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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Course overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
1 Year -
20 Sep 2027
Studying this Master of Laws degree will help you develop specialised skills to progress and make a difference within the complex field of international criminal law.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Gain a critical understanding of key areas of international criminal law regulating crimes against humanity
- Learn how international criminal laws have developed and operate in practice
- Study the legal frameworks surrounding war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, within the broader context of international human rights and criminal justice
- Investigate international regulations that prohibit various forms of modern slavery and human trafficking, considering their enforcement through international human rights and criminal justice systems
- Examine the impact of international conflict – including the displacement of people and violations of their human rights – and the consequences of such crimes, for example the ‘forgotten trial’ of the Holocaust
- Understand the features and principles of different jurisdictions and legal systems related to international criminal law and be able to compare them
- Study how international criminal law, in the form of legal theory and practice, is shaped by and influences our ethical, social, and political environment
Collaborative working
LLM International Criminal Law shares modules with other level 7 academic LLM programmes, specifically core for Legal Research Methods, Dissertation, as well as optional modules.
This creates a collaborative learning environment for students from a diverse range of social, cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds where you can share and challenge ideas of best practice.
Professional links
Leeds Law School has strong connections with local, regional and national law firms. These include commercial and corporate law firms in Leeds, as well as governmental departments, such as the Government Legal Department, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Department for Work and Pensions, and HM Treasury. You'll have opportunities to network with potential employers during your LLM study.
Student Law societies
Join one of our active student societies - the Law Society and Legal Ladies - who organise social, as well as networking and career-focused events for our student community.
Law Trove
Leeds Law School subscribes to Law Trove, an online service offered by Oxford University Press, worth over £200. This means you’ll have free access to all Oxford University Press Law textbooks. You’ll be able to read texts online or download chapters in PDF format to read offline or print.
Choose how you study
You’ll study this law course in-person on campus. The on-campus option means you'll attend physical seminars and be encouraged to get involved with Leeds Law School and the wider university community. Your learning will be supplemented with online recorded content; while reading and related activities form the foundation of your seminars.
Why study the LLM International Criminal Law course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Learn from experts – this course is delivered by qualified legal practitioners and academics with significant professional expertise and experience
- Law Trove – an online service worth over £200, giving you free access to hundreds of legal texts - meaning you spend less, if anything, on textbooks
- Network – take advantage of guest speakers, networking opportunities, law career events, and law fairs to cultivate links with the legal community
Explore the facilities at Leeds Law School Take a look at the facilities on offer at Leeds Law School, including the Courtroom, Harvard Lecture Theatre and Immersive Learning spaces.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.0 with no skill below 5.5. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.0 with no skill below 5.5. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
Explore the key principles, objectives, and functions of public international law, including its origins, sources, subjects, powers, processes, and principal legal regimes. You'll develop an understanding of how international law shapes relationships between states and other international actors, and how its rules and institutions help address some of the most pressing global challenges, including those relating to economic development, international cooperation, and the protection of people and the environment. You'll also critically examine its achievements, limitations, and effectiveness in an increasingly interconnected world. Through developing your research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, you'll gain a strong foundation for further specialist study. research, or professional practice.
This module equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct rigorous legal research, exploring both qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches. You'll engage with the fundamental principles of legal philosophy and examine a range of conceptual tools that can be applied to research and resolve complex legal problems. By developing these research skills and analytical frameworks, you'll be well prepared to undertake your LLM or MRes Dissertation with confidence and intellectual rigour.
Examine the principles, sources, and historical development of international criminal law, exploring how national and international courts and tribunals investigate and prosecute international crimes. You'll develop an understanding of state jurisdiction, prohibited conduct, individual criminal responsibility, and the legal frameworks governing aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. You'll also critically assess the role and effectiveness of international criminal justice, considering the challenges of gathering evidence, establishing liability, and addressing defences and jurisdictional immunities. Through exploring the causes and consequences of international crimes, you'll consider their impact on victims and the wider global community.
Produce an independent research project of between 15,000 and 18,000 words. This will allow you to develop your ideas on a legal topic which you've chosen to explore in-depth. You'll be supported in your dissertation research and writing process by an academic supervisor.
What you'll learn
Explore the legal frameworks governing international business and competition, examining how laws promote fair competition, market efficiency, and consumer welfare. You'll investigate the regulation of anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant market positions, comparing the legislative and legal approaches of the UK, European Union, and USA. Through examining major digital businesses and competition investigations involving companies such as Google and Microsoft, you'll consider how technological advances and globalisation are challenging traditional regulatory frameworks. You'll also develop an understanding of how competition law affects cross-border business activity and the responsibilities of organisations operating in international markets.
An in-depth study of the key aspects of modern international commercial law, this module helps you understand and critically evaluate its substance, structure, and complexities. You'll explore essential elements of international commercial contracts, including forms and modes of finance and payment, and examine widely used international contractual terms (INCOTERMS) such as EXW, FCA, FAS, FOB, and CIF. The module also covers the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), exploring its legal character and substantive provisions. In the shipping law component, you'll examine the contract of carriage and the rights and duties of shippers and carriers. Specific topics include Bills of Lading, Charterparties, the Hague-Visby Rules, Hamburg Rules, Rotterdam Rules, Multimodal Transportation, and Marine Insurance. Throughout the module, you'll develop a critical understanding of international commercial law and consider its evolving nature, enabling you to assess the future direction and dynamic challenges of global commerce.
Examine the legal system of the World Trade Organization (WTO) that governs the relations of states and other international players in the legal framework within the nation's trade. You'll give special consideration to the resolution of international trade disputes and the control of abuse of powers by the states, and the ways in which the WTO Member States approach the control of anti-trade behaviour. You'll also consider regional trading blocs, such as EU, NAFTA, ASEAN, as examples of successfully operating regional trading agreements.
This module considers several examples of post-World War II conflicts such as Bosnia, Dafur, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sahel region, Ukraine and Palestine; tracing the application of the legal principles in each instance. You'll explore how the rules of war and international humanitarian law have evolved in response to the changing face of armed hostilities in the modern world. We'll evaluate whether the current international legal framework is robust enough to cope with the rapid changes brought about by new technologies.
This module explores how international human rights law protects the rights of disabled people and addresses the multiple and intersecting disadvantages that they may face in exercising those rights. With a particular focus on the 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD), you'll examine disability as a human rights issue rather than solely a medical concern. You'll explore the requirements set out to support the inclusion of disabled people across areas including education, employment, healthcare, criminal justice, community life, political participation, leisure, and sport. Throughout the module, you'll be encouraged to critically challenge medicalised understandings of disability and engage with the social model of disability as a framework for equality and inclusion. As the module progresses, you'll engage with current debates and challenges, from inequalities in education, employment, and democratic participation to the marginalisation of disability within armed conflict and humanitarian contexts.
Engage in professional learning experiences and build your practice skills and capabilities to enhance your future career with this placement option. You'll learn to reflect on your previous, current and future practical work experience with an organisation relevant to your area of study. Experience the world of law first-hand, developing your understanding of theory and practically applying your knowledge of law and related policy, legal, professional and ethical principles to real experiences. You'll be primed to kickstart your career or take your existing role to the next level.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course are not yet confirmed.
Fees for this course are not yet confirmed.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course are not yet confirmed.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- You'll have access to the majority of your core texts as e-books through Leeds Law School.
- Law Trove, an online service offered by Oxford University Press worth over £200. This means you'll have free access to all Oxford University Press Law textbooks.
- Simulation suite, an on-campus system that will help you to develop effective leadership and group participant skills.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll be responsible for your own travel expenses. The costs will be determined by where your placement is located.
Optional Costs
- To study this course, you'll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Fees for this course are not yet confirmed.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- You'll have access to the majority of your core texts as e-books through Leeds Law School.
- Law Trove, an online service offered by Oxford University Press worth over £200. This means you'll have free access to all Oxford University Press Law textbooks.
- Simulation suite, an on-campus system that will help you to develop effective leadership and group participant skills.
Essential Costs
- If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll be responsible for your own travel expenses. The costs will be determined by where your placement is located.
Optional Costs
- To study this course, you'll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £13,206, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
This LLM course gives you more than just legal knowledge of various aspects of international criminal law – it equips you with a deep understanding of legal principles, doctrines, reasoning, and values, alongside key insights from political and social theory. With this specialised expertise, you’ll be primed to navigate the complexities of contemporary international criminal law and pursue a wide range of impactful careers, including:
- Governmental organisations
- Non-governmental international organisations
- Diplomatic service
- Legal practice
We live in an ever-fragile world where an individual’s rights are prone to abuses and international crimes are on the rise. During this course, you’ll enhance your graduate attributes and career opportunities by becoming independent learners, critical thinkers and capable citizens. You’ll learn about the topical issues and key aspects of international criminal law from expert and research-active tutors at Leeds Law School.”
Dr Pavel Repyeuski
Course Director
Dr Pavel Repyeuski
Course Director / Leeds Law School
Originally from Belarus, Pavel has worked at Leeds Law School since 2007, first as a lecturer, then as a senior lecturer in law. He teaches both, undergraduate and postgraduate students, around his specialisms in European Union law, company law, international trade and business law.
Law in Practice events
Our guest lecture events provide opportunities for you to network and hear from speakers from a range of backgrounds and contexts, providing insight into developments and key issues of relevance to the legal sector and professional practice. Our events are open to legal professionals, students and those with an interest in the subject area.
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
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