Andreas Krebs
Introduction
The programme provides students with a thorough knowledge of public international law while also discussing recent trends and current developments in this area of law. It is designed for candidates who seek the qualification of a general public international lawyer, but with a range of special interests (as in international human rights law, in world trade or in international environmental protection).
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- LLM
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September or January
Our Public International Law programme covers a range of courses that explore international contemporary issues. It analyses topics such as International Law’s role in preventing international terrorism, the protection of human rights and the current legal climate’s change regime. This programme provides students with a thorough knowledge of Public International Law pursuing, or working in a career in governmental institutions, international organisations, international non-governmental organisations, international legal firms, or as international legal consultants.
The University of Aberdeen is renowned for attracting world-class teaching staff, unrivalled in their breadth of knowledge and experience in their specialist subjects. You will have access to first rate teaching from highly respected staff. Most of them have an international profile, such as Programme Director Dr Irène Couzigou, who has previously taught at universities in Paris, in France as well as in Heidelberg and Mannheim in Germany. She has also published extensively in several languages.
Available Programmes of Study
Please note: Students staring their LLM programme in January write their Dissertation project during the Summer semester.
- LLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January View
-
Programme Information
- Semester 1
-
Semester 1
Note: a maximum of 60 credit points may be taken at an approved overseas institution subject to the approval of the Head of School and Postgraduate Officer.
Compulsory Courses
Students must complete Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS551T)
-
This compulsory course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which would be required to excel in LLM-Taught courses. It commences with a few lectures and progresses to working in a workshop environment and finally to the submission of an individual assignment. It also incorporates elements such as library workshops to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
In addition to the above, candidates must take courses to the value of 90 credit points. At least 60 credit points must be obtained from the courses listed below. The remaining credit points may be obtained from any Level 5 30 credit on campus Law courses (excluding LS501K, LS501E and LS551K and any of the Professional Skills courses):
- The use of Force in International Law (LS5549)
-
30 Credit Points
The course analyses how international law regulates the use of armed forces between States. It is of interest to students who want to understand the legal considerations which frame contemporary conflicts. The course will study the fundamental principle of the prohibition on the use of inter-State force. It will examine the current exceptions to this principle, and how States try to justify the use of force. Consequently, the course will study the most recent recourses to force on the international plane, in particular in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Ukraine. Teaching will be delivered mainly through discussion based seminars.
View detailed information about this course - International Trade and Finance Law (LS5588)
-
30 Credit Points
This course considers issues relating to international trade and finance law and addresses the legal and commercial aspects of export-import transactions. It covers trade risks and risk assessment, the law and practice relating to international sale of goods, carriage of goods and insurance matters, international trade finance, digitalisation of international trade and international commercial dispute resolution.
View detailed information about this course - International Human Rights Law (LS5590)
-
30 Credit Points
The course was designed to help students build competence in dealing with the doctrinal issues about international human rights. It involves understanding the place of human rights in public international law, finding one’s way around the foundational human rights documents and the jurisprudence of human rights bodies. The course delivery puts heavy emphasis on classroom discussion on the controversial issues on contemporary human rights law that shape doctrinal development in this field: the justifiability of torture, the limits of freedom of religion, the justiciability of social rights, etc
View detailed information about this course - International Humanitarian Law (LS551G)
-
30 Credit Points
The course explores the history, nature and salient features of the principles of ‘the laws and customs of war’, also called IHL; they are enshrined, inter alia, in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977. The principles of distinction, humanity, necessity and proportionality as applied to contemporary armed conflicts are examined. The course emphasises the rules and challenges pertaining to civilian immunity, occupation, legal controls on weapons and how IHL is implemented and enforced. It also clarifies the differences/similarities between IHL and international human rights law and the law on the use of force.
View detailed information about this course - Oceans Law (LS553P)
-
30 Credit Points
The oceans are widely considered to be Earth's final frontier. Oceans are vital for maintaining life on Earth, their natural resources are increasingly important to the global economy and about 90 per cent of all international trade is carried out by sea. In the development of humanity, the oceans and seas have always played a significant role, not only as a means of communication and trade, but also as a most important source for satisfying nutritional needs. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, in view of an ever-increasing world population, a growing necessity has arisen to exploit marine natural resources, whether living (such as fisheries) or non-living (such as hydrocarbons and deep-sea minerals). Creating an effective governance and regulatory regime for the worlds’ oceans and seas continues to be - perhaps now more than even - one of the greatest challenges for states and the international community as a whole.
The current legal framework for the oceans is largely codified in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982 (UNCLOS) as an inseparable part of public international law. This Convention has often been called the ‘Constitution for the Oceans' and is based on the fundamental premise that all the problems of the oceans are inextricably intertwined and need to be considered as a whole. UNCLOS divides the oceans into several jurisdictional zones, namely internal waters, territorial sea, archipelagic waters, the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the continental shelf, the high seas and the Area. In all these zones, the legal regime seeks to maintain a careful balance in reconciling the interests between individual states on one hand, and the protection of community interests on the other. Structured around this dual balancing objective, this course is designed to present students with the core elements of modern ocean law with a particular focus on the exploitation of marine natural resources, both living and non-living, marine environmental protection and international dispute settlement in the law of the sea.
View detailed information about this course - World Trade Organisation: Gatt (LS553V)
-
30 Credit Points
The course aims to provide a thorough and critical understanding of fundamental concepts, principles and institutions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with emphasis on trade in goods (GATT). The main topics covered include relevant historical and institutional developments, WTO dispute resolution, core principles such as the non-discrimination, most-favour-nation (MFN) and the prohibition of quantitative restrictions on international trade. The security, environment, human rights, labour standards, economic emergencies and free trade areas and customs unions based exceptions and their challenges are also analytically explored. These are studied in light of relevant WTO panel and Appellate Body cases and recommendations.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 2
-
Semester 2
The compulsory dissertation provides the opportunity to research and explore in more detail a specific legal area of your choice.
Compulsory Courses
- Master of Laws Dissertation (LS5904)
-
60 Credit Points
Between May and mid-August students prepare a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice related to their specialist LLM programme. Students are instructed through the delivery of a preparatory lecture, two supervisory meetings and a two hour dissertation planning workshop in a small group setting. Students are expected to spend considerable time on independent research throughout the course of the dissertation module, including; preparation of dissertation plan, amendment of plan in accordance with supervisory comments, preparation for the dissertation workshop, and, of course, in the final 10,000 word dissertation itself.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 3
-
Semester 3
In September, January start students will take courses starting with LS50. There is a compulsory course LS501U International Law: A Time of Challenges.
Compulsory Courses
- International Law: A Time of Challenges (LS501U)
-
30 Credit Points
The course analyses recent developments in public international law. It first considers the sources of public international law. The question is then asked whether traditional public international law can regulate pressing issues on the international plane. Examples of these problems are: international terrorism, nuclear weapons proliferation, protection of human rights, ethnic conflicts, climate change. The course encourages the participant-student to think creatively as an international lawyer to resolve contemporary international dilemmas.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
- International Energy and Environmental Law (LS501C)
-
30 Credit Points
The course deals with the regulation of international activities regarding energy and the environment. The course will consider the international legal framework regarding energy sources, and it will look at the various legal instruments at the global and regional level as well as the key actors that are involved in regulation. It will also examine environmental issues that correspond to the generation and use of energy in the international context and the responses relating to environmental protection of soil, water, air, atmosphere and species.
View detailed information about this course - World Trade Organisation: Gatt (LS5098)
-
30 Credit Points
The course aims to provide a thorough and critical understanding of fundamental concepts, principles and institutions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with emphasis on trade in goods (GATT). The main topics covered include relevant historical and institutional developments, WTO dispute resolution, core principles such as the non-discrimination, most-favour-nation (MFN) and the prohibition of quantitative restrictions on international trade. The security, environment, human rights, labour standards, economic emergencies and free trade areas and customs unions based exceptions and their challenges are also analytically explored. These are studied in light of relevant WTO panel and Appellate Body cases and recommendations.
View detailed information about this course
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £19,400 Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year Home / RUK £10,200 Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year - LLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September View
-
Programme Information
- Semester 1
-
Semester 1
Note: a maximum of 60 credit points may be taken at an approved overseas institution subject to the approval of the Head of School and Postgraduate Officer.
Compulsory Courses
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS501T)
-
This compulsory course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which would be required to excel in LLM-Taught courses. It commences with a few lectures and progresses to working in a workshop environment and finally to the submission of an individual assignment. It also incorporates elements such as library workshops to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.
View detailed information about this course - International Law: A Time of Challenges (LS501U)
-
30 Credit Points
The course analyses recent developments in public international law. It first considers the sources of public international law. The question is then asked whether traditional public international law can regulate pressing issues on the international plane. Examples of these problems are: international terrorism, nuclear weapons proliferation, protection of human rights, ethnic conflicts, climate change. The course encourages the participant-student to think creatively as an international lawyer to resolve contemporary international dilemmas.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
In addition to the above, candidates must take courses to the value of 90 credit points. At least 60 credit points must be obtained from the courses listed below. The remaining credit points may be obtained from any Level 5 30 credit on campus Law courses (excluding LS501K, LS501E and LS551K and any of the Professional Skills courses):
- International Energy and Environmental Law (LS501C)
-
30 Credit Points
The course deals with the regulation of international activities regarding energy and the environment. The course will consider the international legal framework regarding energy sources, and it will look at the various legal instruments at the global and regional level as well as the key actors that are involved in regulation. It will also examine environmental issues that correspond to the generation and use of energy in the international context and the responses relating to environmental protection of soil, water, air, atmosphere and species.
View detailed information about this course - World Trade Organisation: Gatt (LS5098)
-
30 Credit Points
The course aims to provide a thorough and critical understanding of fundamental concepts, principles and institutions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with emphasis on trade in goods (GATT). The main topics covered include relevant historical and institutional developments, WTO dispute resolution, core principles such as the non-discrimination, most-favour-nation (MFN) and the prohibition of quantitative restrictions on international trade. The security, environment, human rights, labour standards, economic emergencies and free trade areas and customs unions based exceptions and their challenges are also analytically explored. These are studied in light of relevant WTO panel and Appellate Body cases and recommendations.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 2
-
Semester 2
Optional Courses
- The use of Force in International Law (LS5549)
-
30 Credit Points
The course analyses how international law regulates the use of armed forces between States. It is of interest to students who want to understand the legal considerations which frame contemporary conflicts. The course will study the fundamental principle of the prohibition on the use of inter-State force. It will examine the current exceptions to this principle, and how States try to justify the use of force. Consequently, the course will study the most recent recourses to force on the international plane, in particular in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Ukraine. Teaching will be delivered mainly through discussion based seminars.
View detailed information about this course - International Trade and Finance Law (LS5588)
-
30 Credit Points
This course considers issues relating to international trade and finance law and addresses the legal and commercial aspects of export-import transactions. It covers trade risks and risk assessment, the law and practice relating to international sale of goods, carriage of goods and insurance matters, international trade finance, digitalisation of international trade and international commercial dispute resolution.
View detailed information about this course - International Human Rights Law (LS5590)
-
30 Credit Points
The course was designed to help students build competence in dealing with the doctrinal issues about international human rights. It involves understanding the place of human rights in public international law, finding one’s way around the foundational human rights documents and the jurisprudence of human rights bodies. The course delivery puts heavy emphasis on classroom discussion on the controversial issues on contemporary human rights law that shape doctrinal development in this field: the justifiability of torture, the limits of freedom of religion, the justiciability of social rights, etc
View detailed information about this course - International Humanitarian Law (LS551G)
-
30 Credit Points
The course explores the history, nature and salient features of the principles of ‘the laws and customs of war’, also called IHL; they are enshrined, inter alia, in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977. The principles of distinction, humanity, necessity and proportionality as applied to contemporary armed conflicts are examined. The course emphasises the rules and challenges pertaining to civilian immunity, occupation, legal controls on weapons and how IHL is implemented and enforced. It also clarifies the differences/similarities between IHL and international human rights law and the law on the use of force.
View detailed information about this course - Oceans Law (LS553P)
-
30 Credit Points
The oceans are widely considered to be Earth's final frontier. Oceans are vital for maintaining life on Earth, their natural resources are increasingly important to the global economy and about 90 per cent of all international trade is carried out by sea. In the development of humanity, the oceans and seas have always played a significant role, not only as a means of communication and trade, but also as a most important source for satisfying nutritional needs. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, in view of an ever-increasing world population, a growing necessity has arisen to exploit marine natural resources, whether living (such as fisheries) or non-living (such as hydrocarbons and deep-sea minerals). Creating an effective governance and regulatory regime for the worlds’ oceans and seas continues to be - perhaps now more than even - one of the greatest challenges for states and the international community as a whole.
The current legal framework for the oceans is largely codified in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982 (UNCLOS) as an inseparable part of public international law. This Convention has often been called the ‘Constitution for the Oceans' and is based on the fundamental premise that all the problems of the oceans are inextricably intertwined and need to be considered as a whole. UNCLOS divides the oceans into several jurisdictional zones, namely internal waters, territorial sea, archipelagic waters, the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the continental shelf, the high seas and the Area. In all these zones, the legal regime seeks to maintain a careful balance in reconciling the interests between individual states on one hand, and the protection of community interests on the other. Structured around this dual balancing objective, this course is designed to present students with the core elements of modern ocean law with a particular focus on the exploitation of marine natural resources, both living and non-living, marine environmental protection and international dispute settlement in the law of the sea.
View detailed information about this course - World Trade Organisation: Gatt (LS553V)
-
30 Credit Points
The course aims to provide a thorough and critical understanding of fundamental concepts, principles and institutions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with emphasis on trade in goods (GATT). The main topics covered include relevant historical and institutional developments, WTO dispute resolution, core principles such as the non-discrimination, most-favour-nation (MFN) and the prohibition of quantitative restrictions on international trade. The security, environment, human rights, labour standards, economic emergencies and free trade areas and customs unions based exceptions and their challenges are also analytically explored. These are studied in light of relevant WTO panel and Appellate Body cases and recommendations.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 3
-
Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
The compulsory dissertation provides the opportunity to research and explore in more detail a specific legal area of your choice.
- Master of Laws Dissertation (LS5904)
-
60 Credit Points
Between May and mid-August students prepare a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice related to their specialist LLM programme. Students are instructed through the delivery of a preparatory lecture, two supervisory meetings and a two hour dissertation planning workshop in a small group setting. Students are expected to spend considerable time on independent research throughout the course of the dissertation module, including; preparation of dissertation plan, amendment of plan in accordance with supervisory comments, preparation for the dissertation workshop, and, of course, in the final 10,000 word dissertation itself.
View detailed information about this course
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £19,400 Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year Home / RUK £10,200 Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year
Public International Law
Qualification
Duration
Learning Mode
Study Mode
Start Month
Location
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
At the Law School, we employ a range of teaching methods to ensure you learn in a way that suits your learning style. We pride ourselves on producing highly skilled graduates for the legal profession. Teaching methods include lectures and seminars, with web-based learning being particularly important. You will also benefit from hearing from guest speakers from the world of Public International Law. You will study a research skills course at the start of your studies and draft a research work.
Learning Methods
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Assessment: by course work, by written examination, or by a combination of these, as prescribed for each course. The degree of LLM shall not be awarded to a candidate who fails to achieve a CAS mark of 9 or above in the specified dissertation course, irrespective of their performance in other courses: such candidates may, at the discretion of the Examiners, be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma or a Postgraduate Certificate.
Why Study Public International Law?
Aberdeen’s School of Law is considered one of the best training grounds for lawyers in the UK. It has played a pivotal role in the University’s expansive history since its opening in 1495.
- The School of Law is ranked 5th in the UK for Law (The Times Good University Guide 2019), and based on the Times ranking is the highest ranked Scottish Law School.
-
In an LLM exit survey we carried out in 2016, 98% of students felt that their LLM had added value to their career prospects and 97% would recommend their course to others.
- There are over 40 nationalities within the School of Law postgraduate community, so you will benefit from the experiences of international students from all over the world.
Students choose to study Law at the University of Aberdeen because of our reputation for academic excellence and promising career prospects. At Aberdeen, you will:
- Benefit from its wide community of international staff and students which provides a stimulating learning environment, ideal for the study of Public International Law.
- Benefit from the opportunity to attend research seminars and guest lectures from the Law School, which will provide you with unique insights into current legal issues.
- Have the chance to participate in student academic events organised by Lawyers without Borders and the Model United Nations Society.
- Have the opportunity to develop a professional network among many other international students, some of them being already engaged in an international career.
- Benefit from an unrivalled knowledge in Public International Law, being taught by world-class lecturers with world-leading research credentials, e.g. Programme Director Dr Irène Couzigou, who before coming to Aberdeen, researched and taught in the field of Public International Law at renowned universities in France and Germany.
- Work in small seminar groups, meaning you will have access to teaching staff whenever you need.
The University also has a leading Law careers service that organises events focused on providing you with the additional skills needed to make the most of your career potential.
With the University’s diverse student cohort, you will be part of a close-knit community and learn from the prior academic experiences of other students.
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Normally, a 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in Law will be required to be accepted onto this programme. Relevant practical experience in a related field will also be beneficial.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
- Reference
- a reference letter from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employer, or another professional person
International Applicants
Fee Information
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The James Carnegie maintenance scholarship for postgraduate students is available with this degree.
Scholarships
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship (EU)
The Aberdeen Global Scholarship is open to European Union (EU) students.
This is a £2,000 tuition fee discount available to eligible self-funded Postgraduate Masters students who are classed as International fee status and are domiciled in the EU, plus another £3,000 discount for eligible Postgraduate Masters students who would have previously been eligible for Home fees (Scottish/EU) fee status.
View Aberdeen Global ScholarshipCareers
Public International Law is a subject of global importance. Studying the discipline at Aberdeen will provide you with the skills and experience you will need to work in an international legal profession. You will develop an advanced understanding of Public International Law that will give you a competitive advantage in the jobs market. Some high profile career opportunities available to you could include working with the UN, NATO, The World Bank, a NGO or a global law firm.
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Irène Couzigou
More on Our Experts
-
Person Placeholder Dr Irène Couzigou
Dr Irène Couzigou joined the University of Aberdeen in September 2009. She previously taught and researched at the Universities of Heidelberg and Mannheim in Germany, and at the University of Paris II in France.
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions Service
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX