8 LLB Programs in International Law

An LLB is an undergraduate degree typically taking three to four years to earn and specifically refers to a "Bachelor of Laws", or Legum Baccalaureus. Currently, it is offered in nearly all countries governed by common law, with the exception of the United States where an LLB degree is equivalent to a Juris Doctor law degree in the U.S.

What is International Law?

International law concerns an extensive set of legal precedents that are generally accepted by nations and states as binding and valid. These laws are meant to serve as the fundamental groundwork for the continuing stability of relations among international communities. The primary difference between intracountry/state legal systems and the international law system is that international law applied to countries as a whole instead of to each individual citizen.

International law concerns distinctly separate legal disciplines involving public international law (laws of war, laws of the sea and international humanitarian law, for example); private international law (also referred to as "conflict of laws"); and supranational law. A lawyer specializing in international law may represent individuals who have been arrested in foreign countries, work for megacorporations to ensure they do not violate country-specific international agreements or trade laws and act as mediators for high-powered agencies such as the United Nations, the World Court or NATO.

What does an LLB in International Law consist of?

In addition to taking mandatory law courses, students wishing to earn an international law degree with need to enroll in political science courses, global studies and take one or more foreign language classes (if they want to work in a particular country) in addition to courses that provide instruction in maritime laws. Laws governing the sea/ocean are entirely different from laws governing landlocked countries and many government agencies are experiencing a shortage of international lawyers with deep knowledge of regional maritime laws.

Which career with an LLB in International Law?

Reaching the point where a student is eligible to take the bar exam involves at least five to seven years of rigorous study, from completion of undergraduate and master degree programs to obtaining an LLM. Students working as international lawyers can expect to earn over $100,000 USD (72,000 Euros) annually, with a diverse range of employment opportunities always available.