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Introduction to Public International Law

When you'll study it
Semester 2
CATS points
15
ECTS points
7.5
Level
Level 5
Module lead
Andrew Serdy
Academic year
2025-26

Module overview

The story of Public International Law is the story of historic and present-day efforts to address international issues of common concern - conflict within and between states, climate change, human rights abuses, international crimes, global trade, and control over and use of the world's oceans, for example.

In this module we will explore how international law works; how the world is - or, perhaps, is not - governed by international law. We will consider what international law is, its history and future, the purposes it serves, its interpretation and application, and its relationship with domestic (English) law.

By taking this module you will gain an appreciation of law's global context and an understanding of law's function and effectiveness in addressing international challenges and threats. This appreciation and understanding will be valuable in any future career given the increasingly international nature of life today and especially useful for those hoping to work in large global law-firms.