ICJ-UN Photo / Frank van Beek
UN Photo
The International Law Programme offers two delivery modalities—Webinar Track and Self-Paced Track—providing participants with foundational knowledge of international law and its relevance for global governance. Both modalities cover the same core curriculum, allowing learners to select the format that best suits their schedule and learning preferences.
Programme Overview
International law establishes the rules and principles that regulate relations between States, international organisations, corporations, and individuals. It governs areas such as the peaceful settlement of disputes, human rights, environmental protection, trade, investment, and the use of force.
As global interconnectedness increases, domestic legal systems, policy decisions, and international cooperation mechanisms are increasingly shaped by international law. This programme provides a structured introduction to these concepts and equips participants with the ability to engage with international legal processes in a professional context.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Define international law and its primary functions.
- Distinguish between the sources of international law and describe their interaction.
- Explain the relationship between international and national legal systems.
- Identify subjects of international law and compare their rights and responsibilities.
- Describe methods of peaceful dispute settlement and apply key legal principles.
Curriculum Structure
Sources, legal personality, and the role of individuals, States, and international organisations.
State responsibility, jurisdiction, conflicting obligations, and international organisations.
Mechanisms for peaceful settlement, compliance tools, and the role of courts.
Webinar Track
(Instructor-supported format with fixed dates)
The Webinar Track combines the core modules with a live Q&A session delivered by a subject-matter expert. This modality is recommended for participants who prefer real-time engagement and structured weekly learning.
Key Features
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Format: E-learning + live webinar (2 hours)
- Workload: ~30 hours
- Fee: USD 400
- Certificate: UNITAR Certificate of Completion
Upcoming Editions
- 2026 Spring Edition: 2 – 22 March 2026: Webinar on Friday 20 March, 10:00 – 12:00. Deadline 1 March 2026. Register here
- 2026 Fall Edition: 31 August – 20 September 2026: Webinar on Friday 18 September, 10:00 – 12:00 (TBC). Deadline 30 August 2026. Register here
Self-Paced Track
(Flexible, fully asynchronous modality)
The Self-Paced Track offers complete flexibility, allowing participants to organise their study time independently over a 3-month period. It is designed for learners who prefer autonomy and extended access to course materials.
Key Features
- Duration: 3 months
- Format: Self-paced e-learning
- Workload: ~30 hours
- Fee: USD 200
- Certificate: UNITAR Certificate of Completion
Upcoming Editions
- Q1: 5 Jan - 5 April 2026, Deadline 4 Jan 2026. Register here
- Q2: 6 April - 5 July 2026, Deadline 5 April 2026. Register here
- Q3: 6 July - 4 Oct 2026, Deadline 5 July 2026. Register here
- Q4: 5 Oct - 3 Jan 2027, Deadline 4 October 2026. Register here
Methodology
Webinar Track
- Asynchronous lessons + live Q&A
- Multimedia materials
- Tutor-supported learning
- Self-assessment exercises
Self-Paced Track
- Fully asynchronous learning
- Multimedia lessons and case studies
- Flexible progression
- Self-assessment activities
Target Audience
Government officials, international civil servants, legal professionals, diplomats, NGO representatives, academics, students, and private sector professionals engaged in international law or international organisations.