LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON · UNITED KINGDOM
LL4AE The Politics of International Law (Half Unit)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Half UnitCourse Size
- 20Total Students (2024/25)
- 19Average Class Size (2024/25)
- Level 7FHEQ Level
- Autumn TermCourse Study Period
- Communication, Specialist SkillsPersonal Development Skills
This half-unit course examines international law through the lenses of literature, history, and politics, viewing it as a diplomatic tool used to advance global power arrangements and well-being. The course explores three key historical periods: the post-World War I era, the Cold War, and contemporary global events. It analyzes the political context surrounding the deployment of legal categories in current conflicts and historical periods, considering how international law shapes possibilities for resolution. The course uses a seminar format, encouraging active participation and discussion based on assigned readings. It aims to foster critical thinking about the historical development and political implications of international legal frameworks.
Curriculum
The course is structured around weekly seminars focusing on specific historical moments and thematic explorations of international law.
- Autumn Term
- The Russo-Ukraine War and International Legal Proceedings in the Middle EastLL4AE
- Origins of Sovereignty, Self-Determination, and Institutionalism (Versailles, Geneva)LL4AE
- Cold War and International LawLL4AE
- International Law and FriendshipLL4AE
- International Law as Utopian BetLL4AE
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the LL4AE The Politics of International Law (Half Unit) course?
- Priority for this course is given to students enrolled in LLM, MSc Regulation, and MSc Law and Finance programmes. Other LSE Master's students may be able to take it as an outside option with permission, provided they meet any specified prerequisites.
- When can I apply for this course?
- For students not in the priority programmes (LLM, MSc Regulation, MSc Law and Finance), applications open at 10 am on Thursday, October 2, 2025, and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- What is the duration and format of the course?
- This is a half-unit course studied during the Autumn Term, consisting of 20 hours of seminars. It uses a seminar format, encouraging active participation and discussion based on assigned readings.
- What topics are covered in the curriculum?
- The course examines international law through historical periods like the post-World War I era and the Cold War, and contemporary events such as the Russo-Ukraine War. It explores concepts like origins of sovereignty, self-determination, and international law as a utopian bet.
Entry requirements
Availability on specific LSE Master's programmesPriority given to LLM, MSc Regulation, and MSc Law and Finance students. Open to other programmes where regulations permit, with permission.
This course has a limited number of places and demand is typically high, meaning not all students may be able to secure a place. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must meet any specified pre-requisites. Additional written statements are not considered.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Tuition and living cost information is not available on the program page.
How to apply
1. Check Eligibility and Programme AvailabilityConfirm if the course is available for your specific Master's program (e.g., LLM, MSc Law and Finance) or if you can take it as an outside option with permission.
2. Application PriorityPriority for course selection is given to students enrolled in LLM, MSc Regulation, and MSc Law and Finance programs on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. General Application WindowFor all other eligible students, requests for places will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis starting from 10 am on Thursday, October 2, 2025, subject to remaining spaces.
4. Confirm PrerequisitesEnsure you meet all specified pre-requisite academic requirements for the course before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the LL4AE The Politics of International Law (Half Unit) course?
+
Priority for this course is given to students enrolled in LLM, MSc Regulation, and MSc Law and Finance programmes. Other LSE Master's students may be able to take it as an outside option with permission, provided they meet any specified prerequisites.
When can I apply for this course?
+
For students not in the priority programmes (LLM, MSc Regulation, MSc Law and Finance), applications open at 10 am on Thursday, October 2, 2025, and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is the duration and format of the course?
+
This is a half-unit course studied during the Autumn Term, consisting of 20 hours of seminars. It uses a seminar format, encouraging active participation and discussion based on assigned readings.
What topics are covered in the curriculum?
+
The course examines international law through historical periods like the post-World War I era and the Cold War, and contemporary events such as the Russo-Ukraine War. It explores concepts like origins of sovereignty, self-determination, and international law as a utopian bet.