Postgraduate taught programme
LLM
International Law
Acquire and deepen specialist legal knowledge on selected issues in international law and policy.Internationally relevant and interdisciplinary programme
The programme’s multidisciplinary approach enables students to contextualise international law within broader issues of international relations and global security. Additionally, the programme provides scope for examining further perspectives from international relations, identifying key challenges, and exploring legal and policy responses within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Research-led with a vibrant academic culture
Taught by research-active academics, the LLM International Law, offers a contemporary and interdisciplinary insight into the geopolitical drivers of international law. LLM students are encouraged to attend the Law and International relations seminar series, which hosts regular seminars and workshops with invited speakers of national standing, adding a rich and complementary dimension to the programme.
Strong professional and practical links
Established, long-standing links to global NGOs such as the International Committee of the Red Cross offer tangible real-world engagement with the law and policy studied in the course. A close working relationship with immigration-focused NGOs further enhances students’ understanding of the practical and professional contexts in which international law operates, and supports graduates in developing relevant networks and career pathways.
Details
Overview
Throughout this course you will engage with both foundational and advanced concepts of public international law, focusing on critical areas such as human rights, humanitarian law, and international criminal law. The programme’s multidisciplinary approach will help to contextualise international law within broader issues of international relations and global security.
Additionally, the programme provides scope for examining further perspectives from international relations, identifying key challenges, and exploring legal and policy responses within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Delivered over 1 year full-time or two years part-time, it is comprised in a core module ‘Studying Law: Advanced Skills and Theories’ alongside a choice of four modules chosen from the following:
Semester 1
International Human Rights Law
Public international Law
International Human Rights Law
Public international Law
Semester 2
International Humanitarian Law
International and Transnational Criminal law
International Security
International Humanitarian Law
International and Transnational Criminal law
International Security
You will then complete a capstone dissertation in a negotiated subject of their choice, within the parameters of the award title.
LLM Courses starting September 2026
Our suite of LLM Law programmes offer an opportunity to delve deeper into one of four specialisms:
If you have any questions regarding any of these programmes, please contact
Mr Jason Lowther
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Careers, industry and research
Human rights and international humanitarian law
Our research expertise in human rights law and international humanitarian law includes exploring children’s rights and the legal protections available for those in conflict zones. Our research also aims to investigate how the activities of international police cooperation entities may impact human rights. We analyse various aspects of international law, including international institutional law, procedural aspects of transnational and international criminal law, in conjunction with international human rights law.
Our primary objective is to evaluate whether international police cooperation entities have sufficient legal safeguards in place to prevent their members from misusing their systems. Special attention is given to the functioning of INTERPOL and its notices and diffusions systems.
Plymouth Law Review
This online annual journal is produced and edited by our academic staff. It aims to encourage and promote legal scholarship and writing on a wide range of legal issues, and includes articles and reports from both staff and students.
Research-informed teaching
The research expertise of our staff in international law and international relations will ensure that you benefit from a rich environment of research-informed teaching.
Mr Jason Lowther
Associate Professor of Law
Dr Simone Schroff
Associate Professor in Law
Dr Lisa Deblasio
Lecturer in Law
Selected pubications
G. Calcara and L. Fisher, ‘Who is Allowed to Cooperate? Assessing the Concept of Membership of Interpol in Light of the Denial of Participation of Taiwan’ in M. Deflem (ed) Democracy, Governance, and Law (Emerald Publishing 2025).
G. Calcara, ‘INTERPOL and International Police Cooperation’ in P. Caeiro, S. Gless, and V. Mitsilegas - with M.J. Costa, J. De Snaijer and G. Theodorakakou (eds) Elgar Encyclopedia of Crime and Criminal Justice (Edward Elgar Publishing 2024).
G. Calcara and M. Launiala, ‘An overview of INTERPOL´s Involvement in Tackling Maritime Piracy: History, Developments, and Legal Issues’ in Y. Eski and M. Wright (eds) Maritime Crime & Policing (Routledge 2023).
G. Calcara, ‘Balancing International Police Cooperation: INTERPOL and the Undesirable Trade-off Between Rights of Individuals and Global Security’ (2021) 42(2) Liverpool Law Review (Springer), pp. 111-142.
G. Calcara, ‘A transnational police network co-operating up to the limits of the law: examination of the origin of INTERPOL’ (2020) 11(4) Transnational Legal Theory (Routledge), pp. 521-548.
G. Calcara, ‘Headnote on the INTERPOL´s Rules on the Processing of Data’ (2019) Oxford International Organization (OXIO) (Oxford University Press).
G. Calcara, ‘Rethinking legal research on matters of international police cooperation: Issues, methods and raison d’être’ (2019) 40(2) Liverpool Law Review (Springer), pp. 95-111.
G. Calcara, ‘Preventing the Misuse of Interpol: A Study on the Legal Safeguards of the Organization’ (2018) 87(1) Nordic Journal of International Law (Brill), pp. 56-78.
Postgraduate student life
Postgraduate study at the University of Plymouth is about more than just getting a qualification — it’s a chance to explore your subject in greater depth, challenge yourself intellectually, and grow both personally and academically.
With a supportive learning environment and flexible study options — including part-time and January start dates — you can shape your studies around your personal and professional commitments. Our supportive teaching, and welcoming student community, means you’ll be part of an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and independent thinking. Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, Plymouth offers the space, resources and inspiration to help you thrive.
The University takes every single step to ensure that students are supported. There are continuous workshops on referencing, a writing café and peer-supported learning sessions. Furthermore, lecturers are generally aware and sensitive to transitioning to university therefore they are always offering support when needed.
Joyita
MSc Advanced Psychology
MSc Advanced Psychology
Your Plymouth community
At the University of Plymouth, you get the same access to support, sports, and societies as undergraduate students. That means everything available to undergraduates is open to you too, whether it’s joining a sports club, attending events, taking part in student societies, or accessing health and wellbeing services.
You’re a full member of the Plymouth community, and that comes with all the benefits. So take advantage of what’s on offer — get involved, stay connected, and make the most of your time here.
Your societies
The University of Plymouth Law Society (UPLS) is a student run society which aims to give students the best opportunities to develop transferable skills making you an extremely valuable graduate after your time at Plymouth.
UPLS provides more than understanding of what it takes to be a lawyer. It gives hands on experience of mooting, debating, negotiations, client interviewing as well as participating in mock trials. All of which is supported by our local legal community, of law firms, chambers and professionals who sponsor us, judge finals and attend our Annual Cheese and Wine Networking Evening.
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Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for UK students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£10,600 per year
£10,600 per year
Part-time study
£590 per 10 credits
£590 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
Fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£18,700 per year
£18,700 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Fund your studies
As a postgraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including postgraduate masters loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Postgraduate Masters Loans (PGML)
You may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Masters Loan to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate masters course.
Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates
If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
- 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
An Honours degree in Law with a minimum of a 2:2 classification from a UK university. An Honours degree with some inclusion of Law and/or Policy in a related discipline, such as criminology, international relations or other social science, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Extended entry requirements
- All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above.
- Applicants who do not have appropriate Higher Education qualifications may be admitted to the programme on the basis of relevant prior experience if they can demonstrate the potential to successfully complete the programme. The Admissions Tutor / Programme Leader, in accordance with the University’s Academic Regulations may require such applicants to provide further evidence to support their application and undertake an interview.
Ready to apply?
After you apply
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Programme code
8286
8286
Duration
1 year
Course type
Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Contact the Faculty International Team
If you are an international student wanting to study with us in the UK, you can ask questions about your course and scholarship options by contacting our Faculty International Team.
If you are an international student wanting to study with us in the UK, you can ask questions about your course and scholarship options by contacting our Faculty International Team.
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
Extended entry requirements
- a suitable English language qualification. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element).
English language requirements - evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
- a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
- your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
- proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course directly through the University of Plymouth or
through an agent
in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- Student visa support
- Travel and arrival information
- and more
After you apply
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Programme code
8286
8286
Duration
1 year
Course type
Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Visit us at a postgraduate on-campus open evening
Visit us on campus to find out more about postgraduate study, speak to academic staff, and take a look around our campus and facilities.
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