Outline

Overview

Covering two-thirds of the world's surface the ocean provides a range of indispensable public goods including fisheries and non-living resources and is a vital conduit for international trade. The international law of the sea regulates access to and use of the oceans, and this unit reviews the major areas of this area of international law as they have developed over the centuries. It takes as its focus the 'constitution' of the oceans - the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Each of the major maritime zones is assessed, and there is also a review of key sectoral issues, including the protection of the marine environment, fisheries management, navigational rights and freedoms, and military uses of the oceans. Where appropriate, reference is made to relevant Australian law and practice, and to other state practice in the Asia Pacific Region. Refer to the Sydney Law School timetable - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Tim Stephens, tim.stephens@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 21 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final examination (40%) Final examination - 2 hours + 30 mins reading time	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task (0%) Online Quiz	0%	Week 03 Due date: 23 Aug 2026 at 23:59	10 Multiple-Choice Questions/30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research essay (60%) Research essay	60%	Week 07 Due date: 20 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 04 Oct 2026	4,500 words / 5 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Alternative Capstone Outline (10%) Written work	0%	Week 07 Due date: 14 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Sep 2026	1,000 words / 5 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Alternative Presentation of Capstone Outline (10%) Oral presentation with Q&A	0%	Week 07 Due date: 15 Sep 2026 at 13:30	5-7 minutes oral presentation, Q&A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Alternative Capstone Essay (80%) Written work	0%	Week 13 Due date: 26 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 02 Nov 2026	7,000 words / 6 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task (0%): This unit includes an Early Feedback Task that is designed to provide students with timely insights into their understanding and engagement with the unit content. The Early Feedback Task in this unit is a 10 question multiplec choice quiz. The task will be available on Canvas from Tuesday 18 August 2026 to 11:59PM on Sunday 23 August 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). It will be tailored to reflect key concepts from the first two weeks of classes. Students will be provided with immediate automated feedback upon completion of the task.

Research Essay (60%): A 4,500 word essay (excluding footnotes) which requires you to provide a critical reflection on a text from a list to be provided. The research essay is worth 60% of the total marks for this unit of study. The research essay topics will be released on Tuesday 11 August 2026 and the essay is due at 11:59PM on Sunday 20 September 2026 (Sydney Australia time).

Final Examination (40%): The 2 hour (plus 30-minute reading time) supervised in-person exam will take place during the final examination period in November 2026. The open book examination will consist of two problem questions. The final examination is worth 40% of the total marks for this unit of study.

The exam timetable will be released by the Exams Office in due course. For further information, please refer to Exam Timetables.

Alternative Assessment: CAPSTONE (100%) LLM students only

7,000-word Capstone Essay (80%): LLM students completing the penultimate or final units of their degrees and who require a Capstone Essay as a degree requirement must notify the Unit Coordinator before 5:00PM on Sunday 30 August 2026 (Sydney, Australia time); and must provide a 1,000-word Capstone Essay Outline (10%) by 11:59PM on Monday 14 September 2026 (Sydney, Australia time).

Students undertaking the Capstone will be also required to make a Presentation of their Essay Outline (10%) and respond to questions from the Unit Coordinator during the seminars on Tuesday 15 September 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). The Capstone Essay may not be commenced without approval from the Unit Coordinator.

The due date for the Alternative Capstone Essay (80%) is Monday 26 October 2026 by 11:59PM (Sydney, Australia time). The essay topic must be relevant to the material covered in the unit; should build on work already completed in the degree; may not recycle work already submitted for assessment in the degree, except and only with specific permission and appropriate referencing. Once the Capstone Outline has been submitted, students cannot withdraw from this option. The Capstone replaces all other assessments for this unit, except the Early Feedback Task.

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will exclude all footnotes and any bibliography (if required), and exclude acknowledgements of assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted).

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer. A link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4.

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study. As the EFT is an early diagnostic tool, this task is not included in the final grade for the unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Completely answers the question. Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	Completely answers the question. Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. Generally well expressed and free from errors. Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. Contains no significant errors. Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. Contains some significant errors. Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. Offers a descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. Adequate expression. Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	Does not answer the question. Contains significant or numerous errors. Few or no identifiable arguments. Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. Lack of research or analysis. Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, without an approved extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per 24 hours or part thereof, after the due time on the due date. Penalties for late submission will be applied strictly, subject to a 5 minute grace period. Late penalties do not apply to exams and tests, and any late submission will not be accepted.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 02	1. A brief history of the Law of the Sea; 2. Coastal State Waters (Baselines, Internal Waters, Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone)	Seminar (4.34 hr)
Week 03	3. Continental Shelf; 4. Exclusive Economic Zone	Seminar (4.33 hr)
Week 04	5. High Seas; 6. Deep Seabed; 7. Maritime Boundary Delimitation	Seminar (4.33 hr)
Week 05	8. Archipelagic States; 9. Fisheries	Seminar (4.33 hr)
Week 06	10. Marine Environmental Protection; 11. Navigational Rights and Freedoms	Seminar (4.33 hr)
Week 07	12. Maritime Regulation and Enforcement; 13. Dispute Resolution; 14. Completion of the student feedback survey for this unit of study	Seminar (4.34 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student’s result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Students are required to have their own copy of Donald R Rothwell and Tim Stephens, The International Law of the Sea (3rd Edition, Hart/Bloomsbury, 2023).

Additional readings for this unit will be listed on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Describe to an advanced level the main areas of the law of the sea and their significance for contemporary ocean governance
LO2. Critically analyse the central norms and institutions established by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
LO3. Identify and evaluate key law of the sea issues confronting the Asia Pacific region and Australia
LO4. Examine and evaluate the interaction between the international law of the sea and other areas of international law, such as state jurisdiction and international environmental law
LO5. Identify key law of the sea issues arising from recent events and state practice and critically assess their relevance for the development and implementation of the law of the sea
LO6. Critically apply the acquired knowledge on the law of the sea to develop an advanced understanding of the origins and purposes, methods and vocabulary of public international law, especially treaty law, customary international law and methods of dispute resolution
LO7. Communicate an understanding of the law of the sea in a clear, logical and analytical manner using plain and concise language, to diverse audiences
LO8. Identify and apply rules and principles of the law of the sea in innovative ways to analyse complex factual scenarios in the maritime domain

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes to assessments since unit was last offered.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS6047: International Law of the Sea

Semester 2a, 2026 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links