LLM International Human Rights Law

This is for you if you want a globally recognised qualification in your chosen field while having the freedom and flexibility to explore other areas of law.

This stream of the LLM specialises in human rights at both a national and international level and will allow you to engage with a variety of issues related to the theory and practice of human rights. We work in collaboration with Politics and International Relations enabling us to offer additional modules covering the political viewpoint of human rights.

The International Human Rights LLM stream covers a variety of issues related to the theory and practice of human rights. You can choose from our full range of modules and will need to select 6 out of 8 option modules and your dissertation from the human rights stream in order to gain your specialisation.

The course will provide you with a critical understanding of the legal principles relating to international human rights and the policy considerations that underpin them. You will develop your ability to analyse, interpret and apply a wide range of legal, socio-legal and contextual materials in the solution to complex legal problems.

Combined with developing your knowledge of human rights law, the course will stimulate your capacity for independent legal research and strengthen your skills in oral and written expression which will further enhance your opportunities within the legal profession. As well as giving you the freedom and opportunity to study two separate modules from any area of law, choosing from our full and extensive range of modules. Previous students on our programme have gone on to work in private practice or non-governmental organisations such as the UN.

When you apply for this course, you will apply for the Master of Laws (LLM). Once you have arrived in Leicester, you will be able to specialise in International Human Rights Law through your module choices. Your degree certificate will reflect your chosen specialism.

Assessment method

You will be taught mainly through interactive seminars where you will test your understanding by engaging in critical discussion of the topics with your fellow students. Before each seminar you will research the answers to a set of questions and come prepared to discuss your ideas and findings, sometimes working in small groups. Most modules are assessed by a research paper and for many of these you have the opportunity to choose your own research focus. Some modules may be assessed by presentation, examination or reflective log. Over the summer you will be required to complete a 15,000 word dissertation on a subject of your own choice.