Postgraduate Module Descriptor

LAWM037: The Use of Force in International Law

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

Module Aims

The module aims to equip you with a detailed and critical understanding of the legal regime governing the use of force in international relations. By studying the law within its strategic context, the module also aims to provide you with an understanding of the challenges posed by the regulation of warfare and the limitations of international law.

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 comprehensive knowledge of the rules of international law governing the use of force, including detailed knowledge of the core legal concepts applicable in this area;
2. demonstrate critical understanding of the contemporary challenges facing the prohibition of the use of force in international law;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. develop, apply and critically assess international legal arguments, using a wide range of appropriate primary materials and advanced scholarship;
4. demonstrate critical understanding of the relationship between the different branches and sources of rules of law, including potential norm conflicts, and between legal and non-legal considerations impacting on legal argument and advice;
Personal and Key Skills5. process and evaluate effectively a substantial body of complex and sometimes contradictory legal and non-legal information;
6. communicate and engage in debate effectively and accurately.
7. work independently, within a limited time frame, to complete a specified task.

Indicative Reading List

This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.

Y. Dinstein, War, Aggression and Self-Defence (6th edn, CUP 2017)

C. Gray, International Law and the Use of Force (4th edn, OUP 2018)

T. Ruys, 'Armed Attack' and Article 51 of the UN Charter (CUP 2011)

C. Henderson, The Use of Force and International Law (CUP 2018)

T. Ruys and O. Corten (eds) with A. Hofer, The Use of Force in International Law: A Case-Based Approach (OUP 2018)