LLM Law - International Law
- LLM
Overview
The LLM International Law provides a distinctive opportunity to develop a critical and substantive grounding in public international law and the legal framework governing modern international relations. You will develop the skills and knowledge required to navigate the increasingly complex and evolving relations between states.
You will start with an introduction to general principles governing international law and apply these in optional units covering specialist areas such as human rights, armed conflict, and trade and investment law.
Designed for those seeking careers in global law firms and chambers, as well as roles in governmental and regulatory organisations, this programme develops crucial analytical, communication and research skills valued by top employers.
Our programmes are well respected by leading law firms, with Bristol ranked 54th in the world and 9th in the UK for Law (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject 2026). Choosing a postgraduate law degree from the University of Bristol, ranked third in the UK for legal research excellence (THE analysis of REF 2021), means engaging in a rigorous, research-rich curriculum that will make you stand out to employers. You will be challenged and inspired by our world-leading academics who are part of the Law School’s Centre for International Law.
We support the development of your legal research and writing skills throughout the course, from pre-arrival preparation and targeted support in Terms 1 and 2, to workshops and one-to-one sessions over the summer as you work on your dissertation.
You’ll also benefit from our diverse staff and student community. Alumna Mai Nguyen describes in her blog how her journey on the LLM International Law was made even more meaningful because of the incredible diversity within our learning community. She had the privilege of studying alongside classmates from every continent, each bringing unique cultural and legal perspectives that constantly broadened her worldview.
Programme structure
Our vibrant international community and diverse teaching methods enrich the LLM experience at the University of Bristol. You’ll engage with course materials and benefit from regular, in-depth interaction with tutors who are leaders in their fields, as well as with your peers, through a blend of lectures, seminars, bespoke skills workshops and structured independent learning.
Our wide range of optional units reflect the expertise of our globally renowned academics, allowing you to further specialise your degree. As part of this programme, you will take four units and a compulsory dissertation. You have the option of taking three specialist International Law units and one unit from any of our other LLM programmes.
- You will learn the General Principles of International Law. This provides you with an understanding of the foundational aspects of this complex and multi-faceted system of law. You will examine what international law is, whether it matters, and how its rules are created, enforced and applied.
- A wide range of optional units typically including Human Rights in Law, Politics and Society, Digital Technology in Legal Practice, Public Law and many others.
- You can choose between an innovative group dissertation pathway or an individual dissertation research project, allowing you to develop key employability skills such as teamwork or individual project planning and management. You’ll be supervised by an expert in the field and supported through a tailored programme of development activities to help you succeed in your chosen pathway.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for the LLM International Law.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in Law
OR an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent non-law degree in a related field, such as History, Politics or International Relations.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.
We will also consider your application if your subject is not listed above, if you have evidence of significant academic or professional experience (at least 12 months, paid) in fields including, but not limited to: international law, international relations or international human rights, journalist or for a charity/NGO/think tank.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have a relevant postgraduate qualification.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £15,700 per year
- Home: part-time
- £7,850 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £29,400 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Information about funding and scholarships can be found on the University of Bristol Law School funding webpages. This includes information about the Law School's Think Big about Law and Justice Scholarships, open to international postgraduate students.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Graduating from a world-leading university, ranked 51st in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026), opens doors to careers in a variety of sectors, including roles in global law firms and chambers, and roles in governmental and regulatory organisations such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the World Trade Organisation.
You can expect to:
- Develop and deepen your understanding of international law.
- Build transferable skills.
- Receive a springboard into a diverse range of careers.
- Benefit from boosted prospects for those already working in related fields.
- Begin your journey towards a career in research.
The LLM in International Law prepares graduates for diverse careers in law, policy and advocacy. Alumni work with organisations such as the European Commission, leading law firms and government departments worldwide, as well as in consultancy, advocacy with bodies like the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, research roles and further postgraduate study.
The University of Bristol Law School provides students with careers information and guidance, dedicated Law Employability support and access to mentoring schemes with alumni across the world. Explore our careers and employability webpages for more information about the support and opportunities we provide during your studies.
Read our Law student blogs to learn more about student life and the careers our graduates go on to after graduation.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk