Program Overview

Master of International Law

Advance your knowledge in international law and open up career opportunities in government, non-government and private institutions where international law is relevant.

About the course

Advance your knowledge in international law and open up career opportunities in government, non-government organisations, inter-governmental organisations, and private institutions where international law is relevant. Taught by a diverse team of international law experts with extensive backgrounds in practice and research in international law, our award-winning teaching staff bring a practical, real-world perspective to international law. This course is suited to both the current law practitioner and those pursuing a career in Australia or overseas relevant to international law in government, non-governmental organisations, inter-governmental organisations and private institutions where international law is relevant. The course is available to both law and non-law graduates, and is particularly complementary to other disciplines such as international relations, economics and history. Study begins with core units in the foundations of international law, theory, method and contemporary issues, as well as foundations of public international law. You can then specialise by electing units from areas such as international criminal, human rights, environmental, oil and gas, and World Trade Organization law. You can also undertake a major research paper to further deepen your knowledge and critique of a specific field of international law. You will apply the law to real-world situations and learn the skills needed to implement international law knowledge into the workplace, including research skills, oration and critical analysis.

Quick details

• Status: Available
• Locations: Perth (Crawley campus)
• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Delivery: On-campus
• Starting dates: The majority of units are offered intensively throughout the year during the vacation periods and study breaks. For further information and unit availability visit the Law School web page.
• Weekly contact time: Variable - includes intensive teaching blocks.
• Level of study: Postgraduate
• Course Code: 21520
• CRICOS code: E
• Full time/part time duration: 1 year
• Degrees course is available in: Master of International Law

Course structure

• Core:
  • All students take the two units from this group (12 points):
    • LAWS5165 Public International Law (6)
    • LAWS5225 Theory, Method and Contemporary Issues of International Law (6)
• Option - Group A:
  • All students, take unit(s) to a minimum value of 30 points from Group A.
    • LAWS5114 International Environmental Law (6)
    • LAWS5219 International Criminal Law (6)
    • LAWS5220 International Humanitarian Law (6)
    • LAWS5226 International Human Rights Law (6)
    • LAWS5241 International Dispute Settlement (6)
    • LAWS5255 Advanced Topics in International Law (6)
    • LAWS5577 Governing the Commons: Oceans, ice and outer space (6)
    • LAWS5694 Research Paper I (6)
    • LAWS5695 Research Paper II (12)
    • LAWS5696 Research Paper III Part 1 (6)
    • LAWS5697 Research Paper III Part 2 (6)
• Option - Group B:
  • Take unit(s) to the value of 6 points:
    • LAWS5182 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the Law (6)
    • LAWS5251 International Sales Law (6)
    • LAWS5296 Technology Law and Governance (6)
    • LAWS5521 Climate Change Law (6)
    • SVLG5001 McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship (6)
    • WILG5001 Work Integrated Learning Internship Program (6)

Admission requirements

• To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have— 1(a) a Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; or 2(a) (i) a bachelor's degree in a cognate area, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and (ii) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent; or 3(a) (i) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and (ii) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent; and (iii) at least two years of relevant professional experience.

English competency

• English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
• This course has higher ELC requirements. Applicants presenting with the IELTS Academic require an overall score of at least 7.0 and no band less than 6.5. For more information visit ELC requirements.

Fees and scholarships

• Domestic Student Fees:
  • For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.
• International Student Fees:
  • Annual course fee
    • 2025: $47,600.00
  • Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.
• Scholarships:
  • Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
  • Search Scholarships

Careers and further study

• This course opens career opportunities relevant to international law in government, non-government, not for profit and private institutions.
• You can elect to take a research component of your course which will provide a pathway to further studies. Research options include Doctor of Juridical Science, Master of Philosophy by research, Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Laws.