International Law and Governance,LLM

The Durham LLM in International Law and Governance offers a critical insight into the legal structure on which relationships between states are built. It provides you with the skills and knowledge to be able to analyse legal sources and literature and form independent opinions about international issues, policy and governance.

The one-year full-time course consists of three compulsory modules, a selection of option modules chosen from a wide range of topics and a major dissertation which is produced, under supervision, from your own independent research.

The compulsory modules will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of international law and governance, as well as introducing you to the latest research methods that are being applied to legal studies.

Optional modules allow you to explore the areas of international law and governance that interest you the most, with topics ranging from International Investment Law to Global Environmental Law and from International Perspectives on Law and Gender to International Counter Terrorism.

Alongside subject knowledge, a key aspect of the course is to develop the necessary skills to present your findings clearly and professionally, in both spoken and in written form, to audiences including international legal specialists as well as participate in academic debate.

International law and governance are key to maintaining relationships between states. We have developed a strong reputation in these areas of expertise at the Law School where internationally renowned academics associated with the course are based in the Global Policy Institute, the Global Security Institute, the Centre for Borders Research, the Human Rights Centre and in law and global justice research.

Develop an understanding of the vitally important rules that inform relationships between states and build a skillset that will equip you to embark on a legal career on the international stage.

A good 2:1 degree (or its equivalent) in law, or in a degree in which law is a major component.

Students with foreign qualifications will conform to the minimum requirements for admission.

English language requirements

Our global reputation for legal research and teaching of the highest quality is reflected in the career trajectory of our alumni.

Graduates serve across the full range of legal professions including solicitors, barristers, judges, members of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and as consultants and in government. Others have secured stimulating and rewarding positions in national and international law firms.

We are fully aware of the degree of competition that exists in securing a role in the legal profession and the School provides a range of resources to help alumni stand out as ideal candidates during the recruitment process. This includes detailed information about the steps involved in becoming a solicitor or barrister, visits from law firms and guidance on preparing for interviews and assessment days.