International Peace and Security Law (976M3)

15 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Spring teaching

On this module, you’ll develop an in-depth and critical appreciation of current issues regarding the resort to the use of armed force in international law, and the key principles regarding collective security.

The module addresses:

• the fundamental principle prohibiting the threat or use of armed force between states and military intervention by invitation
• the exceptions to the prohibition, including the controversies regarding the invocation of ‘self-defence’
• the arguments states resort to in justifying armed force in international relations, and how various actors have responded to these. 

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 15 hours of contact time and about 135 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.