Programme Description
This short course, taught by leading academics and practitioners within their particular area of expertise, offers an intensive study of international law for professionals. After providing an introduction to international law, participants will cover litigating international law in the courts of England and Wales, the responsibilities of States, individuals and businesses, the International Court of Justice, how to bring claims in International Investment Arbitration and how to defend them, and how to make complaints to International Human Rights bodies. Specific subjects will include state immunity, diplomatic immunity, climate change, the prospects of a treaty on business and human rights, parent company liability in tort law, how to reform international investment law and the regulation of online harms.
Participants will leave the course with the capacity to address complex legal questions commonly encountered by diplomats, executives and policymakers, skills in research, academic writing and advocacy, and an understanding of strategies employed in public international law litigation. You will have the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with leading academics and practitioners in a collegial atmosphere. On the final day, participants are invited to deliver a short paper at a workshop open to the Law Faculty followed by lunch at Lincoln’s Inn.
Previous Speakers
- Shaheed Fatima QC, Blackstone
- Sir Franklin Berman KCMG QC, Essex Court (tbc)
- Robert Volterra, Volterra Fietta
- Chanaka Wickremasinghe, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- Hannah Ambrose, Herbert Smith
- Michel Massih QC, Drystone
- Richard O’Brien, 4 New Square
- Tayab Ali, ITN Solicitors
- Professor Sheldon Leader, University of Essex
- Martyn Day, Leigh Day
- Professor Robert McCorquodale, University of Nottingham
- Dr Carla Ferstman, University of Essex
- Lucas Bastin, Essex Court
- Sylvia Noury, Freshfields
- Wendy Miles QC, Debevoise & Plimpton
- Clive Stafford Smith, Reprieve
- Dr Muin Boase (Convenor), SOAS
*The speakers for this year will be confirmed shortly.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify, describe and critically analyse concepts and theories of public international law;
- Apply knowledge of public international law to answer legal questions commonly encountered by diplomats, executives, NGO workers, and policymakers;
- Develop skills in research, negotiation, drafting, case analysis, academic writing and advocacy in public international law;
- Understand strategies employed in public international law litigation;
- Carry out independent research on a recent development in international law.
Assessment
Assessment is optional and will be in the form of a 2,500 word essay to be handed in one week after the course. A certificate of completion will be provided along with confirmation of assessment mark (if submitted).
Application process
Please fill out the form at the How to Apply tab, including a 500 word statement of interest.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Applications for a scholarship should be made by 17 April 2020.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fee: £1,600 (Fees include all programme materials, daytime refreshments and lunch in Lincoln's Inn on the final day).
A small number of discounted places at £1,200 have been reserved for those in the early stages of their career, students, and those working for non-governmental organisations. Please clearly register your interest for a discounted place in your statement of interest.
One merit-based scholarship is available for a delegate from a developing country, and will cover the tuition-fee only. Applicants will be assessed on their statement of interest.
CPD
The course is worth the equivalent of 32 CPD hours, which may be claimed through a relevant scheme.
Enquiries
- For any course related questions, please contact the convenor Dr Muin Boase: mb95@soas.ac.uk
- For any general enquiries, please contact the SOAS Enterprise team: enterprise@soas.ac.uk
Venue: Brunei Gallery
Start of programme: 14 - 18 September 2020
Mode of Attendance: Full-time
Who is this programme for?:
This is an intensive five-day summer course in public international law for diplomats, executives, policymakers, non-profit workers, lawyers and professionals run by the School of Law at SOAS in London.
Entry requirements
- This is an open-enrolment course specifically aimed at diplomats, executives, policymakers, non-profit workers, lawyers and professionals.
- duration:
- 5 days (14-18 September 2020)
Tuition Fees 2020
- Tuition fee:
- £1,600
Convenors
Dr Muin Boase Convenor