Introduction. The LL.M. in International Legal Studies is a practical and internationally-focused program that aims to develop impactful legal experts capable of solving complex problems. Students have the opportunity to specialize in their area of interest and can also participate in immersive experiences abroad. The LL.M. in International Legal Studies study plan ensures a strong foundation in international legal contexts and prepares students for successful careers in the field.
Launch week. Kick off your LL.M. journey with LAUNCH, an immersive orientation week designed to welcome you to IE Law School and set the tone for the year ahead. Through dynamic sessions—from exploring your specialization and mastering the case method to leadership workshops, team building, and cultural experiences—you’ll gain the tools, mindset, and connections to thrive throughout the program and beyond.
1st PERIOD. SEP. - DEC.. Core Esentials 1st Period. ADVANCED PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW. This is the opening course of the program and presents a significant part of the general framework. Students will take a more advanced look at the rules and principles of public international law and their practical applications. They will also learn to identify and distinguish the actors that make up the legal system and their competencies with precision, as recognized by international law. Secondly, but by no means less importantly, they will study international organizations from a state perspective, gaining an understanding of their representative bodies, the immunities they hold and the competencies conferred on them by international law. The course will then move on to focus on individuals, the protection of human rights and international criminal responsibility. Despite later going on to consider certain specialized fields of public international law in greater depth, the subject provides an overview of certain aspects of the law of the sea, international environmental law and investment arbitration. Students will also analyze cases related to contemporary international public law matters, including (non) armed conflict, litigations before international courts and the regulation of new technologies.. ADVANCED EUROPEAN UNION LAW. The European Union perspective and regulations will be present in various subjects throughout the program. That said, focusing on certain specific issues is fundamental, owing to their social, political and economic relevance, not to mention their influence on other legislation. The course covers the European system for the protection of human rights; advanced questions regarding the freedom of movement of goods, people, services and capital within the Union and, lastly, its role in international trade.. GLOBAL PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL LAW. This course will ensure students acquire and are able to accurately deal with advanced concepts of private international law. The first will be the organization of cross-border trade and financial exchanges — both from a general international perspective and in regard to the European Union. They will then look into specific areas of private international law, including commercial law and transport law, among others. In order to develop their expertise, it is vital for students to become familiar with the laws of conflict and international conventions and treaties, as well as international treaties on the protection of foreign investments in particular.. INTERNET, DATA AND THE LAW. This course will see students grapple with the regulatory challenges posed by the internet, the data economy and artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on the European data strategy. It will address the complex legal challenges posed by the issues of privacy and intellectual property rights, as well as consider how mass media can affect freedom of expression and the impact that has on topics including democracy, fundamental rights and misinformation.. THE LAW OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE. Once they have become familiar with the most significant legal rules and principles of international trade, students will focus on WTO agreements on goods, services and technical barriers to trade, while also learning about the institutional structure of the WTO and its trade dispute settlement system. They will also learn about regional trade agreements and the rules which govern them, placing particular focus on the basic principles that guarantee access to fair trade. The role played by international institutions in relation to these issues will then be studied, as will major global framework agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and more.. Specializations 1st Period. INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC LAW. INTERNATIONAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW. Given its nature, the demand for expertise in the field of intellectual property is among the fastest-growing areas in international law. Students will learn about international treaties, instruments and state-established organizations set up to protect intellectual property, as well as copyright, trademark and patent protection regulation under the Berne Convention, the Paris Convention, the Madrid Agreement and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The role of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), an IE Law School collaborator, and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) in the international protection of intellectual property will also be examined.. HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE DIGTAL SOCIETY. HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE INFORMATION SOCIETY. This course aims to provide students with a solid foundation by teaching them the structures and standards that govern human rights legislation. It will cover both international and regional human rights systems, taking an in-depth look at various vitally important issues in today’s world. These areas will be addressed in an applied manner and range from the challenges and opportunities presented by an increasingly digital world to the study of freedom of expression, its foundations, and the right to privacy in the digital age and in democratic societies. It will also dive into issues posed by social media, including the responsibilities, obligations and rights of media providers, journalists, and more.. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY LAW. INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & CLIMATE CHANGE. This course examines how international law shapes global responses to environmental challenges and climate change. It traces the evolution from early environmental agreements to today’s comprehensive frameworks, including the Paris Agreement and key biodiversity conventions. Students explore the role of international and regional actors—such as the United Nations and the European Union—in driving sustainability, climate accountability, and environmental justice on a global scale.
2ND PERIOD. JAN. - APR.. Core Esentials 2nd Period. * Students must choose one class between Litigation Skills and Transactional Skills.. NEGOTIATION. This course intends to improve participants’ negotiating skills. Under the supervision of course instructors, students will work in teams on case studies. By the end of the course, participants will know how to prepare for negotiations, achieve goals, satisfy interests more effectively and ensure the enforceability of agreements.. LITIGATION SKILLS. This course develops practical skills for effective advocacy in the courtroom. Emphasis is placed on developing oral and written advocacy techniques and understanding procedural rules to competently represent clients in civil and criminal cases.. TRANSACTIONAL SKILLS. Students will obtain the practical skills needed for structuring and executing business transactions. Topics include contract drafting, negotiation techniques, due diligence, risk assessment, and deal structuring.. ENERGY TRANSITION AND THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC LEGAL ORDER. This course analyzes how the global shift toward low-carbon energy is transforming the international economic legal order. It examines the interplay between trade, investment, and environmental law in shaping policies for decarbonization and sustainable growth. Students explore how international economic institutions and agreements—such as the WTO and investment treaties—are adapting to new energy realities, and assess emerging legal challenges related to carbon border adjustments, green subsidies, and energy security.. Specializations 2nd Period. INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC LAW. INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT LAW. This course provides an in-depth study of international investment law as a branch of public international law. It revolves around three key elements: the primary rules applied by way of bilateral investment treaties between states and as part of trade and multilateral agreements; the role of the World Bank, OECD and ICSID in international investment law; and investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms.. INTERNATIONAL LAW OF DIGITAL TRADE. This course goes to the heart of one of the most challenging fields of international law right now. Students will come to understand the application of international standards in the field of electronic and digital commerce, related to both goods and services. They will also familiarize themselves with the different data protection models around the world and learn about the main commercial implications of digital technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D printing.. INTERNATIONAL TAX LAW. The regulatory, practical and ethical foundations of international tax law serve as a framework for learning about both multinational corporations’ international tax planning strategies and the ways in which states seek to collect taxes at a time when international tax competition is becoming increasingly fierce. These issues are constantly evolving and being refined and must be complemented by the study of multilateral efforts to curb tax evasion, including the OECD/G20 BEPS project.. HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE DIGTAL SOCIETY. INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS. The course seeks to plot a precise map of the structure, jurisdiction and functions of international organizations, in particular those which work in the defense of human rights, as well as the corresponding independent courts and committees.. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW. This course explores the foundations and evolution of international criminal law, focusing on the prosecution of individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression. Students examine the structure and functioning of international tribunals, including the International Criminal Court, and analyze landmark cases that have shaped the field. The course also addresses emerging challenges such as universal jurisdiction, transnational crimes, and the interaction between international justice and human rights.. MIGRATION AND REFUGEE LAW. In this subject, students will learn about the nature of foreign nationals, immigration and asylum within international law. Then, looking at law from a comparative perspective, they will come to understand the essential aspects of the origin and evolution of the conditions and protection systems for refugees, immigrants and other displaced persons in the European Union and certain countries of America.. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY LAW. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY LAW. Legal frameworks for electricity, gas and renewable energy markets, including regulation, licensing and grid access.. CLIMATE JUSTICE. This course examines the ethical, legal, and policy dimensions of climate change from a justice perspective. It explores how climate impacts and responsibilities are distributed across countries, communities, and generations, and how international and domestic law address these inequalities. Students analyze key debates on loss and damage, human rights, and climate migration, as well as the role of courts, activism, and corporate accountability in advancing fair and effective climate action.. ENERGY MARKET & PROJECT FINANCE. This course examines the legal and regulatory frameworks governing energy markets and the financing of energy infrastructure. It explores how law shapes the organization of electricity and gas markets, access to networks, and competition between traditional and renewable energy sources. Students gain practical insight into the legal structure of project finance, including contractual arrangements, risk allocation, and compliance with environmental and sustainability standards in cross-border energy investments.
3RD PERIOD: ELECTIVES. APR. – MAY. During the electives period you will have the opportunity to tailor your learning journey to suit your specific interests and career goals. You can choose from over 60 electives ranging from diverse topics either related to your specialization or for you to explore complementary disciplines. Some of the areas you can choose your electives from are Business Law, Well-being & Skills, Digital Law, Business Management, Dispute Resolution, Taxation, European Studies and Sustainability, Human Rights, International Economic Law or Environmental & Energy Law among others. From this comprehensive range, you can craft a truly enriching and personalized educational experience. *Note: Classes will only be taught if the number of enrolled students meets the subject’s requirements
FINAL PROJECT. Students will choose between three options for their final project: an academic thesis, an applied project developed in collaboration with a company or institution, or participation in a Moot Court competition. The academic thesis allows students to deepen their legal research skills by preparing a rigorous paper suitable for submission to an academic journal. The applied project is structured as a response to a real-life case. Students may draft a legal note, present a report, or argue their position in response to a complex legal problem. These cases may be proposed by partner institutions of the LL.M. in International Legal Studies or inspired by current geopolitical developments. The Moot Court option is a simulated legal exercise in which students present oral arguments and written briefs on hypothetical cases before a panel of judges. It offers invaluable experience in legal analysis, public speaking, and courtroom procedures—sharpening students’ advocacy skills in a realistic and competitive setting.
Add Ons. You can further enrich your studies through a wealth of add-on experiences such as training, workshops, and certificates. You also have the option to complete a semester abroad at one of our partner universities around the globe after your third and final semester in Madrid. These additional experiences add invaluable practical know-how in areas that interest you specifically.. CAREER & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Since the beginning of your program you will have access to personalized advising sessions, learning resources and development tools to support your career journey guided by our Talent & Careers team . Whether it is to fine-tune your resume, master the art of networking, or sharpen your interview techniques, you will have the perfect opportunity to brush up on essential skills and develop the confidence to succeed.. CERTIFICATE IN SUSTAINABILITY. IE University’s Certificate on Foundations of Sustainability is an optional program you can use to complement your master’s degree and showcase your individual commitment to incorporating sustainability into your professional work. The Certificate takes a dynamic, holistic approach that will shape your thinking and give you the highly in-demand skills to address today’s most pressing challenges. The program will provide you with a highly sought-after set of skills and knowledge that are required to tackle the challenges our institutions, corporations and societies are facing today.. CERTIFICATE IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT. The LL.M. in International Legal Studies is committed in helping you get a well-rounded profile and become the lawyer you want to be. The development of complementary business skills and knowledge is key to achieve this, hence the program also includes the optional Certificate in Foundations of Business Management, issued by IE Business School.
