Summer School: Public International Law
Date: 13 - 17 July 2026
Time: 09.30 - 17.30 (UK time) TBC
Venue: BIICL, Russell Square, London and Online
Course Outline
Global events and legal developments continue to highlight the relevance of international law to various aspects of our lives. From dealing with climate change and environmental disasters, to promoting food and energy security; from protecting vulnerable groups to ensuring that telecommunication infrastructure is secured, international law provides the framework for States, international organizations and others to work together. This five-day summer school provides a solid overview of international law, and the tools they need to undertake further research and study in the area. You will be studying at a world leading institute of international law research, whilst based in the heart of one of the world's most international cities.
Topics include:
- Introduction to International Law
- International Dispute Settlement
- International Human Rights Law
- Business and Human Rights
- International Labour Law
- Environmental and Climate Change Law
- Use of Force and the UN Charter
- International Humanitarian Law
- International Criminal Law
- Transitional Justice
- Cyber Operations and International Law
- International Investment Law
- International Trade Law
- International Law and Development
- Law of the Sea
- International Migration and Refugee Law
- International Law and Technology
- Careers in Public International Law
Course leaders
Dr Jean-Pierre Gauci, Arthur Watts Senior Research Fellow in Public International Law and Director of Teaching and Training, BIICL and Georgia Greville, Research Fellow in Labour Exploitation and Human Rights, BIICL.
Testimonials from past attendees
"I found the course beneficial. It was a good way to recap on PIL and receive a high level introduction to new and emerging issues"
"It was very insightful and I felt like I learned a lot.."
"It was a very comprehensive and engaging course. I think it gave a clear overview of the many areas of public international law and that the lecturers were very knowledgeable."
"Excellent course and friendly environment".
Who is the course for?
The course is ideal for those having recently completed or currently undertaking studies in law, international relations, political science, international development, public policy or other related issues. Participants interested in working for governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, commercial entities and in private legal practice or consultancy will particularly benefit from this summer
Course format
This is a hybrid course, being offered in person at the BIICL office in Russell Square, London and virtually via Zoom.
Training scholarships
We are delighted to be able to offer scholarships designed to enable individuals from communities currently under-represented in the legal field to access our world-class courses and benefit from unparalleled learning experiences.
Scholarships are aimed at 3 categories: individuals from communities and backgrounds that are under-represented in the legal field in the UK and abroad; individuals who have recently received a needs-based bursary from their university or further-education college and representatives from Small Charities, NGOs, and Community-Based Organisations.
Applications for training scholarships must be received at least three weeks ahead of the course start date (22 June 2026). Applications must be made via the online form and applications received via any other means will not be considered.
Find out more and apply for a scholarship
