The International Law program is aimed at assisting those who wish to acquire a better understanding of the rules and standards that affect international affairs and international trade, current or prospective public servants in a variety of government departments whose work involves consideration of international relations and transactions, and anyone interested in or involved with the work of international or non-governmental organisations, human rights bodies and similar entities.

One aspect of globalisation has been the increased impact of international law on an ever-expanding range of state activities – hardly any subject matter these days remains insulated from international norms or regulation, ranging from travel and communication, personal rights and liberties, commerce, access to food, medicine and culture, the environment, terrorism or security.
The program offers flexible delivery and learning, designed to cater for the needs of people who are unable to attend regular day or evening lectures because of work, family or travel commitments. The \”intensive\” courses offered in which the face-to-face tuition is usually compressed into 3-6 days will be attractive to both part-time and full-time students.
Masters Degree requires all students to complete courses totalling 48 units, with at least 36 units from the International Law stream.

Examples of International Law course groupings

The range of electives offered in the International Law stream provides students with a unique opportunity, should they so wish, to put together a program structure of courses focussing on a specific area of interest, be it international security, human rights, trade or the environment.

Examples of some suggested groupings of electives catering to such interests are given below – please note not all electives are offered every year and different electives will be offered in future years, available to students commencing the program part time.

Courses offered in 2012 by areas of interest

International Law & Human Rights:

• Principles of International Law (compulsory)
• Advanced Principles of International Law (compulsory)
• Citizenship Law in Context
• International Child Law
• International Criminal Law
• International Dispute Resolution
• International Human Rights Law
• International Humanitarian Law
• International Refugee Law
• International Organisations: Geneva
• Transnational Anti-Corruption Laws
• Transnational Business & Human Rights

International Law & World Trade:

• Principles of International Law (compulsory)
• Advanced Principles of International Law (compulsory)
• Conflict of Laws
• International Law of World Trade
• Kyoto Seminar: Japanese Law in the Global Era
• Law & Development in the Contemporary South Pacific
• Transnational Criminal Law
• Transnational Anti-Corruption Laws
• Transnational Business & Human Rights

International Law & Conflict Management:

• Principles of International Law (compulsory)
• Advanced Principles of International Law (compulsory)
• International Criminal Law
• International Dispute Resolution
• International Humanitarian Law
• International Law & the Use of Force
• International Law & Peacekeeping
• International Security Law
• Law of the Sea
• Maritime Security

International Law & the Environment:

• Principles of International Law (compulsory)
• Advanced Principles of International Law (compulsory)
• Climate Change and Displacement
• International Climate Law
• International Law of the Environment
• International Law of World Trade

Eligible students may also undertake the Graduate Research Unit in International Law.

Entry Requirements:
Applicants from a law background: Applicants must hold an Australian Bachelor of Laws degree or equivalent. A strong pass degree or better is normally required for admission.

Applicants from a non-law background: Applicants must hold at least a three-year Australian Bachelors degree or equivalent. A strong pass degree or better is normally required for admission.

Applicants who do not hold a bachelors degree: Applicants with relevant experience but who do not hold a bachelors degree may be considered for entry, however there are additional entry requirements. For further details please contact the Postgraduate Administrator.