Law and Global Challenges is one of our taught Master of Laws (LLM). This course is suitable for graduates of any background. It’s ideal if you’re interested in better understanding how the law shapes and influences international affairs.
Our International Law and Global Challenges LLM gives you the knowledge, insights and practical skills to enhance your career in practice, the public, private or diplomatic sectors or academia. If you’re pursuing another career path, it will enhance your understanding of how the law shapes and influences international affairs.
You can create your own specialised programme of study that matches your legal interests and career aspirations with this flexible master’s in international law. You can choose from a wide range of optional modules to complement your core studies, including:
- the role of law in international affairs
- diplomacy and dispute settlement
- human rights law
- international crime
- the protection of foreign investment
Dedicated one-to-one support is also given to help you research and write a dissertation on an area of law you feel passionate about.
You can also join the University’s society for students with an interest in Law.
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
Throughout this master’s in international law you’ll study contemporary issues in public international law.
You’ll develop your knowledge and expertise in:
- international dispute settlement
- international organisations
- the role of individuals in the international legal system
You’ll also learn a variety of legal-specific research skills through our Legal Research Skills and Methods module.
You can also choose from a range of our other master’s modules, with the permission of the Degree Programme Director.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
International Law and Global Challenges LLM modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Legal Research: Theory and Method | 20 |
| Dissertation | 60 |
| Foundations of Public International Law | 20 |
How you’ll learn
Modules will be taught by our expert academic staff over the first and second semester. We’ll use a blend of interactive in-person and online teaching sessions including:
- seminars
- Q&A sessions
- quizzes
- assessment feed forward and feedback sessions
You’ll also have access to comprehensive lecture materials via CANVAS.
Your induction programme will include an introduction to each module by the respective module leader. This will help to make sure you are fully informed about content before teaching starts.
Full details about module selection will be included in your Induction Programme.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Poster
- Portfolio
- Research proposal
- Research paper
- Written examination
- Written exercise
We’re committed to pursuing academic excellence. We foster an intellectually challenging and supportive environment in which our students can excel.
We regularly host conferences and seminars with internationally renowned guest speakers. We encourage you to attend these events as they cover a wide range of important legal, political, economic and social issues.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your future
What can you do with an International Law and Global Challenges degree?
This degree programme is suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in inter-governmental organisations including, but not limited to, the United Nations and the International Criminal Court. Students also find careers in diplomacy and civil society advocacy including in non-governmental organisations.
With increasing reliance of domestic courts on international law, as well as increasing international adjudication – including before the International Court of Justice – this degree programme is also suitable for those who aspire to a career as legal practitioners.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Law – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
The Law School has an extensive library situated within the School. You will also have access to an extensive range of online sources via databases such as Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis.
We have:
- dedicated study spaces for LLM students
- a student common room
- a purpose-built Mooting Room
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in law or any other subject.
We will also consider applications on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications or experience in professional legal practice.
