Program Overview

Introduction to the International Law and Security LLM Program

The University of Birmingham offers a Master of Law (LLM) program in International Law and Security, designed to equip students with an advanced understanding of the complex relationship between international law and security. This program explores how global challenges test the boundaries of international law and how the law responds to issues such as immigration, terrorism, environmental damage, and cybersecurity.

Program Structure

• The program is available for both full-time and part-time study, with durations of 1 year and 2 years, respectively.
• The full-time program is structured over 12 months, with students taking two 30-credit modules in the first term.
• One-third of the degree is dedicated to a dissertation, which students begin planning and proposing during the first term.

Course Highlights

• The program is taught by experts at the forefront of international law and security, offering a mix of academic theory and real-world relevance.
• Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as global crime problems, international responses to terrorism, and transnational criminal justice.
• The program includes research internships, pro bono activities, mooting, and work experience to prepare students for their future careers.
• The University of Birmingham is ranked among the top 10 law schools in the UK, providing students with access to a diverse community of staff and students from around the world.

Module Information

• The program comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation.
• Modules are subject to change but typically include:
  • Dissertation on a Legal Topic (60 credits)
  • Introduction to Legal Research (30 credits)
  • Law, Society, and Governance (30 credits)
• Students choose one module from a list of optional International Law and Security modules, which may include:
  • Human Rights and Criminal Justice
  • International and European Legal Responses to Terrorism
  • Environmental Protection and Pollution Control
  • Global Crime Problems
  • Public International Law
  • Race, Ethnicity, and Criminal Justice
  • Transnational Criminal Law
• The remaining two modules are chosen from the full list of LLM modules, which may include:
  • International Investment Law
  • Regulating Technologies
  • Financing of International Trade
  • Human Rights & Health Care Law
  • International Human Rights Law
  • International and European Legal Responses to Terrorism
  • AI Law (Case Studies)
  • Assessment and financing of energy projects
  • Banking Law
  • Business Taxation
  • Commercial Conflict of Law
  • Company Law
  • Criminal Law Reform Now
  • Cyberlaw
  • Environmental Protection and Pollution Control
  • Environmental and energy regulation
  • Environmental, Energy Law
  • Global Crime Problems
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • International Commercial Dispute Resolution
  • International Corporate Governance
  • International Criminal Law and Justice
  • International Oil and Gas Law
  • International Trade Law and Policy
  • Introduction to Legal Research
  • Law and Language
  • Law, Society, and Governance
  • Preferential Trade Agreements and Regional Blocs
  • Public International Law
  • Race, Ethnicity, and Criminal Justice
  • Renewable Energy and Climate Change Law
  • Socio-Legal Theory
  • Transnational Criminal Law

Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 Honours degree in Law or a relevant subject is required for admission.
• Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry.
• International students must demonstrate a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through IELTS or an equivalent qualification.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band is required.
• Equivalent qualifications, such as TOEFL, Pearson Test of English, or Cambridge English, are also accepted.

Fees and Scholarships

• The tuition fee for the program is £11,250 for full-time study and £5,625 for part-time study.
• The University offers a range of scholarships, including the Birmingham Masters Scholarship, which awards £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
• A postgraduate Masters loan is also available to help with the cost of studies.

Application Process

• The application deadline for UK and non-visa requiring applicants is August 28, 2026.
• Applications can be submitted online, and supporting documents must be provided.
• The University's admissions team reviews applications, and offers are made based on the applicant's qualifications and experience.

Career Opportunities

• The LLM in International Law and Security prepares students for a range of career paths, including roles in law, policy, and international relations.
• Graduates have gone on to work in organizations such as Eversheds Sutherland, the House of Commons, and the Crown Prosecution Service.
• The University's Careers Network provides support and guidance to help students achieve their career goals.

Upcoming Events

• The University hosts various events, including postgraduate online events and college research funding briefings, to provide information and support to prospective students.

Student Stories

• Current students and alumni share their experiences and achievements in the LLM program, highlighting the benefits and opportunities provided by the University of Birmingham.