International Law LLB (Hons)
- Law, criminal justice and criminology
- Undergraduate
Prepare for a career that reaches beyond national borders with Kingston University’s International Law LLB (Hons). You’ll build a strong foundation in English law while exploring how international law shapes the relationships between countries, organisations and individuals – from human rights and international trade to conflict and global governance.
Join a Law department that puts students at the heart of the learning experience, ranked No.1 in London for Student Voice and Learning Resources in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2026.
What is an international law degree?
International law explores the rules and principles that shape relationships between countries, international organisations, businesses and individuals. Drawing on treaties, customary international law and other legal principles, it addresses global issues ranging from human rights and armed conflict to international trade, environmental protection and global governance.
At Kingston, you'll combine the core principles of English law with an international perspective. You'll study areas including public international law, comparative law, international criminal law and international economic law, and undertake a Research Project to give you the opportunity to explore a contemporary international legal topic in depth.
Throughout your degree, you'll develop practical legal, research and transferable skills through your studies and Kingston's Future Skills programme. You'll also have opportunities to study abroad or undertake a professional placement year, helping you explore potential careers in law, international organisations, government, policy and business.
The seven foundations of legal knowledge
Kingston's International Law LLB covers the seven foundations of legal knowledge required by the Bar Standards Board for the academic component of Bar training:
- Contract Law
- Tort Law
- Criminal Law
- Constitutional and Administrative Law
- Land Law
- Equity and Trusts
- EU Law in Context
If you are considering qualifying as a solicitor
To qualify as a solicitor, you will need to pass SQE1 and SQE2, complete 2 years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), and meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s character and suitability requirements.
Your degree covers foundations of legal knowledge relevant to the SQE and can help you develop practical and professional skills. You will need further preparation before taking the SQE assessments.
If you are considering a career as a barrister
Your LLB covers the seven foundations of legal knowledge required by the Bar Standards Board for the academic component of Bar training. You’ll also develop legal research, advocacy and analytical skills through your studies.
With this foundation, you'll be well placed to embark on the next stage of your legal training, progressing to vocational Bar training and pupillage on your journey towards becoming a practising barrister.
Law at Kingston University
Hear from staff and students as they talk about what its like to study undergraduate law at Kingston University.
The campus is great and the teaching staff are excellent - they really take an interest in your development, even after you leave.
Why choose this course
Choosing where to study law is about more than the modules you take. At Kingston, you’ll join a Law Department where lecturers know you as an individual and are on hand to support you academically, help you explore your options and make the most of opportunities beyond the classroom.
Explore the legal issues shaping our world
From international trade and human rights to conflict, migration, environmental protection and global governance, you’ll consider the challenges shaping today’s world.
Alongside developing your understanding of English law, you'll study comparative law, exploring how different legal systems approach similar issues. This will help you understand how legal decisions are shaped by different political, social and economic contexts around the world.
Put your learning into practice
You’ll apply your legal knowledge through activities such as mooting, mock trials, advocacy exercises, client interviewing and practical case analysis. These experiences will help you build the confidence to research, question, communicate clearly and make a persuasive argument.
You may also have the opportunity to gain experience through Kingston’s Legal Advice Centre, supporting members of the local community with real legal problems under the supervision of qualified solicitors. You’ll develop practical skills such as client interviewing, legal research, case preparation, drafting and professional communication.
Put your skills to the test
You’ll be assessed through a range of practical, skills-based activities that reflect the challenges of working in law.
In modules such as International and Comparative Law, you may work on live cases, undertaking legal research, analysing evidence and monitoring case progress. Assessments can also include podcasts, live question-and-answer sessions and reflective exercises.
These experiences will help you develop valuable professional skills, including legal analysis, problem-solving, advocacy and communicating complex legal issues with confidence.
Learn from people with different perspectives
You’ll learn from academics with expertise in international law, alongside guest speakers, legal practitioners and alumni who can share their professional experience and guidance.
You’ll also be part of a diverse student community, working collaboratively and discussing complex legal questions with people who bring different cultural and professional perspectives to the conversation.
Keep your future options open
This course can open doors to a wide range of career paths, including legal practice in law firms, international organisations, government, public policy, corporate compliance and business.
Alongside your legal knowledge, you'll develop transferable skills in critical thinking, research, communication and problem-solving, helping you prepare for an increasingly interconnected world of work.
Outstanding student satisfaction
Kingston’s student satisfaction results reflect this incredibly supportive and well-organised learning experience. We are ranked No.1 in London for Student Voice and Learning Resources (NSS 2026). The Complete University Guide 2027 also ranks Kingston No.1 in London and No.4 in the UK for student satisfaction.
We place students at the heart of everything we do, continuously listening and responding to their feedback to ensure that our teaching, support and opportunities reflect their needs, interests and aspirations.
Have a question about the course? For course-related enquiries, email the Course Leader, Anna Labedzka.
We are ranked No.1 in London for five out of seven NSS 2025 themes – including Assessment and Feedback, Academic Support, Organisation and Management, Learning Resources and Student Voice.
The Complete University Guide 2027 ranks us No.1 in London and No.4 in the UK for Student Satisfaction.
Course overview
This course combines a strong grounding in English law with opportunities to explore legal systems and issues across different countries and jurisdictions.
Through a mix of academic study, practical activities and independent research, you'll develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to examine complex legal questions from different perspectives.
Develop your legal and professional skills
You'll apply your learning to legal scenarios through case-based activities, problem-solving, research and advocacy exercises.
Kingston's Future Skills programme is embedded throughout your degree, helping you develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork and adaptability alongside your legal knowledge.
You'll also develop your confidence in analysing evidence, constructing arguments and presenting your findings through different forms of learning and assessment.
Gain experience beyond the classroom
You may have the opportunity to develop your practical skills through Kingston's Legal Advice Centre, supporting members of the local community with real legal issues under professional supervision.
Through the Amicus Death Penalty Clinic, Kingston students have opportunities to contribute to real-life death penalty cases and research, exploring important issues surrounding justice and human rights. Students may also have the opportunity to volunteer with Amicus' London office and apply for internships in the USA.
Other opportunities include international mooting competitions, court visits and the annual Law Fair, helping you connect your studies with legal practice, meet professionals and explore potential career paths.
Explore international law from different perspectives
You'll examine how international law responds to global challenges, drawing on legal developments, academic research and perspectives from different countries and jurisdictions.
Through discussion, debate and independent research, you'll develop the ability to analyse complex legal issues, evaluate different arguments and consider their wider political, social and economic implications.
By the end of your degree, you'll have developed the legal knowledge, international perspective and transferable skills to support your next steps into further study or a range of legal and professional careers.
Law competitions
Client interviewing competition
Kingston Law students participate annually in this competition that promotes development of the essential skills involved with client interviewing. It is an excellent opportunity for students who are likely to have a direct contact with clients in the legal profession (e.g. as solicitors).
National Student Negotiation competition
Our Law students regularly participate in the Regional Finals of this competition. This annual competition which aims to develop excellent negotiation skills is organised by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) in London.
International Criminal Court (ICC) Moot Court competition
Our students with an interest in Public International Law, International Criminal Law, and those who wish to continue their career as barristers often come together to compete annually in the final round in The Hague, the Netherlands. Kingston University Law has won the UK round twice and has finished as runner-up twice.
Space Law Moot Court competition
Law students from Kingston University enjoy participating in the European Rounds of this competition, traditionally taking place in continental Europe. The Competition, organised annually by the European Centre for Space Law (ECSL) and the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), is recommended for students who would like to work in the fields of aviation, space or telecommunications law.
Human Rights Moot Court Competition
Kingston Law students participated in the 2023 regional round of this competition in Tbilisi, Georgia. The Competition is organised annually by the European Law Students' Association, and focuses on the European Convention on Human Rights.
Course content
What you will study
Your degree will build your legal knowledge step by step. You’ll begin with the core principles of English law, then develop a wider understanding of how legal systems interact across countries and jurisdictions.
Alongside your legal studies, you’ll explore how international law influences governments, organisations and individuals. You’ll consider issues including international human rights law, international criminal law, environmental law, international trade, migration and global governance, while developing the analytical skills to approach legal questions from different cultural, political and jurisdictional perspectives.
Study law with an international perspective
You’ll combine core areas of English law with an international outlook, considering how law operates within individual countries and across borders. This will help you see how legal decisions can have consequences well beyond one jurisdiction.
Develop skills for your future career
Future Skills are embedded throughout your course, enabling you to develop the knowledge, professional attributes and transferable skills most valued by employers.
Through a combination of dedicated Future Skills modules and activities integrated into your law modules, you'll build expertise in areas such as critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability and professional practice, preparing you for success in a rapidly changing world
Optional Foundation year - Social Sciences
If you’re interested in studying International Law LLB (Hons) at Kingston but aren’t quite ready to start Year 1, you can choose to study the course with an additional foundation year. This optional route will help you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to progress onto the degree.
Year 1
Year 1 introduces you to the foundations of English law, helping you develop the legal knowledge, research skills and professional attributes needed for your studies and future career.
You'll study:
- English Legal System, Skills and Ethics: Learn how to access and use legal materials and develop the fundamental skills required for legal study and practice.
- Constitutional and Administrative Law: Explore the UK's constitution and the relationship between individuals and the state.
- Law of Tort: Examine civil wrongs such as negligence, nuisance and occupiers' liability.
- Law of Contract: Study legally binding agreements and the consequences of breach.
Through Kingston's Future Skills Navigate programme, you'll map out your career ambitions and unlock your professional potential by creating a personalised development plan to master the Future Skills employers are looking for. You'll also strengthen your legal research, analysis and writing skills, helping you build confidence and stand out to prospective employers from day one.
Core modules
Year 2
Year 2 builds on the foundations established in Year 1, developing your understanding of English, European and international law.
You'll study:
- Land Law: Explore the legal principles governing land ownership, property rights and the use and transfer of land, including how competing interests in property are resolved.
- Criminal Law: Examine how criminal responsibility is established, exploring offences such as murder, theft and sexual offences, alongside the principles that determine criminal liability.
- Exploring EU Law: Discover how the European Union's legal system operates and influences its 27 Member States. Explore the continuing relevance of EU law in the UK following Brexit and the evolving legal relationship between the UK and EU.
- International and Comparative Law: Learn about the American, German and French legal, how their approaches to law differ, and the key principles of public international law.
Alongside your academic studies, you'll engage with Kingston's Future Skills Explore programme, developing your professional identity, global citizenship and understanding of the diverse contexts in which legal knowledge is applied.
Through personal development activities, reflective practice and opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, you'll continue to strengthen your professional skills, evaluate your progress against personal goals and build a portfolio of experiences to prepare you for advanced study and employment.
Core modules
Optional year
Between Year 2 and your Final Year, you may have the opportunity to spend a year studying at one of Kingston’s partner universities overseas or complete a professional placement year in the UK or abroad.
Professional placement year
You can also choose a professional placement year in the UK or overseas between Year 2 and your Final Year. This gives you the opportunity to gain experience in a relevant setting, apply what you have learned and add practical experience to your CV.
Whether you are interested in legal practice, business, public policy or another graduate career, a placement can help you build professional confidence and explore the direction you would like to take after graduation.
Final year
In your Final Year, you'll explore complex legal issues in both domestic and international contexts, while developing advanced research skills and preparing for your future career.
You'll study:
- Equity and Trusts: Explore how trusts are created and used to manage property and protect assets, including the responsibilities of trustees and their role in inheritance, charitable giving and commercial arrangements.
- International Economic Law: Understand the laws governing international trade, investment and economic relations between countries, and how they shape the global economy.
- International Criminal and Human Rights Law: Investigate how international law addresses serious crimes and protects human rights, including the challenges of holding individuals and states accountable.
- Research Project: Undertake an in-depth investigation into a legal topic of your choice, developing your research, analytical and critical thinking skills.
Alongside your academic studies, you'll undertake Kingston's Future Skills Apply module, designed to help you showcase the graduate attributes that will distinguish you in the workplace.
You'll begin by assessing your existing skills profile and identifying the attributes most relevant to your career ambitions. Through coaching conversations with students from across the University, guided reflection and a personalised programme of development activities, you'll strengthen your professional identity, confidence and employability.
Core modules
Skills you will develop
Throughout your degree, you'll build the legal, practical and transferable skills to tackle complex challenges and prepare for your future career. Kingston's Future Skills programme is embedded throughout your studies, helping you develop the confidence, adaptability and professional skills valued by employers.
You’ll develop:
- Legal research and analysis – using case law, international treaties, and independent investigation to explore legal questions and solve problems.
- Legal writing and drafting – building strong written communication skills through coursework, legal drafting and structured legal arguments.
- Oral advocacy and mooting – presenting persuasive legal arguments in simulated court settings and international mooting competitions.
- Client interviewing and communication – developing the confidence to listen, ask the right questions and communicate clearly through practical legal exercises.
- Critical thinking and logical reasoning – analysing complex legal issues from legal, political and cultural perspectives.
- Negotiation and dispute resolution – exploring practical approaches to resolving disagreements in an international context.
- Commercial awareness – understanding how international law influences business, trade and multinational organisations.
- Intercultural communication and global awareness – developing the ability to work with different legal systems, perspectives and cultures.
You’ll also build transferable skills including teamwork, professionalism, ethical decision-making, adaptability and confidence. These will prepare you for careers within the legal profession, as well as a wide range of international and graduate roles beyond it.
What career opportunities does this course offer?
An International Law LLB can open up a wide range of career paths. You may decide to qualify as a solicitor or barrister, work in another legal role, continue to postgraduate study or use your legal knowledge in internationally focused roles across government, business, policy and the third sector.
Throughout your degree, you’ll build legal knowledge, practical experience and a global perspective. Employer engagement, networking opportunities, international mooting competitions, the annual Law Fair and practical learning experiences can help you build confidence, explore your options and make professional connections before you graduate.
Placement year and study abroad
Study abroad and international opportunities
You'll have the opportunity to spend a year studying at one of Kingston’s partner institutions in North America, Europe, Australia or Asia.
Studying in another country can give you a different perspective on law and legal systems around the world. You’ll experience new cultures and approaches to law while developing independence, adaptability and intercultural communication skills.
These international experiences complement the course’s focus on global legal issues, helping you build a broader perspective on the legal, political and cultural contexts that shape the world around you.
Prepare for global impact
Kingston School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences offers courses in economics, law, psychology and criminology. Our degrees are underpinned by a vibrant research culture and delivered by a blend of practitioners and academics who are dedicated to equipping you with the employability skills to thrive in your career.
Discover the Department of Law
Hear from our academics and discover what it’s really like to study in the department. Explore the skills you’ll develop, as well as the opportunities available to you throughout your studies.
How to apply
For most of our undergraduate courses, you apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You should submit your UCAS application between the beginning of September before you come to university and mid-January if you're a UK or EU applicant.
How to apply for undergraduate courses (UK and EU students)
International students
Are you an international student? Have you decided Kingston is the place for you? If so, you can apply for this course directly, rather than having to go through UCAS.
Key features
Future Skills
We don’t just teach you a subject – we prepare you for career success in a fast-changing world.
Whichever course you take at Kingston, you’ll master the Future Skills employers are looking for.
Read about how Future Skills will benefit your studies
Adobe Creative Campus
As a Kingston student, you’ll have access to Adobe Creative Campus, giving you free use of industry-standard creative tools like Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere Pro.
You’ll be supported to build your digital and creative skills, whatever your course or experience level.
Find out the advantages of Adobe Creative Campus
TEF Gold
We're rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognising our outstanding teaching, student experience and graduate outcomes.
This reflects our commitment to helping every student at Kingston achieve their goals.
Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.
Inside the School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences
Hear from current students, graduates and our academics as they talk about what it's like to study in the School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences.
Fees and funding
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying this course at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support.
Isola Bursary
Kingston alumnus, Peter Isola, set up the Isola Bursary to help those from under-resourced backgrounds pursue a career in Law. Priority for the Isola Bursary is given to those from households with an income of £25,000 or less however, meeting the criteria does not guarantee a bursary, as there is a limited number available.
Eligible students will be identified automatically and you do not need to apply for the bursary. However, please ensure that you do apply for your student finance support as you must have a household income assessment fully completed by the relevant organisation (with all evidence verified) in order to be considered for the Isola Bursary.
Kingston University Law Fair
Discover our annual Law Fair, where our students meet legal professionals, explore career opportunities and gain valuable insights into the world of law.
Life at Kingston
Student life
Being part of Kingston means joining a diverse community where you can connect with others, build confidence and shape your own university experience both on campus and beyond.
Read more about student life at Kingston University
KU Connect blog
Hear from our students, staff, alumni and partners as they share what it truly means to be part of Kingston University.
Explore the articles on our Kingston Connect blog
Chat to our students
Want an inside view? Chat with our current students to hear honest insights about studying, campus life and what it’s really like to be part of Kingston, helping you feel confident about your next step.
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FAQs
Frequently-asked questions
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Specifications for this course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
Key information
The scrolling banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
