Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

• To provide students with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the international regimes applicable to key contemporary security issues;
• To provide students with an awareness of the historical and political factors against which the regimes have developed and the various actors involved;
• To enable students to critically assess the various responses taken by the international community to security issues;
• To enable students to identify future security issues;
• To provide an exposition of how violations of the law are identified and enforced; and to consider the limitations inherent in this context;
• To develop students’ capacity for critical analysis and problem solving;
• To develop students’ research skills through the preparation of coursework and class presentations;
• To encourage student-driven learning.

Outline Of Syllabus

Outline Of Syllabus (a selection of these topics, and potentially some others, will be drawn on for coverage each year):
• Environmental Security
• Maritime Security
• Cyberspace Security
• Outer Space Security
• Energy Security
• Water Security
• Food Security
• Financial Infrastructure Security

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

• A thorough knowledge of the legal regimes applicable in the context of various contemporary international security issues;
• A strong grasp of the historical and political factors which shape the rules;
• A full awareness of the relevant international institutions and other actors involved in the formation and implementation of security law;
• A detailed understanding of contemporary and emerging issues and the challenges they present

Intended Skill Outcomes

• The ability to critically assess a body of rules;
• The ability to apply a body of rules to complex factual scenarios;
• The ability to communicate effectively in written work and in oral presentations;
• The ability to conduct advanced legal research.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The workshop-based model provides an ideal opportunity for a dynamic and thorough discussion of the matters under consideration, allowing for the examination of detailed issues and the contribution of all students in the group. Students will be asked to engage in exercises such as role plays (e.g. mini-moots) to develop their practical legal skills as well as their knowledge and analysis.

Students are required to undertake in-depth preparation, including by undertaking independent research, and to develop and present legal arguments to the group by reference to academic commentary, the law and the jurisprudence. This allows students to develop research and analytical skills, to develop substantial legal arguments, and to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the complexities and impact derived from the interaction between different legal orders on the status of individuals.

The drop-in sessions are strategically positioned to assist students.

The teaching methods have been adapted for delivery in the post-COVID environment and are based on the
presumption that in person sessions will be possible but that this shall need to be supplemented by making alternative arrangements under ‘FLEX’ in case of the possibility of more limited
possibilities for on Campus teaching.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination provides an important incentive for students to establish substantial knowledge in the subject. The examination tests the demonstration of knowledge and understanding by applying the skills that need to be developed over the whole module. The examination provides a means for testing students' ability to analyse, synthesise, deploy critical judgement and evaluate alternative arguments. It also allows candidates to demonstrate intended learning outcomes across a broad range of topics within the syllabus.

The formative examination provides students with an opportunity to write a response on the subject and to get feedback on this.


Alternative assessment for exam: if the exam cannot take place due to public health circumstances, it will be replaced with a 24 hour take home exam.

General Notes

N/A