This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The module pursues two closely intertwined objectives: diplomatic law in theory and diplomatic law in practice.
First Objective: Diplomatic Law in Theory. This part of the module examines inter alia the establishment and conduct of diplomatic relations, the categories and functions of diplomatic missions, the legal position in international law of Heads of State, Heads of Government, Ministers and diplomatic agents, the diplomatic corps, status and functions of diplomatic missions, duties of diplomatic missions, diplomatic asylum, members of the diplomatic mission, diplomatic inviolability, diplomatic privileges and immunities, and the sanctions available in diplomatic law.
Second Objective: Diplomatic Law in Practice. In this part of the module, relevant case law and state practice will be examined and discussed in class. Moreover, students will apply rules and principles of diplomatic law to facts by solving (real or fictitious) problems (problem-based learning) in order to have a better understanding of diplomatic law in practice.
Total contact hours: 18
Private study hours: 182
Total study hours: 200
LLM in (Specialisation) - Brussels; PG Diploma in (Specialisation) - Brussels; PG Certificate in Law
Main assessment methods
Essay - 2000 words (10%)
Essay - 3000 words (90%)
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
A. AUST, Handbook of International Law 2nd ed. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010).
E. DENZA, Diplomatic Law. A Commentary on the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 3rdnd ed. (Oxford: OUP, 2016)
I. ROBERTS, Satow's Guide to Diplomatic Practice, 6th ed. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016)
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate awareness of the significance of international diplomatic law in the conduct of international relations;
2. Demonstrate familiarity with the concepts, principles and rules of international diplomatic law;
3. Demonstrate familiarity with current theoretical and doctrinal debates within international diplomatic law;
4. Apply international legal methods to international legal problems
5. Place the principles and institutions of international diplomatic law in the context of international relations.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Processing information: organise, source and digest large amounts of material from various sources
2. Analytical thought and writing: reflect upon complex ideas and arguments; digest, analyse and test scholarly views; relate scholarly ideas
and arguments to issues and circumstances in contemporary international affairs; summarise and analyse scholarly arguments in writing
3. Advocacy and defence: formulate an opinion in response to an issue or question, construct coherent and persuasive arguments to
advocate one's view and defend that view against criticism
4. Communication and presentation skills: prepare oral and written presentations of information and viewpoints to peers; respond to comment
and criticism from peers; lead and manage group discussion
5. Problem-solving: respond at short notice to questions and challenges, making use of knowledge, analytical tools and perspectives acquired
in the module
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