Master of International Law

Dr Melanie O’Brien is an award-winning teacher of International Humanitarian Law (LAWS5220) and Foundations of Public International Law (LAWS5224). She also runs the Masters Research Paper units (LAWS5694, LAWS5695, LAWS5696 and LAWS5697).

Dr O’Brien is an admitted legal practitioner who has previously worked at Griffith University; UQ; Anti-Slavery Australia; the National Human Rights Institution of Samoa; and the Legal Advisory Section in Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court. She is a member of the Executive Board of the International Association of Genocide Scholars and the Australian Red Cross IHL Committee.

Dr O’Brien’s research examines the connection between human rights and the genocide process; and sexual exploitation by peacekeepers. She has conducted fieldwork and research in 16 countries on five continents.

The UWA Law School is ranked in the top 100 law schools in the world (QS 2021, THE 2020). You will join and contribute to 90 years of excellence: we were the first law school established in WA and the fifth oldest in Australia.

Our graduates include a Prime Minister, a Governor of Western Australia, State Ministers, Justices of the Supreme Court of WA, a Young Australian of the Year, Rhodes Scholars, and more.

While we have a long and proud history, we're also a closely-knit, creative and progressive Law School, fostering critical thought, ethical scholarship and practice, a deep connection to our Indigenous past and present, and supportive student culture based upon wellbeing and inclusion.

In as little as two years, you can complete two master's degrees. Combine this course with the Master of International Relations.

We understand that life is busy. That's why our postgraduate courses are designed so you can balance your work and studies. Our flexible postgraduate experience includes the opportunity to study part time, a range of units that are taught after hours, and the option to learn via intensive units. Ask our Student Central team for advice on choosing the right postgraduate route for you. Find out more here.

Alessandro completed his combined Master of International Law and Master of International Relations in 2018. We caught up with him to find out about his time at UWA.

"To be honest, my favourite aspect was the calibre and competency of the lecturers and personnel that are involved with this program. I had never encountered people with such talent, passion and knowledge in International Law; lecturers such as Dr Melanie O'Brien and Dr Fiona McGaughey, in particular, instilled in me so much enthusiasm in international law and advancing its various disciplines that motivated me to pursue an academic career."

"Finally, and also very importantly, all people with whom I have had the pleasure of interacting showed me great humanity and understanding. In 2018, I was passing through a tough period of my life, but the support that I have received from UWA and, in particular, the members of the UWA Law School, gave me the strength to complete my degree with distinction. Choose law for the people."
 
"Building on the above, while I will not deny that the workload necessitates an important level of commitment and work, the opportunity that the UWA Law School offers is unique. You will have the opportunity to deal with some of the best people, both academically and on a human level, that you have ever encountered. It offers you the positive challenge to grow as a thinker and as a person in a nurturing and supportive environment."

"I am sure that everyone has, at some stage in life, wondered how and why we create and then respect the law. Law is the vehicle through which you can make changes happen and make our society a better place to live in. Choose law to be the change."