The study of international law covers the legal framework for cooperation in fields such as peace and security, trade and investment, environmental protection, telecommunications, air travel, and maritime navigation. You will learn how the global legal system functions and how it can affect policies at national and international levels. Taking a degree in international law can lead to career opportunities in different sectors, such as international organizations, governments, non-governmental organizations, consultancies, and other roles related to international affairs. With that, take a look at some of the top international law schools in Europe below.
Top International Law Schools in Europe
1. University College London
The University College London, or UCL, is among the leading law schools in Europe. UCL Laws is ranked 11th in the world for law in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026 and 13th in the world for Law & Legal Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
UCL Laws offers a Master of Laws program with a specialist LLM in International Law. The LLM can be completed in 10 months when taken full-time, over two academic years when taken part-time, or in up to five academic years through the modular/flexible route. Students study public international law topics while maintaining a strong foundation in core legal principles. The program is delivered through seminars, lectures, and tutorials, and students complete a 9,000-word Research Essay. Graduates of the UCL LLM in International Law are well placed for careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, legal practice, international courts and tribunals, consultancy, policy, regulatory work, and academic research.
2. University of Oxford
Consistently ranked among the leading universities in the world, the University of Oxford is also a strong choice for students interested in international human rights law. Oxford’s MSc in International Human Rights Law is designed for lawyers and human rights advocates who want to further their studies.
Oxford’s Faculty of Law offers the MSc in International Human Rights Law as a part-time degree over 24 months. The course includes two periods of online distance learning and two summer residences held at New College, Oxford. In the first year, students complete the compulsory Fundamentals of Human Rights Law online course, which includes guided online study, reading periods, and tutor-guided asynchronous seminars. The first summer residence includes seminars, revision, exams, electives, and dissertation-related exercises. In the second year, students research and write a dissertation with one-to-one online support from a supervisor and attend a second summer residence. Graduates have gone on to work at the International Criminal Court, UN criminal tribunals, regional human rights bodies, private and multinational corporate practice, national governments, UN offices, NGOs, universities, and journalism.
3. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is one of the leading universities globally, and Edinburgh Law School is recognized for its strong reputation in legal education and research. Edinburgh Law School was ranked 15th in the world, 5th in the UK, and 1st in Scotland for Law & Legal Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
This excellent international law school in Europe offers an LLM in International Law, which allows students to study the fundamentals of international law and international relations at an advanced level. The degree can be completed full-time over one year or part-time over two years, subject to visa restrictions. The program consists of 180 credits, including 120 credits of taught courses and a 10,000-word dissertation worth 60 credits. There is no compulsory course, giving students a large degree of flexibility in the subjects they choose. Courses offered for 2026–27 include Fundamental Issues in International Law, International Environmental Law, Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, International Human Rights Law, International Investment Arbitration: Theory and Practice, International Ocean Governance and the Protection of the Marine Environment, and other contemporary subjects.
4. Leiden University
Leiden University is a well-known research university in the Netherlands, and Leiden Law School is highly regarded internationally. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Law & Legal Studies, Leiden University is ranked 23rd in the world.
Leiden University offers a Master of Laws specialization in Public International Law. Public International Law is a one-year, full-time Master’s specialization at Leiden Law School. The program focuses on the legal framework that governs international relations in an increasingly complex global society. Students study the fundamental doctrines of public international law from both theoretical and practical perspectives and are challenged to develop their own views on the role and functioning of law in international society. The curriculum includes subjects such as Public International Law, International Dispute Settlement, International Criminal Law, Contemporary Issues, The Law and Practice of Sustainable Development, International Human Rights in Today’s World, and a master’s thesis. Graduates may pursue careers in public authorities, diplomatic service, international organizations, international courts and tribunals, universities, private legal practice, and non-governmental organizations.
5. Tilburg University
Tilburg University is known for education and research in fields such as law, public governance, business, economics, and the social sciences. In the field of Law & Public Governance, Tilburg University is ranked 35th worldwide in the Times Higher Education Ranking 2026 and in the top 75 worldwide for Law & Public Administration in the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025.
Tilburg University offers the LLM in International and European Law, a one-year program consisting of 60 ECTS credits. The curriculum includes 12 ECTS of core courses, 24 ECTS of specialization courses, 12 ECTS of electives, and a 12 ECTS master’s thesis. Students can specialize in one of three tracks: Human Rights and Human Security, Environmental Law and Justice, or Law and World-Ordering. They can also build a broader program by choosing subjects in international or European law from different tracks. Typical courses include Climate Law, Geopolitics and Law, International Law and Human Security, Human Rights Law: Foundations and Contemporary Challenges, and Governing Digital Markets in the EU. To complete the program, students write and orally defend an individual LLM thesis in International and/or European Law.
FAQs about Studying International Law
What Can You Become if You Study International Law?
With an international law degree, you can pursue legal, policy, advocacy, research, and advisory roles, depending on your jurisdiction, prior legal qualifications, and career goals. Possible career paths include work in government, international organizations, NGOs, international courts and tribunals, private legal practice, corporate legal departments, policy advising, mediation, and academia. In the United States, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that lawyers earned a median annual wage of $151,160 in May 2024; however, this figure applies to lawyers generally and is not specific to international lawyers. Feel free to explore our Available Courses for International Students for other available courses for international students.
We hope that you found this article on the best international law schools in Europe informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out Available Programs for International Students in Europe!
