International Law and Human Rights LLM
2025-26 Year of entry
Become a leader in international law and human rights. Led by experts, with opportunities to gain real-world experience through work placements and global networks.
/199x0:1702x1100/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug---course-masthead-images/2024X2f25/science-and-technology/cyber-security-forensics.jpg)
Why choose International Law and Human Rights LLM at Middlesex?
In today’s interconnected world, understanding international law and human rights is more important than ever. This programme is designed for law, international relations, and related social science graduates, as well as professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in international law and human rights. You’ll engage with rigorous, practice-focused study of global legal frameworks that protect human dignity and address complex justice challenges.
Guided by world-leading experts, you will develop advanced analytical, research, and communication skills essential for navigating and shaping international human rights law. Unique to this programme is the opportunity to apply for an internship-based module in collaboration with the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC), providing hands-on experience litigating landmark cases before the European Court of Human Rights. Whether you aspire to careers in legal practice, policy, advocacy, or academia, this LLM equips you with the knowledge and professional tools to become a leader in this vital and evolving field.
International reputation
We have an international reputation for our law expertise and our LLM Law puts you at the heart of legal innovation. Our team of globally-respected academics include many who specialise in Human Rights law. We offer valuable insights, practical guidance, and an extensive network of contacts, including internship opportunities within esteemed international organisations like the United Nations.
What you will gain
Our LLM in International Law and Human Rights offers you the opportunity to learn from internationally recognised academics and practising human rights lawyers who bring real-world experience directly into the classroom. You will gain invaluable hands-on experience through a unique internship-based module, working on live cases with the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC) and engaging with litigation before the European Court of Human Rights.
Throughout the programme, you will develop practical skills in legal research, advocacy, and communication, preparing you for a successful career. The course also broadens your global perspective by exploring diverse legal systems and international human rights mechanisms, equipping you to work confidently in multicultural and cross-border environments.
Based in London, a global legal hub, you will benefit from proximity to international institutions, NGOs, and professional networks that can enhance your career prospects. Graduates leave with a respected LLM degree recognised worldwide, practical experience in international human rights cases, strong professional skills, valuable industry connections, and the confidence to lead in legal, policy, and advocacy roles around the globe.
3 great reasons to pick this course
About your course
You will master advanced legal research and core international law principles while specialising in cutting-edge human rights topics. The programme combines core and optional modules across the autumn and winter semesters, followed by a dissertation or work-based project in the summer. Depending on your start date, you will submit your final project in October or January of the following year. Choose from exciting options like European Human Rights Law, Business and Human Rights, International Criminal Law, or hands-on International Human Rights Litigation. Complementing your academic learning is a unique year-long legal work placement, offering invaluable hands-on experience. Cap it off with a major dissertation or work-integrated project that showcases your expertise and boosts your career readiness in the global human rights arena.
Modules
Here is a brief overview of the modules
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.
Students take either - it is compulsory to pick one of these options
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 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.
More information about this course
To find out more about this course, please download the International Law and Human Rights LLM course specification (PDF).
Register your interest
Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.
Teaching
You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.
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.
We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.
Feedback
You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.
Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.
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.
Entry Requirements
For this course, ideally, we are looking for these qualifications:
- A 2:2 honours Law degree or above or Graduate Diploma in Law/CPE
We welcome your application regardless of your background. If you have studied a subject with law minors, or if you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.
Eligibility
UK and international students are eligible to apply for this course.
Academic credit for previous study or experience
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University programme of study. For further information please visit our prior learning accreditation page.
Interviews
We don't require interviews for this course.
We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:
- Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
- Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
- Work placements and networking with top London employers
- Award-winning career support to get you where you want to go after university.
Qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the accepted qualifications on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest international office.
English language
You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre-sessional English course.
Visas
To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa. Please check to see if this applies to you.
Apply as early as possible to make sure you get a place. You can submit your application before you receive your final qualification.
Personal statements
Make sure that you highlight your best qualities in your personal statement that are relevant to this course. Such as your ability to be forward-thinking, creative and collaborative.
Interviews
You won’t be required to attend an interview.
Find out more
Find out how to apply for postgraduate taught courses and watch our step-by-step video.
Admissions questions? Ask us a question now via the live chat icon on the screen.
/3x0:2878x3852/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/site-assets/component-library/page-designs/split-img-text-ph-4.0b56e8bf.jpg)
North London Campus
Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.
Learn moreFacilities and support
Our Sheppard Library has over 1000 study areas and 600 computer spaces
/159x0:1342x1000/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug-courses/business-and-law/007---Students-in-the-Sheppard-Library.jpg)
Make the most of our free laptop loans, e-books, printing and photocopying
Learn more/101x0:851x634/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug-courses/facilities/Sheppard-Library-Facilities-2014-40.jpg)
/1598x0:5102x4467/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug-courses/facilities/052---Students-in-the-Sheppard-Library.jpg)
/126x0:1074x801/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/study-section-images/facilities/MDX-Sheppard-Library-13.jpg)
We have one of London's biggest and best university campuses with everything you need in one place.
Our facilitiesFacilities and support
Facilities
Students will use up-to-date technologies for teaching and learning including software and labs.
The Sheppard Library
Our library is open from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday during the term and includes:
- Over 1,000 study areas with rooms for group study and over 600 computer spaces
- 350,000 books and e-books and more than 24,000 online journals
- Free laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing.
Student support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Financial support
You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.
Careers
How can the International Law and Human Rights LLM degree support your career?
Our LLM programme gives you the practical skills, deep legal knowledge, and international connections to thrive in today’s fast-changing global legal environment. Whether you are aiming for advocacy, policy, or corporate roles, this degree opens doors to impactful careers worldwide.
Career pathways include:
- International Human Rights Lawyer – Begin your journey to becoming a solicitor or barrister specialising in human rights or international criminal law
- NGO Legal Advisor – Support global advocacy, litigation, and policy reform for justice-focused NGOs
- International Organisation Specialist – Work with the UN, EU, or other international bodies on international law and human rights policy
- Government Policy Advisor – Shape national and international policies on international cooperation and justice
- CSR & Human Rights Compliance Officer – Ensure corporate respect for human rights through in-house legal leadership.
MDXworks
Our employability service, MDXworks will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.
In addition to our employability service, you will receive specialised guidance from the course leader and other academics. Our experienced academic team have indispensable advice on navigating and succeeding in recruitment processes for both national and international organisations. As a student, you will also have access to support services provided by the Clinical Legal Education program and will be encouraged to attend career-focused workshops, skills sessions, and events. Visit the Clinical Legal Education site.
Global network
Our London location helps us connect with over 1,000 industry partners to develop our students’ future employment prospects.
And we have unique work and study opportunities at our campuses in Dubai and Mauritius.
At Middlesex, you’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. After you graduate, we'll support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.
Work placements
Placements and internships can greatly improve your future job prospects after you graduate. They usually boost your confidence and academic results by giving you the opportunity to practice what have learned in a professional setting.
You will benefit from our experienced academics' considerable network of contacts and connections within their sectors, notably for internship opportunities within international and domestic organisations, such as the United Nations, our on-campus litigation centre, the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre, and a range of local companies providing professional legal services.
You can choose a postgraduate legal work experience module. Your academic tutor and specialist employability service will help you find placement opportunities.
Fees and funding
The fees below refer to the 2025/26 academic year unless otherwise stated.
UK students1
Full-time students: £11,300
Part-time students: £75 per credit
Part-time students per dissertation credit: £37
International students2
Full-time students: £18,000
Part-time students: £120 per credit
Part-time students: £60 per dissertation credit
Additional costs
We cover your costs for the day-to-day things that you need to do well in your studies.
- Free – laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing
- Free specialist software for your course
- Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.
Each year in May, we offer students the opportunity to join an optional, self-funded study trip to Strasbourg - home of the European Court of Human Rights. This unique experience connects classroom learning with real-world institutions at the heart of international human rights. While the trip is self-funded, the University provides guidance and logistical support to help students make the most of this enriching opportunity.
Financial support
We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.
Postgraduate scholarships
You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:
- The Alumni Postgraduate Award – as an undergraduate student continuing postgraduate studies at Middlesex, you can apply for 20% off your fees
- The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
- The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
- The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
- Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees
For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.
Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.
Help from your employer
Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.
Fees disclaimers
1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
Get answers from our Unibuddy student ambassadors
View our range of student ambassadors/138x0:1762x1100/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/pg---course-masthead-images/2024X2f25/business-and-law/Commercial-Law-Banner.jpg)
/162x0:1739x1068/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug-courses/LLB-Law-with-International-Relations.jpg)
/17x0:2183x1467/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug-courses/business-and-law/criminology/MDX_Law_2022-202-(1).jpeg)
/138x0:1762x1100/prod01/channel_3/media/Professional-Practice_Herobanner.jpg)
Unistats information
Please select 'see course data' on the following course option to view the full Unistats data for BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science.
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.
Why not explore
/0x0:1050x1407/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug-courses/facilities/north-london-campus-banner.jpg)
North London campus
Our north London campus is just 20 minutes from central London, giving you easy access to everything this vibrant city has to offer. Make the most of incredible professional opportunities, cultural experiences, and more affordable living, all within a supportive and close-knit campus community.
Learn more