Course overview

  • Pursue an international law MA that does not require a first degree in law.
  • Explore future careers in government agencies, the armed forces, international organisations, NGOs, law firms and multinational corporations.
  • Develop the critical skills required to analyse legal issues surrounding armed conflicts, terrorism, modern warfare, security of international investments and transactions, and security of intellectual property.

Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

Course Level:

Master of Arts (MA)

Course

CODE 12035

How long it takes:

1 year (full-time); 2 years (part-time)

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

Course unit details

You will be doing 180 credits in total, 120 of which will be taught course units and the remaining 60 credits in the form of two research papers (30 credits each).

Course units are worth 15 or 30 credits each. You will be required to select course units to a total of 120 credits, and so must choose a minimum of four course units or a maximum of eight course units.

The course has a compulsory research component, in which you must submit two research papers of 7,000-8,000 words each (each worth 30 credits). The taught element of the degree course will total 120 credits and the research element will total 60 credits, therefore 180 credits for the MA. The first research paper must be within the area of a semester one course unit that you have chosen, and the second research paper within the area of a semester one or semester two course unit you have taken.

 

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Title Code Credit rating Mandatory/optional
Subjects and Actors of International Law LAWS70021 15 Mandatory
Sources of International Law LAWS70431 15 Mandatory
International Obligations LAWS70441 15 Mandatory
International Institutional Law and the Use of Force LAWS70451 15 Mandatory
MA Research Paper One LAWS70901 30 Mandatory
MA Research Paper Two LAWS70902 30 Mandatory
Academic Skills for Legal Studies LAWS50000 0 Optional
PG International Courts and Tribunals LAWS61082 15 Optional
Cyber-Security and International Law LAWS70462 15 Optional
International Criminal Law and Justice LAWS70472 30 Optional

Academic entry qualification overview

MA applicants must hold a minimum Upper Second class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in a relevant subject. 

Those applicants who do not satisfy the entry requirements for direct entry onto our MA course may wish to be considered for entry onto the Postgraduate Diploma course.

In exceptional circumstances candidates who do not have first degree, but who can demonstrate professional competence, may be admitted on the Postgraduate Diploma course. Transfer to the MA, if requested, will be considered based on marks obtained in the taught component, and is dependent upon the student reaching Master’s level in the taught modules.

 

English language

  • IELTS – overall score of 7, including 7 in writing with no further component score below 6.5;
  • TOEFL IBT 103 with 28 in writing and no further score below 25 in each section. TOEFL code for Newcastle is 0757.
  • Pearson – overall 73 with 73 in writing and no further score below 66

Scores are valid for 2 years.

Please note that CAS statements are issued only when all conditions of the offer have been satisfied, PDF copy of passport received and the offer accepted.

  • MA (full-time)
    UK/EU students (per annum): £9,500
    International students (per annum): £19,000
  • MA (part-time)
    UK/EU students (per annum): £4,750
    International students (per annum): £9,500
  • PGDip (full-time)
    UK/EU students (per annum): £6,334
    International students (per annum): £12,667
  • PGDip (part-time)
    UK/EU students (per annum): £3,167 per annum
    International students (per annum): £6,334

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

Career opportunities

This is a specialised master’s offering you training for a range of legal careers in government agencies, the armed forces, international organisations, NGOs, law firms and multinational corporations.