LLM International Law

100% online

Develop the specialist skills and expertise to excel in international law with an online LLM from a University recognised for teaching and research excellence in law

Apply by 09 June 2026
To start 23 June 2026
180 credits Complete within 12 months £8,220 total fees

Key benefits

  1. 100% online LLM – complete within 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
  2. 5 star rating for teaching, inclusiveness, employability and facilities*
  3. 8th in the UK for social inclusion**
  4. £8,220 total fees, option to pay £685 per module

*QS Stars World University Rankings 2023
**The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Why Sunderland?

World-class teaching, built around your future.

Student focused

We put our students at the
heart of everything we do.

Professions facing

We partner with employers
and embrace real-world
business challenges, shaping
the workforce of tomorrow.

Society shaping

We are a catalyst for
regeneration with our research
and innovation driving economic
and social impact.

An online LLM in international law for professionals from a wide range of backgrounds

The 100% online LLM International Law from the University of Sunderland is ideally suited to professionals wanting to specialise in public international law and provides you with a firm foundation in the fundamentals of the international legal frameworks and system, and international relations. Open to both lawyers and non-lawyers, this online law degree develops a comprehensive understanding of international law that will prepare you for, or further your career in a wide range of sectors and professional contexts, in both national and international organisations, including government, trade, law firms, businesses, industry associations and non-governmental organisations.

What will you study?

The LLM programme provides you with the opportunity to acquire a more sophisticated understanding of core areas of international law, including the international legal system, international law-making processes and the diverse functions of international law in contemporary society. A variety of active and innovative teaching methods combine to equip you with the vital skills of negotiation, persuasion, debating, presentation, teamwork and leadership.

Key knowledge and skills taught on this course:

  • International law
  • International human rights law
  • Business law
  • Contract law
  • Land law
  • Employment law
  • Dispute resolution
  • Public law
  • Tort law
  • Legal research skills

A cutting-edge online learning experience that enables flexible study globally

Work and family commitments can often be immensely challenging or even impossible to balance with studying for a postgraduate degree. However, the University of Sunderland’s online LLM International Law is very different to other degree programmes. The design of the course is flexible and the academic content can be accessed on demand, enabling you to study at times that suit you. This flexibility makes it eminently achievable to complete your master’s without having to make difficult sacrifices.

You can choose to either study this LLM part-time and complete your degree within 24 months, or full-time and complete your degree within 12 months. With six start dates a year, you’re not restricted to the traditional academic year and can begin postgraduate study within weeks.

The interactive and collaborative online learning environment has been designed to enable peer-to peer learning, with discussion boards, forums and group activities key parts of the learning experience. You will connect with tutors and fellow postgraduate students from a wide range of backgrounds and from countries across the world, representing a unique and valuable opportunity to enhance your global professional network.

The academic support you will receive is underpinned by the allocation of a dedicated Student Success Coordinator, who will actively support you throughout your studies, from enrolment right through to graduation.

Admission requirements

  • At least a UK 2.2 undergraduate degree
  • A UK master’s degree (or international equivalent)
  • Third-class or ordinary undergraduate degree (without honours) or UK equivalent professional qualification with a minimum of two years’ appropriate work experience
  • Applicants who do not hold a recognised degree will be asked to provide evidence which demonstrates a minimum of three years’ relevant organisational experience

    The work experience must be at a graduate level, in either a managerial or professional capacity which may include voluntary work, placements, internships, or project management

Total course fees

£8,220

Per 15-credit module fee:

£685

Fees

If you are based in the UK, you may be eligible for a government-backed postgraduate loan to cover the full costs of the course.

In addition, if you have successfully completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Sunderland, you are eligible for a 10% tuition fees reduction on our postgraduate programmes.

You pay tuition fees for each module taken, either module-by-module or in full at the start of your course.

If you pay module-by-module, you will pay in instalments of £685.

Modules

This module explores the key principles that comprise international law. It examines the principal sources, subjects and institutions and the manner in which laws are made, together with dispute resolution. You will learn how contemporary legal and political issues in international law affect the wider international community and also operate on a local level. The module develops an understanding of the concepts of defining international law and globalisation and issues regarding jurisdiction, territory and self-determination.

Top 40
UK University
(Guardian University Ranking 2025)
1st in the North
East for teaching quality
(The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
70% of university research
rated as ‘world-leading’ or
‘internationally excellent’
(Research Excellence Framework 2021)
8th in UK
for social inclusion
(The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)