International Law

International law occupies an ever-growing role in our lives, whether it is about big issues like refugee protection or small issues like online shopping. This specialisation will provide you with a strong theoretical and practical understanding of the international legal system, the workings of international politics and their effect on each other. You'll acquire an advanced level of knowledge and analytical ability about the issues, problems and conduct of international law. 

This Master of Laws specialisation draws on the excellence offered by UNSW Law & Justice, where our academic staff (not to mention visiting lecturers and guest presenters) provide top-level teaching and guidance. Our academic staff often advise governments, the United Nations and other international organisations on a range of legal issues. At UNSW, you will have your classes with leaders in the field in both academia and the reality of international law.

Knowledge and experience you’ll gain from this specialisation

• Solid command of the language and toolbox of international law.

• A better understanding of how international law permeates everyday life.

• Ability to understand the complex and ever-changing institutional landscape where international law is created, applied and projected onto the rest of the world.

• Ability to command at least one specialised subfield of international law.

Possible career outcomes

• NGOs with an international focus.

• Working for the United Nations, its specialised agencies or other international organisations (like ASEAN).

• Government or policy-related roles, including international policy advisor or diplomat.

• International courts and tribunals.

• Work for multinational corporations in roles related to Corporate Social Responsibility or international development and/or procurement.

Who should study this specialisation?

Those with professional experience in:

• civil society or the NGO sector

• government work connected to international cooperation/development/relations

• private practice involving e-commerce, international procurement or certain aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility

• working for international organisations or foreign ministries.

Related UNSW centres

• Andrew & Renata Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law

• Indigenous Law Centre

International opportunities

These overseas electives are available as part of your specialisation:

• Transitional Justice (South America)

• China International Business and Economic Law – Beijing

• Human Rights Law in Practice – New York

• Pacific Islands Laws (USP)

For more information on the structure and courses available in this specialisation, visit the online handbook.