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LLM International Human Rights Law with Placement Year
Why choose Herts?
- Teaching Excellence: You'll be taught by experts, including practising solicitors and barristers who will train you to work on real-life scenarios at our £10m Law Building inclusive of a full-scale replica Crown Court Room.
- Work-Related Learning: Gain client-facing casework experience working in legal services within our award-winning pro-bono Law Clinic providing community-based legal services.
- Excellent Industry connections: Benefit from our links with employers, such as Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire County Council, and local courts. Students have access to Law Fairs, employer workshops, and networking events.
About the course
LLM International Human Rights Law offers a firm foundation for human rights specialisation and enables you to explore a wide range of subjects in this area. You’ll examine the latest developments and critically analyse arguments on all sides of Human Rights debates.
You have two compulsory modules: International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law. Depending on which pathway you choose Humanitarian Law will only be available to those studying on the International Human Rights Law pathway.
In the International Human Rights Law module you’ll gain a critical understanding of human rights law from a comparative and cross-cultural perspective. The module also includes examination of theoretical and philosophical discussions on human rights, international and regional systems of human rights protection and the effectiveness of the United Nations system, and a focus on civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights.
Throughout the International Humanitarian Law module students gain in-depth understanding of some of the core concepts and elements of force used in international relations. The module includes critical discussions and evaluation of the history, basis and nature of international humanitarian law, as well as applicability of the law of armed conflict and classification of armed conflicts. You will be involved in discussions of those affected and involved in armed conflicts including the wounded, sick, shipwrecked, and prisoners of war; the distinction between combatants and civilians, permitted means of warfare, methods of warfare, the rules of belligerent occupation, and means of implementation of the International Humanitarian Law.
Why choose this course?
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If you’re interested in specialising in Human Rights Law, this is the perfect course for you. Teaching is up-to-date and highly relevant to twenty-first-century global human rights issues
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You’ll be taught by experts at the forefront of their specialist disciplines, underpinned by the latest research and practice.
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The course is very practical, a firm foundation for your human rights law career.
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You’ll benefit from combined teaching methods and excellent seminars to support your learning throughout the programme.
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4th for law in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, Advance HE, 2023).
What will I study?
You will focus on two compulsory modules:
International Humanitarian Law
International Human Rights Law
You have two choices from a range of optional modules, enabling you to tailor your course according to your particular ambitions and aspirations.
A range of innovative theoretical and practical teaching methods are used on this course, ranging from class seminars to large group discussions, small group work to collaborative projects, role plays to debates, supported by cutting-edge research and practice.
These innovative teaching methods will enable you to develop your intellectual, transferable, interpersonal and practical skills, and enhance your abilities in the areas of negotiation, presentation and debating. Your assignments will have an authentic ‘real-life’ focus and will provide you with the perfect opportunity to apply your learning and demonstrate what you know!
Modules are assessed by way of coursework (no examinations), so independent study is essential to consolidate and broaden your learning and to demonstrate your ability to formulate arguments and seek solutions to contemporary global human rights challenges.
You’ll study two modules during Semester A and two modules in Semester B. Each module will be taught through a two-hour Seminar each week together with a rich blend of online activities. You’ll also join a Research Methods and Skills seminar every fortnight in your first semester of study to help you develop your academic writing and research skills required for module coursework and Dissertation.
In Semester B and C you’ll study for your Dissertation with the help of an expert supervisor.
What skills will students leave with?
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Research skills using a range of sources, including verbal questioning
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Evaluation skills and the ability to interpret and explain complex information clearly
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Analytical skills
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Reasoning and critical judgement skills
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Ability to formulate sound arguments
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Lateral thinking and problem-solving skills
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Ability to write concisely
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Confident and persuasive oral communication skills
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Attention to detail and the ability to draft formal documents with precision.
These skills are in demand by employers. This course enables students to demonstrate professional capability in a number of sectors and roles through the competency and strength-based evidence required throughout the interview process.
Further course information
| Course fact sheets | |
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| LLM International Human Rights Law (Sandwich) with Sandwich Placement (Part 2) | Download |
| Programme specifications | |
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| LLM in International Human Rights Law - Extended | Download |
| Additional information | |
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Sandwich placement or study abroad year |
Mandatory |
Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |