Cecily Zamora
International law is a popular discipline with many Bachelor's and Master's degrees available worldwide. It is the study of law in a global context, focusing on interstate agreements, human rights law, diplomacy, economic relations, and war. Studying international law opens doors to several well-paid legal, business, charitable, and governmental careers, with the possibility of overseas work. Those interested in studying international law should consider their budget, academic goals, and location when choosing a program. Top universities for international law include Yale Law School and Harvard Law School, which offer a range of courses, resources, and opportunities for students to engage in international legal exchanges and experiences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International Law is a vocation | N/A |
| International Law is a popular discipline | 300 Bachelor's and 700 Master's degrees |
| International Law is challenging | N/A |
| International Law is rewarding | Fulfilling career paths, high earning potential |
| International Law is a well-paid career | Lawyers in the USA earn a median wage of USD 136,000 a year |
| International Law is a global career | Jobs around the world |
| International Law is a specialised career | Public international law, private international law |
| International Law is a flexible career | Short-term, project-based, long-term |
| International Law is competitive | N/A |
| International Law is a degree you can study abroad | Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany; Yale Law School; Harvard Law School |
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What You'll Learn
International Law degree types and institutions
International law is a popular discipline, with over 300 Bachelor's and 700 Master's degrees available. There are also online courses for those who prefer this mode of study.
Bachelor's degrees
Bachelor's degrees in International Law offer a modern and interdisciplinary education in international relations with a concentration in international law. The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations: International Law is a 3-year, internationally accredited programme. The Bachelor's degree in Global Law offers a legal education with a strong international focus, integrating law with economics and technological innovation.
Master's degrees
The LLM International Law programme enables students to develop an in-depth understanding of the law in relation to key international subjects. Students are encouraged to consider the role of law in international affairs and develop a critical understanding of how the law affects all aspects of international activity, from trade and prosecuting crimes to the use of force in international relations, human rights, and protecting the environment. The SOAS MA International Law provides a diverse and unique range of courses that critically interrogate the theory and practice of international law and explore cutting-edge topics of contemporary significance.
PhD programmes
One of the world's only PhD programmes in International Law is offered by an intergovernmental organisation itself constituted under international law.
Institutions
Several institutions offer International Law programmes, including:
- Columbia Law School
- UCLA School of Law
- Justus Liebig University Giessen
- SOAS
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Career paths and opportunities
International law is a broad academic subject that opens up opportunities for both a regular law career and employment with the government or international organisations. International law degree graduates can find work that is exciting and highly satisfying. However, the field is very competitive, and getting a job right after graduation may not be easy.
There are plenty of career options for graduates with an international law degree, all of which lead to fulfilling career paths with high earning potential. International law positions, particularly those with international organisations or abroad, often have titles that are not obviously associated with the law profession. For instance, terms like “officer" can be found in job listings on the official websites of international organisations.
If you wish to use your international law degree to work internationally, consider developing fluency in another language to improve your candidacy for such positions. You can find jobs around the world, especially if you studied international law abroad and already have experience living abroad.
Some of the most popular international law jobs include drafting trade agreements and international contracts, offering advice to clients regarding legal issues, documents, and transactions, and analysing and interpreting legal documents.
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Entry requirements
To study international law, you will need to meet the entry requirements of your chosen educational institution. While the specific requirements may vary, here are some general guidelines:
Undergraduate Level:
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree in international law, or a related field, you will typically need to meet the standard entry requirements for university education in your chosen country. This may include completing secondary education with good grades, providing letters of recommendation, and demonstrating proficiency in the language of instruction. In some cases, you may also need to take standardised tests such as the LSAT, GRE, or JD-Next.
Postgraduate Level:
For postgraduate studies in international law, such as a Master of Laws (LL.M.) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), the entry requirements may include having a bachelor's degree in law (LL.B.) or a related field. Some universities may also require you to have prior professional experience in the field, although this is not always mandatory. Additionally, you may need to provide letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of proficiency in a particular language if you are applying to study in a non-native language.
Other Considerations:
When considering entry requirements for studying international law, it is important to research the specific requirements of your chosen university and programme. This includes understanding the academic standards, language proficiency expectations, and any additional requirements such as interviews or extracurricular activities. Additionally, if you are an international student, you may need to take into account the visa requirements and other regulations specific to your destination country.
Overall, gaining entry to study international law requires a strong academic background, demonstrated through grades, test scores, and recommendations. It may also be advantageous to have relevant professional experience and a high level of proficiency in a foreign language commonly used in law, such as Arabic, French, Russian, or Spanish.
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Studying abroad
International law covers the rules, regulations, and laws that govern how countries and nations interact. Given the globalised world we live in, international law is an increasingly attractive field, with professionals able to find work almost anywhere in the world. As such, studying international law abroad is a great option for students who want to make the most of their education.
Firstly, studying abroad provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, learn a language, and make new friends. This sets students apart when they graduate and begin their job search. Secondly, studying law in the country where you plan to practice is important from a logistical perspective. Each country has different requirements for becoming a lawyer, and studying abroad can help you understand and achieve these requirements. For example, in the UK, you must either study an international law undergraduate degree followed by a legal practice course (LPC) or study an undergraduate degree in any subject, followed by a graduate diploma in law (GDL), and then a postgraduate degree in international law.
There are numerous top-rated law schools around the world, including Yale Law School, which offers students the opportunity to engage in international legal exchanges, scholarship, and experiences. The University of St. Gallen in Switzerland is another example of a top international law school.
International law can be studied as a bachelor's degree, master's degree, postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma, and at the PhD level. Studying international law typically takes one to three years, depending on your study destination, degree, and study mode. It is worth noting that most international lawyers choose to specialise in either public international law (human rights legislation and international agreements between states) or private international law (cross-border transactions, contracts, and dispute resolution between corporations and individuals).
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International Law specialisations
International Law is a diverse field of study that prepares students for a wide range of legal careers. International Law specialisations are offered at various universities, including UCLA School of Law, Loyola University Chicago, and UC Law San Francisco.
The International and Comparative Law Specialisation at UCLA School of Law allows students to structure their curriculum according to their interests. This includes a range of courses such as public international law, comparative and foreign law, international human rights law, international criminal law, international trade law, and international intellectual property law. UCLA also offers extracurricular activities, journals, student organisations, and moot court opportunities to enhance the student experience.
Loyola University Chicago's School of Law offers a JD Certificate in International Law and Practice. The curriculum includes courses in international trade, dispute resolution, and the rule of law, with electives focusing on human rights, access to medicine, and issues of war, peace, and terrorism. To obtain the certificate, students must complete 14 credit hours with a B average grade or better.
UC Law San Francisco's International Law Specialisation covers both public international law, which deals with relationships between nations, and private international law, which addresses disputes between private entities. The curriculum includes courses such as international human rights, international litigation, transitional justice, international trade, and international environmental law. The specialisation is available in a hybrid flex mode, and the faculty offers mentorship for students pursuing international careers.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best institutions to study international law include Yale Law School, Harvard Law School, Justus Liebig University Giessen, and the University of St. Gallen (HSG), Switzerland.
Entry requirements for an international law degree vary depending on the institution. Generally, undergraduate and graduate students will need to provide academic transcripts and any standardised test results. Some institutions may also require students to demonstrate strong academic performance in classes such as English and history.
An international law degree can lead to a variety of well-paid career paths, including legal, political, charitable, and governmental roles. International lawyers often specialise in either public international law or private international law. With a degree in international law, you can find work all around the world.
