LLM Law - International Law and International Relations
- LLM
Overview
The LLM in International Law and International Relations offers a multidisciplinary perspective on global affairs, combining insights from the Law School and the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies. Gain a unique insight into the dual functions of law and politics in regulating and influencing world affairs.
You will study overarching theories of international relations and their practical applications through specialist optional units in international law, human rights, world trade law, international security, and international political economy. Explore how these theories are applied in practice through your specialist units.
Ideal for careers in global law firms, government, consultancies, the public sector and international agencies, this programme develops crucial analytical, communication, and research skills valued by top employers. Our programmes are well respected by leading law firms, with Bristol ranking seventh in the UK for employability (QS Graduate Employability, 2022).
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.
Programme structure
Our vibrant international community and diverse teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and bespoke skills workshops, enrich the LLM experience at the University of Bristol. A wide range of optional units reflect the expertise of our globally renowned academics, allowing you to further specialise your degree.
You will choose two Law School units from a list of options, along with three units from the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies.
You will also complete a 10,000- to 15,000-word dissertation. In consultation with the programme director and based on your proposed area of specialisation, you have the choice to take the dissertation in either school, with a supervisory decision typically being made in December.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our LLM in International Law and International Relations.
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 in non-law degree in a related field, such as History, Politics or International Relations.
We will also consider your application if your subject is not listed above, if you have at least one of the following:
- 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, journalism, charity, NGOs, think tanks.
- a relevant postgraduate qualification.
If this is the case, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications.
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 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.
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.
Go to admissions statementIf 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
- £15,300 per year
- Home: part-time (two years)
- £7,650 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £28,600 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* opens doors to careers in a variety of sectors, including global law firms, government, consultancies, the public sector, and international agencies.
This LLM will help you to:
- Develop and deepen understanding of international law.
- Build transferable skills.
- Provide a springboard into a diverse range of careers.
- Boost prospects for those already working in related fields.
- Deliver a solid first step towards a research career.
Please visit our careers and employability webpages for more information about the support we provide.
*Ranked 54th in the world (QS World University Ranking 2025)
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk