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LAW-20112 - Module Specification
School of Law
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

LAW-20112 - International Law
Coordinator: Emma Allen Room: CBC2.005 Tel: +44 1782 7 34512
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 733218

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

N/A

Barred Combinations

N/A

Description for 2026/27

International law is the dynamic framework that shapes how countries and global actors (such as the United Nations) interact on the world stage. In this module, you will dive into its heart, exploring the institutions, sources and general principles that form its foundation. You will also have the opportunity to explore some ‘specialist’ areas of international law (with human rights law, humanitarian law, environmental law and/or economic law as illustrative examples) and to reflect critically on some of the most important challenges confronting the international community today, from armed conflicts to climate change or global inequality.
*You will have the opportunity to choose the ‘specialist’ areas of international law covered in the second part of the module, with selections made each year through a democratic process. This flexibility enables you to customise your studies to better match your career goals and interests, resulting in a more personalised and relevant educational experience.

Aims
This module is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how law operates within the international community. It will explore the principles and frameworks that govern international relations. In doing so, the module encourages you to expand your perspective beyond the limitations of domestic law.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Appraise international law as a legal system and its differences with domestic legal systems: 1,2,3
Examine the various successes and limitations of international law: 1,2,3
Critically evaluate substantive areas of international law studied within the module: 2,3
Analyse international disputes in terms of applicable legal rules and propose arguable solutions: 1,2
Develop well-organised and coherent written submissions addressing international law issues: 1,3

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
Interactive Lectures = 11 x 2-hour sessions per semester
Independent Study Hours:
Interactive Lecture Preparation = 136 hours
Assessment Preparation = 120 hours

School Rules

N/A

Description of Module Assessment

1: Open Book Assessment weighted 50%
28-Hour Online Open Book Assessment
The online open book assessment consists of two parts (Part A and Part B). You are required to complete both parts, which will be weighted equally. In Part A, you must draft a legal memo addressing the international law issues raised in a hypothetical scenario. You will receive specific instructions along with a set of related documents to assist in providing the requested advice. The recommended word count for the memo is 1500 words. Part B consists of four short questions on the module content of which you must answer two. It is expected that you will demonstrate a clear and critical understanding of the issues raised. Each question response should be approximately 500 words. The total word limit for the assessment is 2500 words. The assessment paper will be made available during the Semester 1 assessment period. You will have 28 hours to complete and submit the assessment electronically – from 9am (local time) on the first working day until 1pm (local time) on the second working day. However, you should not spend more than 8 hours actively working on the assessment.

2: Flexible Class Test weighted 20%
Flexible Class Test
A series of timed multiple choice questions will be available to complete in a single 90-minute sitting within a 28-hour timeframe during Week 12 of Semester 2. These questions will assess your knowledge of the ‘specialist’ areas of international law covered in the second part of the module.

3: Essay weighted 30%
Research Essay
You must write a research essay addressing a question related to one of the ‘specialist’ areas of international law discussed in the second part of the module. The total word limit for the essay is 2000 words. The questions will be provided in Semester 2 and submissions are expected during the Semester 2 assessment period.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 March 2026