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International Law Gain the knowledge necessary to solve international legal problems.
International Law Gain the knowledge necessary to solve international legal problems.

Qualification: LLM

Faculty: Commerce, Law and Management

Duration: 1 - 2 years

School: Law

Study mode: Full-time; Part-time

Overview

This programme focuses on issues of multilateral cooperation; international accountability; responsibility to protect and Global South approaches to international law. There is also a focus on societal issues of (in)equality; international participation of developing countries; and economic social progress.

Students will gain a critical understanding of the role and function of law in an international context, including the working of institutional mechanisms for the enforcement of international law. 

The LLM in international law gives students the competence to research, teach and use international law principles in adjudication, litigation and advisory roles. More importantly, students will develop their own views on the role and functioning of law in the international society.

The following LLM courses are linked to the LLM in International Law: Advanced International Law (compulsory course), International Human Rights Law, International Environmental Law, International Criminal Law and International Trade Law.

The following compulsory course which must be completed at core level **:

  • Advanced International Law

Three of the following courses, one of which must be completed at core level and two at non-core level:

  • Economics of International Trade and Investment (at non-core level only) *
  • Human Rights and the Marketplace
  • International Business Transactions Law *
  • International Criminal Law
  • International Dispute Resolution
  • International Environmental Law
  • International Human Rights Law
  • International Law on Foreign Investment *
  • International Trade Law I *
  • International Trade Law II *
  • Law of Armed Conflict
  • Migration, Law and Society

* Course subject to prerequisite(s)        

**  Core courses

A core course covers the same content as a non-core course, but students must complete an additional research component, counting for 50% of the final mark for the core course.

* Prerequisite courses

Some courses are subject to prerequisites, as set out below.

Note: A candidate who has not completed the prerequisite(s) for a course prior to commencing the programme, will only be able to take the course(s) once they have completed the prerequisite(s). In some cases this may necessitate the candidate registering for the programme on a part-time basis and completing the prerequisite(s) in the first year of study, so that they can complete the course(s) subject to prerequisite(s) in the second year of study.

Course Description
Prerequisite(s)
Domestic Tax Law
  • Foundational Principles of Tax Law
  • or Taxation (LAWS4084A);
  • or an equivalent course at undergraduate or postgraduate level
Economics of International Trade and Investment
  • A Bachelor of Commerce with third-year Economics;
  • or a qualification in Law with third-year Micro- and Macro Economics or equivalent;
  • or completion of the certificate of competence course ‘Economics for Law’
Environmental Law and Sustainability II
  • Environmental Law and Sustainability I
  • or  an equivalent course at undergraduate or postgraduate level
International Business Transactions Law
  • It is recommended that candidates must have passed either Public International Law (LAWS3050A);
  • or an equivalent course at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
International Law on Foreign Investment
  • It is recommended that candidates must have passed either Public International Law (LAWS3050A);
  • or an equivalent course at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
International Tax Law
 
  • Foundational Principles of Tax Law
  • or Taxation (LAWS4084A);
  • or an equivalent course at undergraduate or postgraduate level
International Trade Law I
  • Advanced International Law
  • or Public International Law (LAWS3050A);
  • or an equivalent course at undergraduate or postgraduate  level.
International Trade Law II
  • International Trade Law I
  • or International Trade Law
  • or International Trade Law (LAWS4082A);
  • or an equivalent course at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Labour Arbitration
  • Labour Law (LAWS4053;LAWS4066A) or an equivalent course at undergraduate level;
  • or  Advanced Individual Labour Law and Advanced Collective Labour Law ;
  • or Certificates of Competence in Individual Labour Law Practice and  in Collective Labour Law Practice and Jurisdiction
Mediation and Conciliation (Non-core)
  • Labour Law (LAWS4053;LAWS4066A) or an equivalent course at undergraduate level;
  • or  Advanced Individual Labour Law and Advanced Collective Labour Law ;
  • or Certificates of Competence in Individual Labour Law Practice and  in Collective Labour Law Practice and Jurisdiction
Taxation of Specific Entities and Transactions
  • Foundational Principles of Tax Law
  • or Taxation (LAWS4084A);
  • or an equivalent course at undergraduate or postgraduate level

 

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with an average mark of 70 percent. If you have an LLB with an average mark of between 65% and 70%, you may be considered for admission.
  • However, you may be requested to submit a sample of academic writing which, in the sole discretion of the School of Law, demonstrates your ability to perform legal research and produce writing of a high standard, including the ability to think conceptually, footnote and reference properly, and communicate effectively in writing.
  • Such evidence could, for instance, consist of a legal publication or a law essay written by you during your LLB that received a high mark. This sample should not be submitted together with your application – if needed, the School will request the sample from you once your application has been marked as complete.
  • We admit only law graduates and legal professionals who have the interest, ability and time to conduct research at an advanced academic level. Entry to the programme is limited.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place.

Please check with School

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.