Master of Laws LLM in International Law

at University of Exeter

Studying a Master of Laws in International Law offers a rewarding learning experience with opportunities to deepen your understanding of international law, and to improve skills necessary at all levels of professional engagement with contemporary and future challenges of international law.

The Exeter LLM is a substantive, rigorous, and flexible programme of postgraduate study designed for the most ambitious and capable students. You will be actively encouraged to engage in discussion and debates with your peers and academic staff. 

Alongside the compulsory dissertation, you’ll choose from an array of optional modules such as Human Dignity and Human Rights in the EU, International Criminal Law and International Law of Armed Conflict. 

In order to enhance students’ research and learning experiences and to create a vibrant community of postgraduate students enrolled in this programme, students will be affiliated with one of the research centres for the duration of their programme.

If you start the LLM in January, you will complete your dissertation before finishing all the taught elements of the programme. The LLM allows you to take the dissertation without requiring a focus from other modules on the course as there is no prerequisite to the dissertation module. You will choose your dissertation topic during the first term (so we can allocate you an appropriate supervisor) and you will then submit your dissertation before the official deadline in August (date will be confirmed by the Law School).

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Compusory Modules

•     Dissertation

For admission to the programme we would normally expect that you hold a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Law (or a degree with a substantial legal component). While we normally only accept applicants who meet this criteria, if you have a high 2:2 or equivalent, are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience in legal professions, we would welcome your application.

Entry requirements for international students

English language requirements

• IELTS

Overall score 6.5. No less than 6.0 in any section.

• TOEFL

Overall score 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, 21 for listening, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.

2022/23 entry

UK fees per year:
£10,000 full-time; £5,000 part-time 

International fees per year:
£20,500 full-time

The modules offered include topics you must have knowledge of in order to succeed in senior positions, whether in private practice, corporate or public employment – including international trading companies and law firms, chartering, trade, and marine insurance, the European Commission, the European Court of Justice, or the Governments of EU Member States.

You will gain invaluable experience in finding out the law from the original sources; in preparing and producing extended legal writing; and in presenting a legal proposition briefly and succinctly to an audience.