Certificate in International Law Basics
Course Overview
The Certificate in International Law Basics at LSLPE is a UK Level 3 introductory qualification running 3 to 6 months across on-campus, online and distance routes. The programme introduces the sources of public international law, the UN Charter framework, treaty interpretation and the workings of the International Court of Justice and other international tribunals, aligned with International Bar Association, Bar Standards Board and Chatham House public-education standards.
By graduation you will have written a short brief on a treaty question, produced a summary of an ICJ advisory opinion, drafted a comparison of two international-law sources, delivered a seminar argument, and completed a written portfolio suitable for Diploma progression.
Key Features
- Introductory syllabus aligned with International Bar Association and Bar Standards Board public-education standards.
- Modules on sources of international law, the UN Charter and treaty interpretation.
- Case-room teaching on ICJ advisory opinions and PCA arbitration.
- Workshops in reading a Vienna Convention argument.
- Named programme-tutor support with weekly seminars in all three modes.
- Clear articulation into LSLPE Diploma routes in law and international relations.
What You Will Learn
- Explain the sources of public international law.
- Read the UN Charter for constitutional structure.
- Interpret a treaty using Vienna Convention rules at introductory level.
- Read an ICJ advisory opinion at introductory level.
- Understand the working of major international tribunals.
- Compare monist and dualist theories of international law.
- Write a short international-law brief.
- Present findings orally in a seminar setting.
Who This Course Is For
- New entrants exploring public international law for the first time.
- Career changers moving into international-affairs or NGO roles.
- International applicants seeking a UK-based first credential in international law.
- Working professionals in embassies, consulates and international-affairs support roles.
- Applicants planning to progress into a Diploma in law or international relations.
Career Pathways
- Trainee international-affairs officer.
- NGO legal-support entry role.
- Immigration adviser support role.
- Human rights adviser at entry level.
- Legal researcher on international-law portfolios.
- Legal administrator with an international brief.
The LSLPE careers service points Certificate students to Level 4 Diploma routes and to entry-level international-law support roles.
Entry Requirements
- GCSE English at grade 4/C or equivalent; open access for mature applicants at admissions review.
- No prior study of international law required; the Certificate in International Law Basics is a first-entry route.
- IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0) for non-native English speakers, or equivalent.
- A short personal statement of 250 words describing your interest in international law.
- International applicants supported through visa, accommodation and English-language guidance.
Why Study at LSLPE
LSLPE is a specialist division of Harold International College of London reading law, politics and economics as three interlocking disciplines. Central London places the FCDO, Chatham House, the International Maritime Organization and specialist international-law chambers within a short tube ride of every classroom.
Every intake joins the same weekly seminar structure with named programme-tutor support. Certificate students are actively briefed on progression routes and study-mode transitions.
Apply for Certificate in International Law Basics
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and admissions responds within one working day. Start with a UK Level 3 Certificate at LSLPE where rolling intakes mean early applications receive the widest choice of tutors and elective modules. Enrol Now.
