Human Rights LLM
About this course
Our LLM Human Rights course offers an in-depth review of the historical and contemporary significance of the human rights aspects of law, in particular their growth as topics of both domestic and international importance over recent decades.
Study the key international principles in human rights law that can influence the development of policy and explore expressive rights such as the freedom of religion, politics and art.
With strong academic expertise and links to the Centre for Rights and Justice, this programme equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to influence policy and advocate for human rights.
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Experience practical teaching like no other; NLS is the only UK Law School with its own on-campus law firm - NLS Legal. -
Build key skills; NLS hosts Support Through Court's National Remote Services, offering exclusive work experience opportunities. -
Benefit from our reputation; celebrating our 60th anniversary, we're one of the UK's largest and most established law schools. -
Become more than qualified; work/work-like experience and practical skills are integrated directly into your course.
What you’ll study
The LLM Human Rights is based on the significant expertise of academic staff in Nottingham Law School, particularly from its Centre for Rights and Justice. The course will help you develop a strong analytical understanding of the key legal issues in the area, with a particular focus on European and international human rights and key aspects of international justice systems.
LLM Human Rights permits specialisation within the field, whether in the study of more traditional human rights systems or in the expression of the rights of particular groups. There exists a particular emphasis on the resolution of post-conflict human rights and criminal matters.
You will be taught six modules followed by a dissertation
Core module:
- Human Rights
Optional modules:
You can select up to five modules from any subject area, however, we do advise you to select modules from the below options if possible:
- Human Rights and Criminal Justice
- Public International and Humanitarian Law
- Terrorism and International Response
- Global Innovation and Intellectual Property
- Victimisation and Criminal Justice
- International Criminal Law
- Expression Rights: art, Politics and Religion
Optional modules are offered subject to sufficient uptake.
Dissertation
Core module:
Human Rights
This module aims to evaluate the international structures and mechanisms for the protection of human rights, and evaluate the procedural and substantive protection afforded to human rights by international institutions.
Optional modules:
You can select up to five modules from any subject area. We do advise you to select modules from the above options if possible.
Human Rights and Criminal Justice
To identify and explain the nature and significance of international human rights standards and their impact upon criminal justice.
Public International and Humanitarian Law
To develop knowledge and critical understanding of the international legal frameworks governing use of force, conduct of hostilities and protections of civilians in times of armed conflicts.
Terrorism and International Response
The module provides a unique opportunity to gain crucial awareness of such long-standing issues such as the distinction between ‘terrorists’ and ‘freedom fighters’. Key issues are introduced and developed within appropriate theoretical and critical legal frameworks which facilitate analysis both of violent incidents having an international dimension in general, and of non-state violent group atrocities specifically.
Global Innovation and Intellectual Property
This module critically develops the key issues underpinning innovation and the discipline of patent law, including their application in UK and internationally, often in a public health and sustainable development context.
Victimisation and Criminal Justice
To explore the normative and pragmatic role of victims at various stages throughout the criminal process; to evaluate the extent to which existing criminal justice structures can protect the rights and meet the needs of victims; to investigate the viability of restorative processes as an alternative means of protecting victims’ rights; to examine the case for ‘mainstreaming’ restorative justice as an alternative to conventional justice; to consider future directions on law and policy reform in the light of international standard-setting and harmonisation.
International Criminal Law
The module provides a critical insight into the development and application of international criminal law, via a focus on the four "core" international crimes (genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression), the evolution of relevant institutions (from the Nuremberg trials to the permanent International Criminal Court), and contemporary issues in applying the law. Students exit the module with a good working knowledge and critical insight into this area of law and its application.
Expression Rights: Art, Politics and Religion
This module explores issues in relation to freedom of expression and other expressive rights, for example, the right to manifest religion or belief, the right to vote and the right to peaceful assembly
Dissertation
The dissertation is an extended piece of academic work, independently researched and written. You will be supported in your work by one-to-one supervision from a tutor expert in the chosen field. Subject to academic suitability and the availability of an appropriately expert tutor, you may select your own area of study for the dissertation phase of the course.
Please be aware that all optional/elective modules are subject to availability, and NTU reserves the right to amend, change or withdraw modules at its discretion.
At NLS, embedding work experience and practical skills development into the curriculum is a priority focus as we know it helps produce well rounded graduates with increased employability skills. Here are just some of the ways you'll be able to get involved:
NLS Legal
Our on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Students from all years can work with NLS Legal and are involved in all aspects of the running of our law firm, from dealing with new enquiries and helping monitor risk and compliance, to conducting client interviews, undertaking relevant research, drafting letters of advice and even representing clients at tribunal.
Support Through Court
Through NLS Legal, you can gain legal work experience through our partner organisation, Support Through Court, a national charity that provides practical and emotional support to people going through court without representation (litigants in person).
NLS hosts Support Through Court Nottingham and Support Through Court's National Online services, providing NLS students with hundreds of on-campus work experience opportunities every year.
Additional opportunities
Find out more about your NLS experience, including the opportunities to engage in competitions and extra-curricular activities.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you're taught
How will I study?
The academic year for the LLM courses is split into three parts: two ten-week terms (Term One runs from the beginning of the academic year until the Christmas vacation, Term Two between Christmas and Easter) and the summer period.
Full-time students – who complete the course over one academic year – study three modules in each term and complete the dissertation over the summer.
Part-time students – who complete the course over two academic years – study three modules across Terms One and Two in each year (six in total), beginning work on researching their dissertation during the first summer period and completing it during the second.
On the full-time and part-time modes modules are taught throughout the week. Depending on your timetable you may be expected to attend on more than one day. Modules may exceptionally be rescheduled due to course needs.
Seminars are led by academics but will usually require you to carry out extensive guided preparatory work and will often involve short presentations or other contributions.
Assessment
In each case, modules are assessed through one piece of course work. This usually takes the form of a problem- or essay-style question, but will vary by module. You can submit and receive feedback on assessments over the course of each module.
Your dissertation will be assessed through a research based written assignment of 12,000 words. The topic that you choose for your dissertation should be relevant to the course specialism and the chosen title will be subject to approval by the Course Leader.
Additionally, you will complete a reflective report consisting of three pre-set questions, each with a maximum word count attributed to it; approximately 330 words, i.e. 1000 words in total.
Expert Teaching Staff
Our courses are taught by academics with significant subject expertise. The School’s vocational focus and strong links with the legal profession mean that many of our academic staff members have extensive practical experience. The courses also have a strong research base. Our academic staff actively research and publish, and many are recognised as being among the leading experts in their fields.
Research Expertise
We have a number of internationally recognised experts in a wide range of legal areas. We also have a Centre for Rights and Justice. To find out more visit our research page.
Careers and employability
Your career development
Career development is an integral part of the programme and our careers team run a series of workshops where you can identify methods and strategies to enable you to pursue your career goals.
Due to the School's excellent reputation within the legal profession, our graduates are highly sought-after and recognised for the depth and relevance of their knowledge.
Find out about the opportunities available through our pro bono and University volunteering schemes.
Continuing professional development (CPD)
Practitioners can study individual modules from the LLM programme for CPD awards.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.
Learning a new language can:
- enhance your communication skills
- enrich your experience when travelling abroad
- boost your career prospects.
Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From social media addiction to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
Qualification
Please note that this course is not vocational in nature, and that successful completion does not, of itself, lead to qualification as a solicitor or a barrister in England and Wales.
Campus and facilities
Chaucer
Nottingham Law School is based in the Chaucer building on the City Campus. It is a vibrant place to study with fantastic facilities and accommodation just a few minutes' walk from everything Nottingham has to offer. Not only will you study in outstanding lecture theatres and seminar rooms, but the Law School has also invested in:
- A mock courtroom
- A family courtroom
- Four mooting rooms to enhance your mooting and advocacy experience in an authentic environment
NLS Legal
Our on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Students from all years can work with NLS Legal and are involved in all aspects of the running of our law firm, from dealing with new enquiries and helping monitor risk and compliance, to conducting client interviews, undertaking relevant research, drafting letters of advice and even representing clients at tribunal.
Fantastic facilities
You'll also have access to a great combination of facilities on the City Campus, including:
- the 24-hour Boots Library, with learning resources specific to your course
- IT open areas in the Newton and Chaucer buildings
- Nottingham Trent Student Union, including sports facilities, a shop, cafes and music venues
- a range of student accommodation
We've recently invested a massive £90 million into our buildings and facilities, providing you with inspiring places to learn, relax with friends and share ideas.
Entry requirements
UK students
Academic entry requirements
- A good law degree, 2.2 or above.
- Applicants whose first degree is not Law will be required to provide evidence of commitment to the LLM subject that they wish to study.
Applicants from other disciplines will be welcomed in appropriate circumstances, particularly if they have experience in the area, even if not as lawyers.
Additional requirements for UK students
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements
We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international qualifications on our international entry requirements page.
English language requirements
See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
Foundation course
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Pre-Masters course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City campus.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Sign up for emails
Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.
Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
