Justice in a changing world: Summer school on aggression and genocide

Course overview

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, understanding the crimes of aggression and genocide is more crucial than ever. This intensive summer school offers you a clear and engaging introduction to the legal, historical, and practical dimensions of these core international crimes. Across five dynamic days, you will explore how international courts and institutions address some of the most serious violations of international law, and why these mechanisms matter for justice, accountability, and global security.

Reasons to study Core Crimes of Aggression and Genocide at Middlesex

• Skills-based learning: Practical exercises addressing core procedural issues, including admissibility and jurisdiction before the ICJ and ICC.
• Interactive and experiential activities: Academic sessions complemented by afternoon visits to significant legal institutions such as the UK Supreme Court.
• Engagement with leading experts: Sessions delivered by European Human Rights Advocacy Centre specialists, former ICC personnel, and experts with ICJ experience.

What sets this summer school apart is its unique blend of academic rigour, hands on skills development, and direct engagement with leading institutions and experts. It offers a rare and immersive opportunity to explore how justice operates in practice.

About your course

Designed for students, early career professionals, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of such international core crimes, the programme combines expert-led teaching with practical exercises and experiential learning. You will develop foundational knowledge of key legal frameworks, examine real world cases, and gain insights from practitioners working at the forefront of the field.

Day 1: Historical development of the crimes of genocide and aggression 

Exploration of the origins and evolution of these crimes through key legal milestones:

• International Military Tribunal (IMT)
• International Military Tribunal for the Far East (IMTFE)
• Nuremberg Trials
• UN ad hoc tribunals (ICTY, ICTR)
• Comparative perspectives on aggression (Regional and National proceedings)  

Day 2: Genocide and aggression before the International Criminal Court (ICC)

In-depth analysis of the ICC Statute and system, including:

• Substantive definitions
• Jurisdictional challenges
• Evidentiary standards and procedural issues 

Day 3: Genocide and aggression before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) 

Focus on the ICJ’s role in adjudicating state responsibility and interpreting international law rules related to these crimes.

• Attribution test
• Evidentiary issues
• Pending cases 

Day 4: Beyond international courts 

Examination of alternative mechanisms and institutions, including:

• Regional courts
• UN Human Rights Council 
• UN treaty bodies and committees
• UN special procedures and rapporteurs
• EHRAC on litigating case in armed conflict situations

Day 5: Genocide and aggression in the 21st century: Reforms and future developments

Forward-looking discussions on:

• Legal reforms
• Emerging challenges
• Proposals for the future 

Fees and funding

The course has the same costs for UK and international students:

• Early‑bird rate (for applications made by 20 April 2026): £1,295
• Standard rate: £1,595

Accommodation

We are pleased to offer a limited number of affordable accommodation places in our modern student housing. Twenty rooms are available for an additional cost of just £300 for the full duration of the summer school, plus additional dates to cover arrival and departure before and after teaching (14 to 21 June 2026). Availability is limited, and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Additional costs

Participants will be responsible for covering the costs of any travel to central London.

Entry requirements

An undergraduate degree in Law and/or Politics, or equivalent professional experience, is needed.

Equivalent professional experience consists of three years of practical experience in a law firm or NGO, or as a government officer working in the field of dispute resolution, human rights protection and/or the laws of armed forces.

How to apply

To apply for this course, please fill in our CPD application form.