Introduction
During the last 60 years, public international law has become diversified. Evolving from an initial focus on inter-state relations, public international law increasingly addresses the consequences of globalization and the necessity of protecting general and common international interests. As a result, students are called upon to contemplate the rights and duties of individuals, private actors, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations, as well as states.
The L.L.M. Program uses cases from international tribunals and treaties as primary materials for analysis, complemented by theoretical textbooks and other secondary sources. Hence, students gain important skills and abilities in evaluating sources, researching, writing, normative analysis of text (assessing clarity, comprehensiveness, coherence, consistency, legitimacy, empowerment function, and implementation/enforceability potential), as well as some oral argumentation. They are encouraged to develop independent analysis through the application of norms and theories to fact patterns. Further, students are encouraged to try out for participation in different types of seminars, which additionally develop research, writing, and oral advocacy skills under the guidance of coaches. Finally, masters’ students complete a thesis under the supervision of an advisor, thereby pursuing a thorough exploration of a specific topic within public international law.
Vision
This program prepares students for careers which require expertise in the function of the international system and its impact and relevance to the national system. Students attain in-depth knowledge of the sources of international law (treaties and customary international law), subjects of international law (identifying rights and obligations of States, NGOs, individuals), the institutional framework (UN, regional agencies, etc.), and the dispute resolution framework (courts, arbitration tribunals, conciliation, as well use of sanctions and force).
Mission
LLM in International Law’s mission is to enable graduates to undertake scholarly study and advanced research and prepare for professional work. This program provides a foundation for the pursuit of careers serving as legal advisors in non-governmental organizations, companies, and private law firms. Some graduates will serve to further pursue an academic career
Goals and Objectives
The aims of this program are to:
- Provide a substantial grounding in the concepts, doctrines, principles, and institutions of the international legal regime
- Consider critically current developments and questions arising in international law
- Analyze the methodology of international law
- Use cases to consider current issues in international law
- Develop lawyerly skills in the argument of contemporary problems in international law
The objectives of the program are that students will be able to:
- Recognize when international law is relevant in contemporary issues
- Apply international law to situations where it is relevant
- Be aware of current debates within international law
- Make and argue international legal questions
In practice this means that master’s program should provide a critical appreciation of international law in its own terms and a familiarity which will provide an ability to use international law in international debate and dispute.
Admission Requirements
The program is open to those with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. An official transcript from the attended university is required.
Applicants apply online using an application form that collects personal data as well as a 500-word essay in English that outlines why the candidate would like to pursue this program and summarizes personal background that is relevant to their application. All applicants should provide two letters of recommendation from referees who are not family members or friends and who have worked closely with the applicant in the academic or work environments, ideally with some research component. The referees should be familiar with the applicant’s work habits, motivation, and ability to work creatively and independently. Applicants must also submit their resume (educational background and related scientific, social, and occupational activities).
The applicants are required to present proof of English proficiency at the level of the "International English Language Testing System" (IELTS) 5.5 in each of writing, reading, comprehension & expression. This can be assessed by an IELTS, the "Test of English as a Foreign Language" (TOEFL) or equivalent.
All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
Eligible applicants will be invited for an interview.
At present, the program can admit a maximum number of 15 students.
Curriculum
For LLM in International Law, students are obliged to pass courses from the below list for a total of 35 credit hours.
- LAW5003: Law of International Organizations I (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5001: Research Methodology in Law (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5002: Fundamentals of International Law (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5004: International Law Texts in English (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5106: International Humanitarian Law/Law of Armed Conflict (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5118: International Law of the Sea (2 Credit Hours)
- LAW5113: Law of International Organizations II (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5108: International Human Rights Law (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5109: International Criminal Law (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5119: International Economic Law (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5120: Legal Methods for Resolving International Disputes (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5121: Responsibility in International Law (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5122: Daily Issues and International Events (2 Credit Hours)
- THS5113: Master Thesis (9 Credit Hours)