LLB International Law and Globalisation

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Birmingham

Program Overview

The LLB International Law and Globalisation at the University of Birmingham is designed for students who want to understand law in a global context. It’s ideal if you’re curious about international legal systems, global institutions, and how law interacts with worldwide social, political, and economic issues, while developing strong analytical and practical skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: You’ll build a solid foundation in core legal principles, studying modules such as Public Law, Contract Law, and Introduction to International Law. These courses give you essential knowledge of both domestic and international legal systems, while introducing critical thinking and legal research skills.

Year 2: You’ll deepen your understanding of international law through modules like International Human Rights Law, International Organisations, and Comparative Law. You’ll also start to explore how globalisation affects legal frameworks and participate in seminars and group projects to apply theory to real-world scenarios.

Year 3: This year focuses on advanced topics, such as International Economic Law, Global Environmental Law, and International Criminal Law. You may also have opportunities for internships or study abroad experiences, giving you practical exposure to working in international legal settings.

Year 4: In your final year, you’ll complete a substantial dissertation or research project, allowing you to explore a topic of your choice in depth. Optional modules like International Trade Law, Migration Law, or Public International Law enable you to specialise while preparing for professional or academic pathways after graduation.

Focus areas: International law, global governance, human rights, trade, environmental law
Learning outcomes: Apply international legal principles, analyse global legal issues, develop research and advocacy skills, engage with comparative law frameworks
Professional alignment (accreditation): Recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Bar Standards Board (BSB) for qualifying law education
Reputation (employability rankings): University of Birmingham Law School is consistently highly ranked for graduate employability in law

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying LLB International Law and Globalisation at Birmingham means you’ll engage with law far beyond the lecture theatre. From the start, you’ll gain practical skills through workshops, simulations, and real-world legal projects, all designed to prepare you for a global legal career. The programme encourages hands-on learning, from policy research to collaborative problem-solving, and provides access to dedicated facilities, expert supervision, and a supportive international network.

These opportunities are made tangible through a range of structured experiences:

Legal Skills Workshops and Mooting: Participate in mock trials, advocacy exercises, and negotiation simulations to develop courtroom and client-facing skills.
Birmingham Law School Clinics: Work on live projects or research tasks under supervision, gaining insight into international law issues, human rights, and public policy.
International Internships and Placements: Opportunities to undertake placements or internships with law firms, NGOs, and international organisations, enhancing practical experience and professional networks.
Collaborative Group Projects: Engage in group-based coursework and research that mirrors real-world legal teamwork, encouraging problem-solving across international contexts.
Digital and Research Tools: Use legal databases, case law software, and online collaborative platforms to build research and analytical capabilities.
Field Trips and Industry Engagements: Attend conferences, international court visits, and networking events to experience law in action on a global scale.
Specialist Libraries and Research Centres: Access the Barber Institute, the Law Library, and the Centre for Global Legal Studies to support independent study and in-depth research.
Supervised Research Projects: In later years, complete dissertations or policy reports under academic supervision, honing independent research, critical thinking, and writing skills.

This structured approach ensures that theory and practice go hand in hand, preparing you to thrive in international legal settings.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Birmingham’s LLB International Law and Globalisation programme equips you with a strong foundation in both domestic and international law, combined with a global perspective that’s highly valued by employers. Typical career paths include becoming a solicitor, barrister, legal advisor, or working in policy and international organisations — your understanding of cross-border legal issues gives you a distinct edge:

Career Support & Employability Services: The University’s Careers Network offers one-to-one guidance, legal careers workshops, and connections with top law firms and international organisations.
Employment Outcomes & Salaries: Graduate data shows strong employment prospects, with many securing roles in law, government, or NGOs within six months of graduation. Entry-level salaries for law graduates typically start around £26,000–£30,000, increasing with experience.
Industry Partnerships: Birmingham Law School collaborates with global law firms, government bodies, and non-profits, offering internships, placements, and networking events that expose students to real-world practice.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value: The LLB is recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Bar Standards Board (BSB), putting graduates on the professional route to qualify as solicitors or barristers.
Graduate Destinations: Alumni have gone on to careers in commercial law, human rights, policy analysis, international NGOs, and academia.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue their studies with an LLM in areas such as international law, human rights, or global governance, or pursue postgraduate research like an MPhil or PhD. Birmingham’s supportive academic environment ensures you can deepen your expertise and specialise in areas that match your career ambitions.