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International criminal law is a challenging but fascinating subject, and one that is sadly likely to remain very relevant for the foreseeable future. What sort of conduct is regarded as so utterly unacceptable that it is a crime under international law? How is international criminal law created? And how can individuals be held to account for international crimes?

This course will help you explore the answers to these questions – answers which, as you will see, are seldom clearcut. It will not turn you into an expert in international criminal law – that would take many years of study and practice – but it does aim to give you a solid basis on which to build, including knowledge and understanding of key institutions and processes of international law, as well as the substantive law itself. You will gain an awareness of many tensions, problems, controversies and ambiguities in the law, and you will develop critical and research skills that will help you monitor and assess further developments.

Module A: History and institutions of international criminal law

LWM87A

• History and purpose of international criminal law
• Jurisdiction and structure of international criminal courts and tribunals
• Sources of international criminal law
• Relationship between national and international system

Module B: Genocide, crimes against humanity, and modes of liability

LWM87B

• The elements of international crimes
• Genocide
• Crimes against humanity
• Modes of liability in international crimes and concurrence of crimes

Module C: War crimes, the crime of aggression, and grounds for excluding criminal responsibility

LWM87C

• War crimes
• Aggression and crimes against peace
• Defences or grounds excluding criminal responsibility

Module D: International criminal procedure, sentencing, and immunities

LWM88D

• International criminal procedure and evidence
• Sentencing
• Jurisdictional immunities

Assessment

Each module is assessed by a 45-minute unseen written exam.

Sequence

It is strongly recommended that you attempt the modules in order.

How to apply

You can apply to study a module individually as a standalone unit or as part of a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Master of Laws qualification.

These modules also contribute towards the following specialist pathways for Laws:

• Criminology and criminal justice
• Human rights law
• International criminal justice
• International dispute resolution
• International justice
• Public international law