cilj.co.uk

What It Is

Cambridge International Law Journal (CILJ) is not an online course or training program in the usual sense, but an English-language, double-blind peer-reviewed academic journal focused on international law and EU law. It is run by the postgraduate community at the University of Cambridge Faculty of Law, and traces its origins to the Cambridge Journal of International and Comparative Law, founded by Cambridge postgraduate students in 2011. It is published by Edward Elgar Publishing.

Core Content and Academic Process

CILJ’s core value lies in academic publishing and research exchange. The journal publishes two issues each year, in June and December. One issue is based on an open call for submissions, while the other combines an open call with papers selected from its annual conference. Submission types include articles of 6,000 to 12,000 words, as well as case notes of no more than 3,000 words that contain substantive analysis. All submissions undergo double-blind peer review: they are first reviewed by the Editorial Board, and selected pieces are then sent to the Academic Review Board, made up of international law scholars and practitioners. Its blog also accepts submissions year-round, offering early-career researchers and established scholars a platform to present innovative ideas.

Pricing and Access

The main text does not disclose specific subscription prices, submission fees, or open access policies. It only states that back issues and subscription details can be found on Edward Elgar Online. For submissions, the journal only accepts manuscripts submitted through the Submittable platform, and the submission portal is open only during call-for-papers periods.

Pros and Cons

Its strengths include a strong academic brand, supported by the postgraduate community at the University of Cambridge Faculty of Law and a professional publisher. Its double-blind peer-review process is relatively rigorous, making it suitable for serious English-language legal scholarship. Its 2023 Journal Citation Reports list an Impact Factor of 0.7 and a Journal Citation Indicator of 1.02, which also provide some reference points for the journal’s influence. The downside is that it is not an instructional product: it has no course syllabus, teaching staff, learning services, or certificate pathway. Its submission requirements are strict, and it explicitly does not accept manuscripts containing AI-generated text, placing high demands on authors’ ability to produce original writing.

Who It Is For

It is best suited to PhD students, graduate students, early-career scholars, and legal practice researchers working in international law, EU law, public law, regionalism, and interdisciplinary legal studies. It is not suitable for learners looking for a structured introductory course, a professional certificate, or Chinese-language teaching support.

Access in China

The main text does not provide information on availability, payment, or subscriptions in mainland China, so access from China should be considered unknown.