This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module critically engages with the main components of Public International Law. The module begins with a critical review of the history of the international legal order and a review of key current perspectives in the study of international law. From this, the module reviews, amongst other topics, the sources of international law, issues around the relation between domestic law and international law, the recognition of states, the status of international organisations in international law, questions of jurisdiction and immunities, the settlement of disputes between states and state responsibility. As the module moves through these different topics particular emphasis will be given to how they can help students better understand global current issues, as well as the operation of particular areas of the international legal order, such as, international economic law, the law of the sea, the law of air space and outer space, international human rights law, the use of force and global security.
Total contact hours: 20
Private study hours: 180
Total study hours: 200
Optional for students on the LLM in (Specialisation), LLM in Law, PG Diploma in (Specialisation) and PG Certificate in Law. Also available to students studying the MA in International Relations with International Law.
Main assessment methods
Essay 5000 words (100%)
Reassessment methods
Reassessment instrument: 100% coursework
• Cassese, International Law (OUP, 2nd ed., 2004)
• Crawford, James and Koskenniemi, Martti (eds), Cambridge Companion to International Law (CUP, 2012).
• Crawford, James, Brownlie's Principles of Public International Law (OUP, 8th ed., 2012).
• Evans, Malcolm (ed.), International Law (OUP, 4th ed., 2014).
• Klabbers, Jan, International Law (CUP, 2013).
• Shaw, Malcolm, International Law (CUP, 7th ed., 2014)
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a sophisticated knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles and rules of International Law;
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the current theoretical and doctrinal debates within International Law;
3. Demonstrate an intricate familiarity with the operations of the institutions of International Law;
4. Critically apply international legal methods to international legal problems;
5. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the significance of International Law within the field of International Relations.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Present and apply relevant knowledge and understanding in the form of a complex, reasoned and supported argument;
2. Carry out thorough and independent research using a wide range of primary and secondary sources (both paper and electronic);
3. Critically analyse and evaluate various points of view;
4. Express coherent and sophisticated ideas, arguments and opinions;
5. Undertake appropriate further training or research in the field.
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