The Institute offers four types of programmes and courses:

1. IMLI offers a programme leading to the degree of Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Maritime Law. The main purpose of the programme is to train legal advisers in relevant areas of international maritime law, including the law of the sea, marine environmental law and shipping law. The duration of the programme is one academic year, beginning in mid-September and ending in May of the following year. The programme is intensive and features taught courses, research work and a number of field trips. Particular emphasis is placed on the acquisition by students of legislative drafting skills.

2. The Institute offers also a Ph.D. Programme leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in International Maritime Law based on a dissertation of no more than 100,000 words. The duration of the research undertaken must be between three to five years and it can be largely undertaken from abroad.

3. A new IMLI Programme, which was launched in 2005, is the Advanced Diploma in International Maritime Law. This Programme is designed to benefit professionals involved in maritime practice both in the private and in the public sector (including at the most senior levels) who, because of their careers, are unable to be away from their jobs for a longer period of time.

4. The Institute offers short courses throughout the academic year. These self-contained courses form part of the LL.M. modular system and are designed for applicants who are not able to attend IMLI for a whole academic year or for longer periods and are particularly interested in a specific area of the Law.

IMLI has often been required by governmental and international bodies to organize specific short-term courses, which focus on subjects covered by the IMLI academic syllabus. In such cases courses are tailor-made to meet the specific requirements of the organizers and bring them the latest developments on the law in their areas of interest.