Postgraduate Module Descriptor


LAWM097: International Law of Armed Conflict

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

The aim of this course is to provide you with a detailed understanding of the core concepts, principles and rules of the law of armed conflict, in particular those governing land warfare, and to introduce you to some of its contemporary challenges. In doing so, the course attempts to shed light on how the law of armed conflict seeks to balance considerations of military necessity and the inevitability of war on the one hand with humanitarian values and the need to limit human suffering on the other hand.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate detailed knowledge of the core concepts, principles and rules of the law of armed conflict with a particular emphasis on the rules applicable to land warfare;
2. demonstrate critical understanding of the practical and conceptual challenges arising in the implementation of the law of armed conflict;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. demonstrate flexible and innovative ability to develop, apply and critically assess international legal arguments, using a wide range of appropriate primary materials and advanced scholarship;
4. select, integrate, evaluate and present relevant law and complex legal arguments, clearly, autonomously and competently;
Personal and Key Skills5. manage relevant learning resources and complex information confidently and independently, and to develop own arguments and opinions at a very high level;
6. communicate and engage in debate effectively and accurately;
7. work independently, within a limited time frame, to complete a specified task.