The programme contains a broad range of optional modules from the Law, Politics and Philosophy departments. Students may choose between a dissertation or practice-based dissertation. Dissertations may be supervised by any of the three schools involved in the MA, or joint-supervision may occur for interdisciplinary dissertations. Practice-based dissertations consist of shorter projects for NGOs, think-tanks, media, or other institutions, and are assessed by a 4,000 word rationale and a 6,000 word reflexive essay.

The MA in International Law, Ethics and Politics has been designed to allow in-depth analysis across multiple disciplines. Modules are all 20 credits in length to enable students to develop significant expertise which will enhance their career prospects.

The programme lasts 12 months, running from September to September.

• In part I of the programmes, you take six 20 credit modules and are assessed by either essay or formal examination.
• In part II of the programmes, you research and write a dissertation/practice based dissertation under the supervision of a member of staff.

The programme enables you to develop expertise in a range of subjects. You will acquire a systematic understanding of these along with a critical appreciation of the problems that arise these fields. You will be encouraged to demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge together with a practical understanding of how established research techniques are used to create and interpret knowledge.

Students do not register for modules before arrival as we feel it is important that you are able to make an informed choice. As part of the induction process module leaders will give a detailed description of what their subject entails.

Studying part-time

The programme may be taken part-time and completed over a period of two years. This mode of study is particularly suitable for professionals who wish to combine professional practice with university-level study, gaining CPD points in the process.

Classes for part-time students on the MA will be scheduled between 9am-6pm and students will typically have between 2-4 hours of teaching each week. Fees are the same as for full-time study but are split over two years.

International students

International students are invited to participate in an orientation course run by the university’s International Office before the start of the academic session. For students from outside the UK, there are also lectures on the British constitution, sources of English law and the working methods of the common law system. The English for International Students Unit provides a range of support in reading and writing academic English.

The University of Birmingham has been ranked 9th in the UK and 55th in the world, for post-qualification employability in a global survey of universities commissioned by the International Herald Tribune. Historically, over 93% of our law students have been in employment or further study within six months of graduating, with many going on to obtain academic careers in the top law schools in the country.

Our Philosophy graduates develop a range of skills including, good articulation, precise analytical thought, and the ability to analyse and construct sounds arguments, which can be used in a variety of occupations. A snapshot of graduate destinations over a five-year period has identified a variety of career paths, from the civil service to finance. Historically, over 95 per cent of our Philosophy students have been in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

Graduates from Politics have gone on to work in a range of careers, with recent graduates working with organisations such as the United Nations, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, local authorities in the UK and overseas and the Department for International Development.

Links to the Legal Profession

The Law School maintains strong links with the professional world, through our network of alumni and contacts in the barristers’ and solicitors’ professions. These links allow us to put on a series of law careers events throughout the academic year.

Each autumn, the University hosts the Law Fair, in which we welcome over 50 law firms, including some of the largest law firms in the world, to the University's Great Hall. The attendees represent law firms of all sizes and most areas of practice.

The Law School also organises “Law in Practice” seminars, in which practitioners explain to students how the area of law relevant to a specific module works in practice. These are invaluable opportunities for students to enhance their studies, and enable them to improve their commercial awareness.

In June each year, the Law School hosts “Employability Fortnight”, after the end of the examinations period in the summer term. The events which run in this fortnight have included an Applications Process Panel Session, a Midlands Circuit Court Visit followed by an Inner Temple Drinks Reception in the evening, an Alternative Dispute Resolution Workshop by Herbert Smith, and dedicated Careers Advice Drop-in Sessions.

The Careers Network

The Careers Network organises regular events including presentations by top law firms and the annual Law Fair. It also runs workshops to help students prepare effective applications and to prepare for their next move. Its events on non-law careers, including journalism, marketing and working with charities, can be of interest to law students.