Master in Conflict Laws

The University of London, founded in 1836 and headquartered in one of the world’s leading capitals, offers a broad and flexible higher-education environment through its federated colleges and institutes. Serving around 170,000 students with some 50,000 international learners, the University of London is notable for its global reach, diverse academic programs and long tradition of research excellence. Its structure lets students choose from a wide range of disciplines while benefiting from the prestige and resources of constituent colleges.

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When legal disputes transcend national borders, the traditional lines of jurisdiction blur, creating complex questions about which law governs a contract, a marriage, or a tort. Conflict of Laws—also known as Private International Law—is the specialized body of rules applied by English courts to navigate these cross-border challenges. It provides the framework for determining whether a court has the authority to hear a case, which substantive laws should apply to the dispute, and how foreign judgments are recognized and enforced.

This programme is ideal for legal practitioners and students aiming to master the intricacies of transnational litigation. While the field is rooted in foundational case law, it is currently undergoing significant evolution due to the statutory implementation of international conventions and Law Commission reports. Because many areas remain legally unsettled, the module offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with academic discourse and formulate their own reasoned solutions to contemporary legal problems.

Core Competencies

• Navigating the forum non conveniens doctrine and jurisdiction in foreign element cases.
• Analyzing connecting factors such as domicile and habitual residence compared to nationality.
• Evaluating the status of international contracts, family law, property transfers, and trust administration under English private international law.
• Critiquing judicial opinions and academic writings to develop independent legal arguments.