< Back to results

International Criminal Justice

Law & Legal  /   Public Sector  /   Strategy  /   Risk  /   Governance  /   Communication  /   Business & Management  /   Leadership
International Criminal Justice is a self-paced online course exploring how international law defines and prosecutes war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression, and the role of international courts in addressing global justice.
Next Dates
Ongoing
Duration
10 hours
Delivery mode
Online
Location
-
Price (AUD inc. GST)
$650
Spots remaining
AVAILABLE
Scales of justice and gavel

Course summary

Foundations of international criminal justice

In this online, self-paced course, you will discover the foundational concepts of international crimes and examine how international law defines war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression.

This is a self-paced course delivered entirely online. The course consists of 10 modules including pre-recorded video lessons and supplementary resources. You can register at any time and will receive three months access to complete the course.

Who will benefit

  • Professionals working in foreign policy, international law and national security 
  • Diplomats and policymakers who would benefit from insights into how international criminal law impacts global relations and conflict resolution efforts.
  • Professionals working in the fields of justice, Defence or human rights 

Course is suitable for

  • This course is suitable for professionals and students working in, or interested in, international law, foreign policy, national security and global affairs. It is particularly relevant for those in diplomacy, government, defence, justice, human rights and international organisations seeking a foundational understanding of international criminal justice.
  • No prior legal knowledge is required.

Delivered by experts

Associate Professor Douglas GuilfoyleMaritime Security Research Group, HASS
Professor Douglas Guilfoyle
Facilitator
  • Professor Douglas Guilfoyle joined UNSW Canberra in 2018. His principal areas of research are maritime security, the international law of the sea and international and transnational criminal law. 
  • Particular areas of specialism include maritime law-enforcement, the law of naval warfare, international courts and tribunals and the history of international law.
  • He is the author of Shipping Interdiction and the Law of the Sea (Cambridge University Press 2009) and International Criminal Law (Oxford University Press 2016); and the editor of Modern Piracy: Legal Challenges and Responses (Elgar 2013). 

About the course

From foundations to contemporary challenges

The course explores the historical development of international criminal law from key tribunals from the post World War II Nuremberg tribunal, to the creation of the International Criminal Court.

You will also gain an understanding of the contemporary challenges facing international criminal justice, including the conflict in Gaza, the role of national courts in investigating alleged war crimes in Afghanistan and the future of the International Criminal Court.

Why enrol in this course

Build foundational expertise

Gain essential knowledge of international criminal law without requiring a legal background.

Enhance global and policy awareness

Understand how law, politics and security intersect in responding to serious international crimes.

Support career development

Relevant for careers in law, international relations, human rights, policy, defence and research.

Accessible and flexible learning

Ideal for students and professionals seeking structured, online study in a specialised field.

Strengthen analytical thinking

Develop critical skills for evaluating legal frameworks and international justice processes.

 

Key features

Police badge icon
Introduction to international crimes

Explore genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and aggression.

Legal scale icon
Historical and contemporary perspectives

Trace the development of international criminal justice from post-World War II to today.

Legal judge balance icon
Critical legal analysis

Examine real cases and ongoing challenges facing international justice systems.

E learning laptop 1 icon
Flexible, online delivery

Fully online format designed to fit around study or professional commitments.

Learning outcomes

Understanding past, present and future challenges

On successful completion on this course you will have a thorough understanding of the foundations, historical context, modern day challenges and future trajectories of international criminal law and justice.

What you'll learn

Skills/competencies/knowledge that would be gained through this course:

  • how international law defines war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression
  • the historical development of international criminal law, from the Nuremberg trials to the International Criminal Court
  • the role and jurisdiction of international courts and tribunals
  • contemporary challenges facing international criminal justice, including current conflicts and investigations
  • the future directions and ongoing debates shaping international criminal law and accountability.

Topics covered

This course covers the following topics:

  • Foundations: What are international crimes?
  • Historical Context: How did international criminal law (ICL) come about?
  • War Crimes
  • Crimes Against Humanity
  • Genocide
  • Aggression
  • The conflict in Gaza
  • Investigating alleged war crimes in Afghanistan
  • Future Trajectories: Does international criminal justice have a future?
  • Further Explorationt.

Course delivery

Format

Commitment

Delivery

Self-paced

Approx 10 hours time commitment with 3 months access to the course content

Online

Next steps

To enrol in International Criminal Justice, please select your preferred date and register below.