International Law and Human Rights LLM

This module provides you with a foundation in advanced legal research and analytical skills essential for successful engagement with the LLM programme. It engages with research methodologies and practical exercises focused on interpreting and evaluating legal sources.

This module will provide you with a systematic understanding of the core general rules and principles of international law. You will be able to analyse, critically evaluate, and provide authoritative commentary on how international law impacts international relations and contemporary concerns such as globalisation, the use of armed force, statehood, international responsibility of states, peace and security and international justice.

The module will equip you with essential skills for participating successfully in your LLM degree programme by offering instruction at an appropriately advanced level in legal research skills coupled with practical tasks in analysing legal sources. The module adopts a learner-centred instructional style, combining exposition with exercises, discussion and self-directed learning in a series of workshops supported by online resources.

This module examines the UN international human rights framework and regional systems in Africa and Asia. It critically analyses monitoring mechanisms, challenges in implementation, and strategies to advance rights protection. You will research treaty and Charter bodies, developing a rights-based approach to address gaps in global human rights enforcement.

This module will provide you with a systematic understanding of the rules and principles of International Law and International Relations that are relevant towards explaining the legal personality and activities of International Organisations, with a special emphasis on their role in the settlement of international disputes.

The module will engage you in an active investigation of the European Convention system of human rights protection. It provides a systematic understanding of its legal frameworks, institutions, and approaches to interpretation and remedies, while encouraging you to develop your own views on contested human rights issues.

This module will engage you in a comparative study of the central channel of international trade: the sale of goods. It critically examines the English Sale of Goods Act and the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), alongside related factors such as trade terms and documents of title.

This module introduces international criminal law as a tool for human rights protection. You will critically examine its sources, development, and tribunal case law, gaining a comprehensive understanding of its rules, principles, justice mechanisms, relation to other legal bodies, and future prospects for the field’s evolution.

This module explores corporate human rights abuses and accountability gaps through landmark cases. It introduces the interdisciplinary field of business and human rights, examining corporate liability and international standards from the UN, EU, OECD, and World Bank, equipping you to critically assess the human rights impact of global business practices.

This module applies a clinical legal education model to learning and teaching. You will work closely with practising lawyers at the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC), which litigates cases from Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. You will work on pending cases at the European Court of Human Rights and other international bodies.

This module enhances postgraduate employability by offering practical law-related work experience in free legal advice settings. It enables you to gain recognised credit, develop intellectual and interpersonal skills, and deepen your understanding of law’s practical application through reflection and hands-on learning in a professional environment. 

The module aims to ensure that you are equipped with essential skills to research and write a dissertation. The module adopts a learner-centred instructional style, combining exposition with exercises, discussion and self-directed learning in a series of workshops supported by online resources.

*Eligible students only

This module empowers you to apply theory in real workplace settings, fostering self-directed learning, goal-setting, and self-assessment to enhance transformative learning, adaptability, and professional growth through negotiated internships or current work experiences. 

The LLM in International Law and Human Rights offers an engaging, practice-focused learning experience through interactive sessions, class discussions, and guided independent study. Taught face-to-face by world-leading experts, the programme examines the legal, social, and cultural dimensions of international and human rights law. Teaching takes place on our Hendon campus in two- and three-hour sessions, spread over three days each week. You will build advanced research and academic skills, while gaining real-world experience that strengthens your professional confidence in a vibrant legal environment. Assessments are varied and dynamic—including presentations, case studies, critical essays, and research projects—giving you the tools to demonstrate expertise in legal analysis and argumentation.

You will study on our Hendon campus, in North London.

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

If you're studying full-time, you'll typically be expected to attend four modules per week, with each module consisting of three hours of weekly class time. If you're studying part-time, you'll generally be expected to attend two modules per week.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, including coursework, research essays, case studies, policy reports, portfolios, literature reviews, oral presentations, and a dissertation. Literature reviews are designed to help you identify authoritative sources and evaluate their relevance to a particular area of research or professional practice. If you choose the Work Integrated Learning module, your assessment will include a reflective diary and an original academic research paper that demonstrates your understanding of the organisation you’re placed with, as well as the key challenges it faces.