Law - International Law (Taught)

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: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/law/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: https://lawstudent.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/2025/08/07/how-i-found-my-academic-home-at-bristol-university-my-experience-as-an-international-student-at-the-law-school/. She had the privilege of studying alongside classmates from every continent, each bringing unique cultural and legal perspectives that constantly broadened her worldview.