International Human Rights Law LLM

 

Course Code

FBLT086

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Start date

September 2022

How to apply
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Course overview

Study level: Postgraduate

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of international human rights law that will introduce you to both the international and regional protection of human rights.

During this course you can expect to:

  • Develop recognised expertise in emergent issues within the area of international human rights law.
  • Understand the social realities that inform the human rights discourse and affect the practical applicability of human rights law.
  • Contribute your work for possible publication to the Coventry Law Journal, alongside expert legal academics and professionals.
  • Have the option to apply for a ‘professional experience’ opportunity2, designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.
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Global ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

This course is suitable for graduates who want to gain or build on their knowledge of international human rights law. The course aims to offer you opportunities to explore, develop, practice and enhance your understanding of:

  • The Internationalisation of Human Rights: the importance in both academic and practical contexts, for lawyers and legally-interested individuals to be able to critically analyse the way in which human rights frameworks serve to regulate the practice of human rights within the global system of states.
  • Human Rights in Practice: drawing on your legal knowledge and practical skills in order to apply them to the various and often complex situations and cases, involving the application of international human rights norms.
  • Social Justice: the development of human rights is dependent on the social and political movements that seek social justice for victims of human rights abuses. This course asks you to consider the role that various actors play in the development of human rights regimes.

Accreditations and Professional Recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute for the 2022-23 intake. Upon successful completion of this module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost.

Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules and is regularly reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems.

International Association of Law Schools

International Association of Law Schools

Coventry Law School is a member of the International Association of Law Schools, an association of around 230 law schools from over 70 countries, representing around 10,500 law faculty members. Having this status allows our law students the opportunity for a variety of international experiences, including with our member institutions across the world.

European Law Faculties Association (ELFA)

European Law Faculties Association (ELFA)

Coventry Law School is also a member of the European Law Faculties Association with over 150 members from Europe and beyond.

What you'll study

During this course, you will be given the chance to study a wide variety of legal topics, all designed to provide you with the opportunity to gain a strong grounding in key legal principles, alongside a direct focus on topics relevant to human rights law in an international context.

Additionally, you can expect to have opportunities to further develop your ability to apply legal knowledge and the skills acquired, to the theory and practice of international human rights law.

Modules

  • The module will explore the legal framework governing the lives of women, men and ethnic minorities, as well as gay, lesbian, transgender and queer individuals. In doing so, you will examine the theoretical and practical application of gender, race and sexuality within the international human rights framework. By addressing the impact of human rights provisions and the values underpinning the international human rights framework, you will be able to critically examine the way that human rights advocacy and legal reform has impacted the lives of individuals.

    Compulsory

  • This module will explore the role that human rights activism has played in securing rights for minority and/or vulnerable groups. You will be able to explore how effective human rights advocacy has been in securing human rights for minority and/or vulnerable groups, as well as the legal barriers and limitations that human rights activists are faced with.

    Compulsory

  • By looking at the interrelationship between state security, law, and human rights, you will gain an appreciation of the development and practical implementation of terrorist and counter-terrorist strategies governing the domestic and international arenas. The module will address the theoretical perspectives underpinning terrorist and counter-terrorist responses at both the domestic and international levels in order to provide you with an understanding of the approaches driving the legal implementation of terrorist and counter-terrorist measures.

    Compulsory

  • The main aim of this module is to provide you with a comparative perspective of Islamic law and its compatibility with modern international law in general, and human rights law in particular. The key subjects of analysis include the nature, sources and objectives of Islamic law and international human rights law, women’s rights in Islamic law, child rights in Islamic law, minority rights, and Islamic criminal justice.

    Compulsory

  • This module will compare the institutions, jurisdiction, and procedures of regional human rights bodies. The module will provide a historical, social, and theoretical basis for understanding the development of regional systems for the protection of human rights in relation to the universal system proffered by the UN.

    Compulsory

  • By approaching human rights from a global perspective, you will be able to develop an understanding of the historical, theoretical, conceptual, and legal regimes governing this area of law. You will learn about the legal frameworks underpinning the international human rights regime, as well as its component parts. This will enable you to critically assess the way that International Human Rights Law has been deployed to address international human rights issues.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to manage change using creativity and innovation, in different types of organisational scenarios. You will critically assess strategies for change and change management and explore the leadership skills required to lead such successfully.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to provide you with the research and presentation skills appropriate to scholarship at postgraduate level and thus to allow you to display enhanced research and legal skills during your programme, specifically in the preparation and writing of their written assessments.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of the module is to provide you with a basis from which to undertake a substantial research project appropriate to the master’s level. In doing so, the module will be geared towards enabling you to identify an appropriate research topic and to develop a research strategy for its completion.

    Compulsory

  • In this module you will carry out a substantive piece of independent research into a legal issue relevant to your course of study. You will be expected to draw upon the knowledge acquired, and the intellectual, technical and analytical skills developed throughout your course. You will be supported in this module through a series of group supervisions and will be allocated a project supervisor.

    Compulsory

Professional experience

The professional experience opportunity2 enables you the opportunity to apply for optional professional experience in semester 1, which, upon successfully securing an opportunity, will extend the duration of your master’s to either 16, 20 or 24 months. The professional experience provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability. 

Professional experience may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Professional experience opportunities are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of our Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Find out more about the professional experience option.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

You will be taught by a team of academic staff which includes internationally recognised researchers at the forefront of their field.

You will be taught through a number of different teaching methods which may include:

  • Workshops
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Presentations
  • Group projects

This course can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.

Teaching contact hours

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the taught semesters.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 35 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include written coursework, reports, tests, and presentations as part of individual assignments or group work elements.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Our LLM in International Human Rights Law course is inherently international in nature. Further supporting this international focus is the experience of our academic staff and the typically diverse makeup of Coventry Law School students. As well as having an international focus throughout your studies, the course aims to offer opportunities to attend field trips overseas and to engage in collaborative online international learning (COIL) projects with students from universities elsewhere in the world. Where available, these opportunities stand to enhance your ability to examine issues from several perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of how issues would be addressed in different legal systems.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa requirements2.

Entry requirements

A minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate degree in Law, or a joint honours degree where Law has been studied to an appropriate level. This course is aimed primarily at law graduates, legal practitioners (solicitors and barristers) from the UK and other jurisdictions, and politics and business graduates with some knowledge of law.

Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director. For information regarding specific requirements, please fill in our request information form.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Applicants should hold a good honours degree 2:2 or above in a relevant academic discipline, such as finance, accounting or economics. Applications from candidates with relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

For information regarding specific requirements, please ask a question.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5. 

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

Student Full time Part time
UK £10,600 | £14,600 (with prof. experience) per year Not available
International £18,250 | £22,250 (with prof. experience) per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Facilities

Our learning facilities4, which include modern classrooms, open learning spaces and our Moot Room, allow you the chance to get the most out of your learning experience.

Our Moot Room, which is based on the ground floor of the George Eliot building, will give you the opportunity to practise your legal skills.

Moot Room

Moot Room

Our Moot Room allows you the opportunity to develop those vital and practical legal skills. You can practise your legal skills in a realistic setting, as well as having the chance to take part in mooting competitions.

Legal clinic

Legal Clinic

Use the Legal Clinic to develop your practical legal skills and help you stand out in your future career. You will have access to ‘real’ clients and work alongside trained solicitors and lawyers.
 

The Library

The Library

The Lanchester Library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has 1,400 study spaces, including group and silent areas. You’ll find our Centre for Academic Writing there too - a service that can give you support with essay and dissertation writing.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of international human rights law as a legal system that is distinct from national legal systems.
  • Critically evaluate substantive issues and developments within international human rights law.
  • Apply advanced legal knowledge to practical issues within international human rights law.
  • Effectively communicate ideas by explaining and conveying information in varying forms.
  • Undertake complex research-based projects independently, including managing your workload in an effective manner.
  • Work independently and collaboratively, making effective use of feedback.
  • Understand the importance of social responsibility and ethical behaviour in an academic and vocational capacity.
  • Evidence intellectual independence by addressing and resolving legal and related questions, identifying gaps in your own knowledge, and acquiring new knowledge by engaging in critical analysis and evaluation.
  • Critically evaluate the principles of developing and proposing strategy for leading strategic change.

 

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University's Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

International human rights law is at the forefront of policy-making so when you successfully graduate, you could go on to work in either the public or private sector. Career prospects for those with specialist human rights knowledge include a wide range of fields such as policing, immigration and privacy law.

Graduates may engage in advisory work, such as reviewing government policies and actions, whilst some graduates may find employment as human rights litigators, working for domestic or international legal firms. Additionally, career prospects may include human rights advocacy work, particularly on behalf of, but not limited to, the work of non-governmental organisations.

After completion of the LLM in International Human Rights Law, further graduate level study such as a PhD may be considered.

How to apply

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Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

  • 1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2022/23 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.