Exploring the boundaries of international law

This module considers the complexities of international law in the twenty-first century by exploring the evolving role and function of international law in the modern world. You'll start by considering the nature and development of the principles of international law before examining the role played by international organisations and non-governmental organisations. You'll then focus on areas that challenge the application and effectiveness of the principles of international law such as security issues and humanitarian interventions and consider international law in its wider context. The module uses contemporary case studies to explore the boundaries of international law.

Qualifications

W821 is a compulsory module in our:

W821 is an optional module in our:

Module

Module code
W821
Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
30
Study level
Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU postgraduate modules correspond to these frameworks.
OU Postgraduate
SCQF 11
FHEQ 7
Study method
Distance learning
Module cost
See Module registration
Entry requirements

Find out more about entry requirements.

What you will study

In this module you will examine some of the key challenges to the operation of international law in a contemporary setting. You will consider the evolution of the international legal system and the broader context in which it operates, including its contribution to the development of the international community. You then focus on emerging issues. The nature and effectiveness of the protection of the individual, in the context of humanitarian interventions and human rights, are considered as is the increasing significance of a range of security issues affecting the national and international community. You also explore the development of the concept of individual criminal responsibility and issues of accountability of individuals in an international context.

During your studies you will develop and consolidate a range of important postgraduate legal skills. Your studies will require you to critically engage with complex legal issues in the international environment. You will also learn to develop arguments based on evidence and interrogate case studies to form reasoned judgements. Throughout the module you will undertake evaluation and synthesis of new and complex concepts and information within an international and multidisciplinary environment. You will learn to communicate your findings and conclusions effectively. You will also develop your ability to undertake independent learning and research and analyse complex issues systematically and creatively.

You can take this module on its own or as part of our Master of Laws qualification.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You will have a tutor, with who you can contact by email or telephone, who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. Your tutor will also run online tutorials, that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to take part in.

Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.

Assessment

The assessment details can be found in the facts box above.

You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper. The eTMAs are scheduled at regular intervals. Extensive guidance is given on all assignments submitted.

You must submit the end-of-module assignment (EMA) electronically.

Course work includes

2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment

Future availability

Exploring the boundaries of international law starts once a year – in May. This page describes the module that will start in May 2024 when we expect it to start for the last time.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Entry requirements

To register for this module you must have an honours degree from a UK university or equivalent. Various higher education and professional qualifications are considered equivalent to an honours degree. If you hold a qualification that you believe is an equivalent level to a UK honours degree or if you lack formal academic qualifications but have relevant work experience, please speak to an adviser.

The module is taught in English, and your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you seek assessment under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see their website for details.

If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please contact us.

Register

Start End England fee Register
04 May 2024 Oct 2024 £1580.00

Registration closes 11/04/24 (places subject to availability)

Register
May 2024 is the final start date for this course. For more information, see Future availability.

Future availability

Exploring the boundaries of international law starts once a year – in May. This page describes the module that will start in May 2024 when we expect it to start for the last time.

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

Ways to pay for this module

We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how much it’s going to cost and how you can pay.

That’s why we keep our fees as low as possible and offer a range of flexible payment and funding options, including a postgraduate loan, if you study this module as part of an eligible qualification. To find out more, see Fees and funding.

Study materials

What's included

As well as individual support from a tutor you will have university library access (including access to legal databases), specially written study materials designed exclusively for this module, audio-visual material and access to a dedicated W821 website. You will also have access to the LLM Qualification website.

Computing requirements

You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.

Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.

It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.

If you have a disability

Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and diagrammatic or foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.

Part of this module is delivered through a website and includes online activities. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in operating a computer or the internet and have any concerns about accessing this type of material you are advised to talk to us about support which can be given to meet your needs

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.

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