International Dispute Resolution

This course involves taught modules and a substantial dissertation component. We deliver taught modules through seminars. 

Seminars are smaller-sized, student-led classes. You are expected to carry out reading prior to classes and you will apply your knowledge to set questions or problems. You can also test and refine your understanding through class discussions and the presentation of papers in a relaxed and supportive environment.

All taught postgraduate students are encouraged to attend various events including guest talks and seminars, organised through the School’s research centres, including the Durham International Dispute Resolution Institute, the Institute of Commercial and Corporate Law and the Durham European Law Institute.

Moot Court Participation

Durham Law School regularly participates in moot court competitions; Vis Moot, East Vis Moot and Frankfurt Investment Arbitration Moot. The competitions provide you with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. Our Durham Law School team is coached by the faculty and DLS alums practising in leading law firms.

Assessment

Assessment on the LLM is thorough and carried out through writing tasks with the majority of the modules assessed through essays of 3,000-6,000 words in length. The core module on applied research methods will be assessed on a proposal you will present for a research topic. You will present a dissertation on an area of international dispute resolution of interest to you.

A good 2:1 degree (or its equivalent) in law, or in a degree in which law is a major component.

• Students whose native language is not English must show evidence of general proficiency in the English language by normally achieving 7.0 or higher in IELTS with a minimum of 7.0 in the writing component and a minimum of 6.5 in all other components.

• Students from EU member states whose native language is not English may show evidence of general proficiency in the English language by normally achieving 102 or higher in TOEFL with a minimum of 27 in the writing component and a minimum of 25 in all other components.

English language requirements

The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

Our global reputation for legal research and teaching of the highest quality is reflected in the career trajectory of our alumni.

Graduates serve across the full range of legal professions including solicitors, barristers, judges, members of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and as consultants and in government. Others have secured stimulating and rewarding positions in national and international law firms.

We are fully aware of the degree of competition that exists in securing a role in the legal profession and the School provides a range of resources to help alumni stand out as ideal candidates during the recruitment process. This includes detailed information about the steps involved in becoming a solicitor or barrister, visits from law firms and guidance on preparing for interviews and assessment days.

Durham Law School is a global leader in the development and framing of law. Led by academics who are experts in their field, we carry out cutting-edge legal research that feeds into our Masters and research qualifications, building knowledge and nurturing the skills needed to help shape law in the future.

The reputation of the School means our legal know-how is respected by parliamentarians and policy makers around the world. Our academics have been called to give evidence in Parliament and have had their research work quoted by courts and international bodies.

International law and questions of global policy and governance are an area of special interest at Durham, but our expertise extends to other areas including criminal law and criminal justice, ethics, human rights, European law, gender and law, Chinese law, Commercial and Corporate law and Global Justice.

The research-led learning environment in the School is one of commitment, innovation and passion for the subject. Our highly respected research groups organise lectures and seminars offer opportunities to hear from eminent scholars and practitioners. Speakers have included judges from the UK Supreme Court, from the European Court of Justice and leading officials from national and international institutions.

For more information visit our department pages.

Ranking

• World Top 50 in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2023
• 6th in The Complete University Guide 2024
• Top 10 in The Guardian University Guide 2024
• Top 10 in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the Law School pages.

Research Excellence Framework

• 5th in the UK for research environment
• 100% of our research impact and environment was rated world-leading or internationally excellent

Facilities

Situated close to a number of academic departments and University services with views of the magnificent Durham Cathedral as well as offering easy access to the historic city, we believe that we have one of the most striking and best-equipped law buildings in the UK.

The Law School is located in the University’s award-winning flagship Palatine Centre, part of a £48.4m sustainable building development.

The School’s facilities are purpose-built and state-of-the-art, featuring a moot court, pro bono room, Harvard-style Hogan Lovells lecture theatre, spacious dedicated work suites and modern wireless and audio-video-enabled research spaces and attractive social areas.

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