LLM in Human Rights Law
LLM or PGDip
Key facts
Start dates
September 2020 / September 2021
Location
Course length
Full time: LLM: 12 months, PGDip: 9 months
Part time: LLM: 24 months, PGDip: 18 months
Department
Overview
Our LLM in Human Rights Law gives you a critical understanding of the historical and theoretical underpinnings of international human rights and international and regional human rights systems.
You will gain advanced knowledge in the areas of:
- international criminal law
- the laws of armed conflict
- humanitarian intervention and post-conflict reconstruction
- international development and globalisation
- refugee and migrant law
- the promotion and application of human rights as part of legal reform in the developing world.
Our teaching staff are active in original and internationally-recognised research. They encourage you to get involved in their respective areas of expertise by teaching specialist modules and by supervising dissertations in their specialist subjects.
The course is ideal if you intend to pursue a career in:
- international governmental and non-governmental organisations
- government
- academia.
Our recent course graduates have gained positions in international organisations such as UNICEF.
How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
Students will normally be required to have (or to be expecting) a good honours degree, or an equivalent degree awarded by a university outside the United Kingdom. The degree may be in Law or in a related discipline. We welcome applications from both non-Law graduates and work experience-based candidates.
If you are new to the academic study of law you will be advised to read a number of recommended texts by way of induction before the course begins. You are also encouraged to attend the induction sessions provided in the week prior to the beginning of the course.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
An IELTS minimum score of 6.5 (with 6.0 in reading and writing) is required.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
Financial support and scholarships
There are International Student Scholarships available for 2020 and other scholarships and funding options for postgraduate international students.
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
Learning and assessment
In Semester 1 you will take three compulsory modules and one elective modules.
In Semester 2 you will take one compulsory module and two elective modules.
You will complete your studies by completing your LLM dissertation. This is an extended and supervised piece on work on a particular aspect of international law, chosen in consultation with your course tutors. It is an opportunity for you to:
- gain knowledge through systematic academic enquiry
- demonstrate your ability to explore and present legal arguments.
The style of research may range from empirical investigation to textual analysis. You will develop transferable skills in research and information and project management.
Study modules
The modules listed below are for the master's award. For the PGDip award your module choices may be different. Please contact us for more details.
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
You'll experience high-quality learning through the diversity of methods used throughout the LLM courses. These include:
- lectures
- seminar discussions
- individual and small group tutorials
- case studies
- group presentations
- individual presentations
- moots.
You will acquire and practise legal reasoning as well as research and IT skills. Particular emphasis is placed on skills training.
Research
Our LLM course team consists of researchers working within the following research groups:
- international law
- critical approaches to law
- fundamental rights and equality.
You can attend the programme of research seminars and other events that underpin the research culture of the School of Law. You will have the opportunity to become involved in research through specialist modules in which teaching staff have expertise. They also supervise your dissertations in their specialist subjects.
After you graduate
Career prospects
Graduates from the LLM succeed across an impressive range of careers from policy makers and human rights activists through to high flying diplomats and commercial lawyers. LLM staff can advise you and direct you to possible careers and employers depending on your particular needs and ambitions.
"The LLM offered by Oxford Brookes has already helped me very much. It has given me that international profile that is required by all the bodies and agencies of the United Nations. Without this course I would not have had the opportunity to undertake an internship with the UN and finally understand what path I want to follow in my professional career."
Stefano Consiglio, LLM International Human Right Law graduate
Student profiles
Our Staff
Professor Lucy Vickers
I welcome applications for doctoral supervision in the area of Equality Law, particularly relating to religion and age equality.
Read more about LucyProgramme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.
For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.