Law

Foundations of International Law

Module code: M3054
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay

From the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, to the global impacts of climate change and migration, to issues of individual responsibility for international crimes, there has never been a more important and exciting time to study international law. This module will help students to understand the key legal principles and concepts of international law and to analyse a range of contemporary and historic situations from a legal perspective, as well as providing students the opportunity to engage in some of the political, sociological and theoretical debates about the role and effectiveness of international law.

Module learning outcomes

• Understand and discuss the conceptual underpinnings of international law and its function within the international community.
• Demonstrate knowledge and a critical understanding of the foundational principles of international law and the social, historical, and institutional context in which they have developed.
• Use international law to analyse contemporary and historical events and to develop legal arguments.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how international law operates and seeks to regulate various issues, such as war and conflict, the environment and climate change, international crimes, etc.