To provide an in-depth specialist knowledge of the principles and structure of international law, with special emphasis on law-making processes; To provide c ritical tools for an understanding of the interaction of political and legal factors in the conduct of international relations; To develop an a bility to identify the law and apply it correctly to hypothetical scenarios informed by major doctrinal and policy concerns; To develop an a bility to undertake independent research and reflect on today’s most debated theoretical and practical issue in the field; To develop an a bility to construct coherent legal arguments orally and in writing; To develop an a bility to interpret and evaluate international legal materials against the backdrop of multiple international, regional and domestic legal and policy frameworks.

(LO1) To demonstrate a critical understanding and knowledge of the principles that form the basis of the law governing inter-state relations;

(LO2) To show an ability to identify complex international legal issues and problems including those suitable for further research;

(LO3) To show an ability to work effectively with all relevant primary and secondary international legal sources, including complex materials, and to inform and develop understanding of a given topic;

(LO4) To demonstrate an awareness of the interaction of political and legal factors in the conduct of international relations;

(LO5) To reflect an ability to apply legal knowledge to complex situations including those involving doctrinal disputes over the theory and practice of international law, and to offer own reasoned views over such legal disputes;

(LO6) To show an ability to construct coherent legal arguments orally and in writing;

(LO7) To reflect an ability to undertake independent research, and to think critically about international legal issues;

(LO8) To demonstrate an ability to interpret and evaluate international legal materials within the wider context of international relations and domestic practices.

(S1) Critical analysis

(S2) Problem Solving

(S3) Verbal communication

(S4) Effective legal reasoning

Nature, history and basis of international law; Sources of international law: overview; Customary international law and the role of soft law; Subjects of international law; Statehood and the role of recognition; State jurisdiction: principles and practice; State & diplomatic immunities; The International Court of Justice: established and emerging case law; International law and domestic law; [Please note that not all the above topics may necessarily be taught in any given semester].

Teaching Method 1 - Seminar
Description: The seminars are designed to reflect on central areas of discourse covered in lectures. They include, for example, theories of international law, the sources of international law, recognition of states and governments, international legal personality, issues of jurisdiction, state and diplomatic immunities, the role of international courts, and the relationship between international law and domestic law.

Synchronous sessions (FTF and/or via Zoom, depending on final numbers and safety requirements)
Asynchronous materials (revised reading lists/handbook; seminar questions for consideration; one question/problem to be worked through by students at home and then discussed at the end of the synchronous session)