Program Overview

---

Introduction to the International Law LLM

The International Law LLM is a dynamic and evolving area of law that encompasses a wide range of topics and specialisations. It engages with the relationships between states, non-state actors, and international organisations, and often operates in politicised contexts.

Key Information

• Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
• Start date: September 2026
• Apply by: 1 August 2026 (international), 1 September 2026 (UK)

Course Description

On this LLM, you will study the interactions between states, international organisations, international institutions, NGOs, and other global actors. You will also examine key international law regimes, such as human rights, international criminal law, environmental law, and investment law. Additionally, you will engage with critiques of the role of international law within global affairs.

Modules

Core Modules

• Advanced Legal Research and Writing
• Critiquing International Law
• International Law in the Modern World
• Principles of International Law
• LLM Dissertation

Options

• Civil and Political Rights: Contemporary Challenges
• Governance of the Global Digital Economy
• Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
• Indigenous and Minority Rights
• International Economic Law Clinic
• International Investment Law
• Migration Rights and Governance
• Socioeconomic rights: economic violence, social justice and human rights law
• Trade Law and the International System
• War, Terror, Violence and International Law
• Women and Human Rights

Our Experts

Your teaching team engages in interdisciplinary international law research, drawing on critical, comparative, and empirical research. This includes:

• Dr Elizabeth Craig
• Mr Paul Eden
• Dr Shahrzad Fouladvand
• Dr Matthew Garrod
• Dr Edward Guntrip
• Prof Christian Henderson
• Prof Tarik Kochi
• Dr William McCready
• Dr Aisling O'Sullivan
• Dr Emanuela Orlando

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

• Home students: £11,250 per year for full-time students
• Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £11,250 per year for full-time students
• International students: £23,500 per year for full-time students

Scholarships

• Aziz Foundation Scholarship
• Chancellor's International Scholarships
• Chancellor's Masters Scholarship
• Climate Leaders Scholarship
• Friends of the University of Sussex Scholarship
• Mandela Scholarship supported by FirstRand Empowerment Foundation
• Sussex Alumni Scholarship
• Sussex Bangladesh Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Egypt Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex India Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Kenya Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Nepal Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Nigeria Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Pakistan Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Sri Lanka Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Turkey Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Vietnam Scholarship (Masters)

Careers

91% of Sussex postgraduates have completed work experience by the end of their course. This LLM will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue and advance in careers in international law, from legal practice to government and diplomacy, to international organisations and tribunals, to advocacy and campaigning, to further research.

Entry Requirements

Degree Requirements

You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above. Your qualification should be in law or a relevant subject such as economics, finance, international relations, political science, history, criminology, criminal justice, or sociology.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS (Academic): Standard level (6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component)
• Alternative English language qualifications are also accepted, including Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, Duolingo English test, LanguageCert Academic SELT, LanguageCert International ESOL SELT, Pearson (PTE Academic), and TOEFL (iBT)

Country-Specific Requirements

Requirements vary by country. Please select your country to find the specific requirements.

Additional Costs

• International Law texts: £30-£35
• Optional field trip to The Hague: £100-£180
• Recommended texts: £20-£50
• Living costs: vary depending on individual circumstances

English Language Support

If you don't meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course.