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Advanced International Law: Peaceful Settlement of Disputes

This course builds on and operationalises students’ existing understanding of international law by exploring the means of peaceful dispute settlement identified in the Charter, and...

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Advanced International Law: Peaceful Settlement of Disputes

Course Summary

This course builds on and operationalises students’ existing understanding of international law by exploring the means of peaceful dispute settlement identified in the Charter, and the respective roles of the General Assembly and the Security Council in connection with them, before focussing on the law and practice of the International Court of Justice. It culminates in a multi-day simulation of proceedings before the Court, in which students take on the roles of those who actually engage in the judicial settlement of inter-State disputes to learn first-hand how they are discharged in reality. This will give them a unique perspective on this important subject and equip them for further engagement with it, academically or as a private practitioner or international or domestic civil servant.

Core to the conduct of international relations since 1945, and the international law that facilitates and is produced by that process, is the determination expressed in the Charter of the United Nations (adopted in that year) ‘to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war’.
To achieve this, disputes that could otherwise lead to violent conflict—most obviously in this context, but by no means exclusively, those between States—must be settled peacefully.
In Chapter VI of the Charter, the Member States of the United Nations have accepted an obligation to peacefully settle all their disputes that might, if continued, endanger international peace and security. Its provisions identify means by which such peaceful settlement can be achieved and gives the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations particular roles in the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The same Charter also provides, in Chapter XIV and an annexed Statute, for a World Court: the International Court of Justice in the Dutch city of The Hague. The Court is presently busier and more prominent than it has ever been before.
This course builds on and operationalises students’ existing understanding of international law by exploring the means of peaceful dispute settlement identified in the Charter, and the respective roles of the General Assembly and the Security Council in connection with them, before focussing on the law and practice of the International Court of Justice. It culminates in a multi-day simulation of proceedings before the Court, in which students take on the roles of those who actually engage in the judicial settlement of inter-State disputes to learn first-hand how they are discharged in reality. This will give them a unique perspective on this important subject and equip them for further engagement with it, academically or as a private practitioner or international or domestic civil servant.
LMH Oxford Summer Programmes

This course is part of the programme

LMH Oxford Summer Programmes

Lady Margaret Hall
Experience Oxford University’s world-renowned tutorial teaching system, explore fascinating subjects with experts in the field, and gain new skills to take you further in your future academic or professional career.
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Who it's for

Subject levelAdvanced
Tuition33
Class size12 Students per Seminar; 4 Students per Tutorial
Student age19+
Ideal studentThis course would suit students in Law, Political Science, and Social Sciences, especially those with a background in Law, Philosophy, Philosophy, Economics, Development Studies, Human Geography, or International Relations. Students should have some experience of international law, either in an academic setting or in practice, before enrolling in this course. This can be gained by enrolling in the Session 1 course, International Law: Principles, and Practice, but that is not mandatory.

Likely outcomes

  • Be able to analyse and evaluate the functions and limitations of the International Court of Justice and other key international legal institutions.
  • Gain skills in analysing legal research and case studies, and developing and communicating coherent arguments, including in the context of litigation.

Available Sessions

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Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford
Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford

Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford

A pioneering and historic college of the University of Oxford with its own intellectually-challenging summer school, taught by academics of the University itself.

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Lady Margaret Hall

Lady Margaret Hall

Located near the city centre, Lady Margaret Hall is within an easy walking distance of the main city attractions.

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FAQ's

Where will I be staying?

Lady Margaret Hall (or ‘LMH’ as it is known to Oxford students) will be your home away from home. Set amongst 13 acres of beautiful gardens and located about 15 minutes’ walk from the lively city centre, LMH students benefit from access to a world-class library as well as gorgeous grounds for a game of croquet with friends, a tennis match on our courts, or even a dreamy punt along the River Cherwell.

When you enrol in our courses at LMH, you will stay on-site in our College accommodation, which is usually occupied by undergraduate students at LMH during term time. All student rooms are located within just a few minutes’ walking distance to everywhere in the college.

You can choose to stay in an en-suite room with private bathroom or a standard room with a shared bathroom, both of which are single occupancy. You will be asked to choose your preferred type of rooms in the application form, but the final allocation will be subject to our real-time room availability.  Each room in LMH is comfortably furnished and designed to provide a quiet, personal space for rest and study. This includes a personal desk, ensuring a space for private study throughout your stay. Bedding and towels are provided, with regular servicing from our Housekeeping team, known as ‘Scouts’. Laundry and drying machines are also available on site.

How many hours of tuition are provided?

33

What level of English do I need?

To participate fully in the programme all students will need to have proficiency in English. Students who are not native English speakers must demonstrate their English proficiency with one of the following: - TOEFL iBT score of 98 - - IELTS score of 7.0 (no less than 6.5 in each component) - Duolingo English Test score of 125 (no less than 115 in each section) - Cambridge English Scale score of 185 If you are taught primarily in English at your home university, we may be able to waive the requirement for an English language proficiency certificate. If this applies to you, please contact us for further information. If you have proof of English language proficiency which is not listed above, but which you would like us to consider, please contact vacation.programmes@lmh.ox.ac.uk.

What supervision is provided?

The Residential Advisors, our team of Oxford University graduate students, are your go-to guides for making new friends, discovering the city, and immersing yourself in the vibrant Oxford student experience.

Are airport transfers provided?

Lady Margaret Hall offers a coach service between London Heathrow Airport and Lady Margaret Hall on the arrival and departure days included in the Programme Fee.

Is course insurance provided?

No, students are required to arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance.

Will I get a certificate?

Students on the LMH Oxford Summer Programmes are awarded a Programme certificate and an Academic Transcript detailing their assessed work.

LMH Oxford Summer Programmes are designed to be eligible for academic credit, and many students have successfully earned academic credit by studying on an LMH Summer Programme. As a guide, we recommend the award of 15 CATS / 7.5 ECTS / 4 US Credits for each 3-week course. Lady Margaret Hall will provide a transcript of your assessed work, and can send this directly to your home institution if requested.

What visa do I need?

You can check the British Government’s guide to find out whether you will need a visa (please select your nationality, “study”, and “less than 6 months”). Upon securing your place you will be issued a Study Visitor Letter which provides information in support of your entry to the UK as a visitor and which you can include with your visitor visa application if required.

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Advanced International Law: Peaceful Settlement of DisputesLady Margaret Hall University of Oxford

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