Introduction
Advanced course in Law of Armed Conflict is a 10 ECTS Master´s course presenting the central principles of the law and discussing ethical dilemmas and the interplay with general human rights obligations.
The course is offered part-time every autumn semester. Read more about admission requirements below.
Course content
The Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) applies between parties to an armed conflict, be it an international armed conflict or non-international armed conflict (sometimes called an internal armed conflict). The subject of LOAC is therefore not when or if parties to a conflict have the right to resort to armed force - but the rules applicable between them when they do.
The Law of Armed Conflict is built around four principles: (i) Distinction between military and civilian targets, (ii) Proportionality, (iii) Military necessity and (iv) Limitations. The course will focus on these basic principles in depth.
The course will further focus on the interplay between LOAC and general human rights obligations. As LOAC applies in situations where life is routinely taken, and suffering routinely caused, LOAC is also fraught with ethical dilemmas. The role of ethics in the determination of the law, as well as its implications for professionals working in the field of LOAC, must thus be addressed and discussed.
Central themes:
- The method and sources of international law, with particular emphasis on questions and differences that arise in LOAC
- The application of Human Rights Law in situations that are also covered by LOAC
- The rules concerning protected persons and objects
- The four central principles of LOAC, and especially their application in maritime operations
- The meaning and importance of status as a combatant, non-combatant and civilians
- The limitations LOAC presents on means and methods of armed conflict, especially as these apply to operations conducted at or from the sea
- The legal status, as well as rights and obligations that concern neutrals
- Special questions that arise in maritime operations covered by LOAC, like questions of blockade and the establishment of security/exclusion zones
How is the course organized?
The course is taught through a blended learning environment, combining physical teaching at UiBs campus and online teaching via UiBs digital platform called Mitt UiB.
The physical lectures are not mandatory, but we recommend that you attend if possible. A digital version of the lectures will however be available, making it possible to follow the course from anywhere.
Teaching
The online teaching consists of digital modules discussing the theoretical underpinnings of the subject and facilitating self-study.
The course has a mandatory group assignment, which will bed assessed as passed/non-passed.
Dates and times for teaching lessons Autumn 2025 will be determined during the Spring.
Exam
The course has an oral exam. Students will two days prior to the exam be given access to a factual description. Based on this the students are to prepare legal advice for a commander. In the exam, of approx. 25 min, the students will be asked to present their legal advice, and receive questions on this. If deemed necessary, the candidates may also be questioned on other parts of the course.
The exam may be performed in English or Norwegian, by your own choice.
Admission requirements
Prior education and work experience
This course is part of an Executive Master`s Program and you must therefore fulfil the following admission requirements:
- Bachelor's degree, master's degree or other equivalent degree or vocational education of a minimum of three years (180 credits)
- A minimum of two years' relevant professional experience from operational activities in various organizations and/or public agencies engaged in the exercise of authority.
You must document that you fulfil both the described educational requirements and the required work experience when you register your application. It is possible to compensate for max. one year of the three-year education requirement by documenting long and relevant work experience, beyond the minimum requirement of two years.
Required documentation
Applicants with Norwegian citizenship: See requirements on the Norwegian course page
Non-Norwegian applicants: You must attach the following documents:
- Bachelor's degree certificate/diploma (all pages)
- Transcript of records including a description of the grading scale used
- CV
- Formal certificate of service or other confirmation from current or former employer(s) showing that you meet the requirement for at least two years' full-time relevant professional experience. The certificate/verification from the employer must be dated and contain the following information:
Start and end date, employment rate, job title and signature from the employer (e-signature is approved) - Copy of your valid passport or photo ID
Study costs
Study fee
This course has a study fee of NOK 24 300,-
We will send out the invoice early in the Autumn semester. The invoice will be sent to you personally. If your employer is to pay the tuition fee, your employer must fill out a form with all required invoicing information. You will receive more information about this when we confirm that you have been accepted to the course.
Semester fee
All students who are accepted for a study place at UiB are obliged to pay a personal semester fee of NOK 650,- per semester. The semester fee is financing common benefits and services for all students at UiB.
Information about how- and when to pay the semester fee will be given when you are accepted as a student.
Consequences of non-payment
The entire tuition fee and the semester fee must both be paid within the deadline for withdrawal from the exam. In case the tuition fee or the semester fee has not been paid, you may be denied the right to take the exam or get assessment.
Please read Terms and Conditions for Online and Part-time Studies at the University of Bergen
Do you want more information?
If you have questions about academic content, organization or teaching, you can contact the Faculty of Law: