For students > Courses > Master > Public International Law

Public International Law has been defined as that body of law which regulates nation States and which States feel bound to observe. It also seeks to order human affairs at the international level. As developments in technology and travel continue to shrink the distance between States, issues of International Law become increasingly important. The course lays the foundation for an understanding of this system of law, how it works and its relationship with domestic law. It will challenge students to critically analyse the international legal system and suggest ways in which the rules and principles can and should develop in the future in order to accommodate the changing needs and values of the international community of nations. As well as discussing the theoretical background to established and emerging principles of International Law, the course looks at its practical application by analysing leading cases and considering how International Law impacts upon and is highly relevant to virtually all important events in contemporary international relations. On successful completion of the subject, students will have a basic understanding of Public International Law, including its relationship with international relations, international politics and the development of multilateral cooperation to address problems and issues of global concern. Read the full course description.