International Human Rights LLM

Overview

This Law LLM will set you on track for a successful career in law and help you develop valuable skills employers look for, including ‘Advanced Legal Skills’ and ‘International Perspectives in Law’. The course mixes taught elements with independent research, and you can negotiate the topic of your dissertation project to fit both your personal interests and the supervisory expertise of Sunderland's tutors.

Why us?

• Taught by supportive and passionate staff with years of experience in practice

Course structure

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include weekly three-hour workshops. These are interactive and require a high level of preparation. The research project and dissertation are supervised by your tutor.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters course requires a higher level of independent working. Your progress will be assessed by written coursework, usually a 5,000 word essay for each taught module.

Course modules

• Advanced Legal Skills (30 credits)
• International Human Rights (30 credits)
• Applied Legal Methods (30 credits)
• International Perspectives in Law (30 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Facilities

You’ll be based at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s, on the banks of the River Wear. The campus is within minutes walking distance from the coast. Here you’ll have access to excellent library resources and comprehensive facilities.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

Qualification	Minimum grade
a bachelor's degree (3 years)	2:2 classification

If you already hold a postgraduate qualification, please see our Applying for additional postgraduate degrees Help and Advice article.

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team for further advice.

We usually require you to hold at least a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant area.

We also welcome applications from students who have experience in a range of disciplines and professional backgrounds. To discuss your application, please get in touch and the Programme Leader will be able to advise.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

Fees are:

• £8,500 if you're from the UK/Europe
• £17,000 if you're an international student

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

This LLM course equips you with advanced skills and knowledge in a specialised area of law. As a result, you will have an important edge when applying for roles in the Crown Prosecution Service, human rights organisations, international campaigning groups and other areas related to the legal profession.

Salaries of law graduates are among the highest of all graduates.

You’ll also be better equipped for applying for training contracts or pupillages if this is appropriate to your career stage.

Meet the students

"The intimate and tight nature of the law at Sunderland catered for fantastic first impressions."

James Ibinson

Meet the team — LLM International Human Rights

Zach Leggett

Senior Lecturer in Law

View Zach Leggett profile

View all staff for LLM International Human Rights

Related courses

• LLM Commercial Law and International Trade
• LLM Criminal Law and Procedure
• LLM International Law

LLM International Human Rights: A Detailed Information Extraction

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

This Master of Laws (LLM) program offers in-depth knowledge and understanding of international human rights law. It focuses on developing advanced legal skills and expertise in this specialized area, providing graduates with a competitive edge for various legal professions dedicated to human rights advocacy and implementation.

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Objectives:

This LLM program aims to equip students with:

• A comprehensive understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and practical application of international human rights law.
• Advanced analytical and research skills for critically analyzing human rights issues.
• Expertise in applying relevant legal frameworks to real-world situations.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills to effectively promote and protect human rights.
• Preparation for further professional development, including careers in the legal field, human rights organizations, NGOs, or pursuing postgraduate research.
## Program Outline:

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Structure:

This LLM program combines interactive workshops, independent learning, research activities, and individual dissertation writing.

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Modules:

• Advanced Legal Skills (30 credits): This core module develops essential research, writing, critical analysis, and problem-solving skills for legal professionals.
• International Human Rights (30 credits): This core module covers the fundamental principles of international human rights law, exploring key concepts, treaties, case studies, and contemporary developments.
• Applied Legal Methods (30 credits): This core module focuses on practical skills for research, legal writing, and problem-solving in the context of human rights law.
• International Perspectives in Law (30 credits): This elective module allows students to delve deeper into specific areas of international law beyond human rights, such as international criminal law, environmental law, or refugee law.
• Dissertation (60 credits): This final project allows students to conduct independent research on a chosen topic within the field of international human rights.

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Teaching:

The program is delivered in weekly three-hour workshop sessions and supported by independent research and individual dissertation supervision.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module:

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Advanced Legal Skills

Assessed through a written portfolio of legal writing exercises and problem-solving tasks.

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International Human Rights and International Perspectives in Law:

Assessed through written essays that demonstrate understanding and critical analysis of relevant legal principles and case studies.

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Applied Legal Methods

Assessed through a combination of written assignments and practical exercises applying research and legal methods to specific human rights issues.

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Dissertation

Assessed through written dissertation research and a viva voce (oral) examination defense.

Teaching:

This LLM program features:

• A dedicated and passionate teaching staff with experience in human rights law and practice.
• Interactive workshop sessions encouraging critical thinking, active participation, and collaborative learning.
• Individual support through dissertation supervision.
• Access to extensive library resources, online materials, and legal databases.
## Careers: This LLM degree prepares graduates for various career pathways in:
• Human rights NGOs and organizations.
• International organizations and intergovernmental bodies focused on human rights promotion and protection.
• Law firms specializing in human rights litigation.
• Government agencies working on human rights policy.
• Further postgraduate research studies or doctoral programs related to international human rights law.
## Other:
• This LLM degree offers strong international perspectives through its curriculum, attracting diverse student bodies and fostering intercultural understanding in a global context.
• The LLM program is housed on the university's Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's, providing a modern learning environment with easy access to surrounding amenities and coastal areas.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Fees are: £7,500 if you are from the UK/Europe £16,500 if you are an international student

• European Union (EU), EEA (European Economic Area), and Swiss nationals who do not qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme are classed as international, however, for 24/25 admission you will receive a European student fee scholarship and will pay the home tuition fee rate for the duration of your studies.
The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.

University of Sunderland

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Overview:

The University of Sunderland is a public university located in Sunderland, England. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university has a strong focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.

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Services Offered:

The University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Access to libraries, learning resources, and academic advisors.

Student Support:

Counseling, mental health services, and disability support.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Career Services:

Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student Life:

A vibrant student union, clubs, societies, and social events.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university boasts a diverse and inclusive campus community where students can connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Students can participate in extracurricular activities, engage in personal and professional development opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant social scene.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Quality Facilities:

The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, and dedicated learning spaces.

Inclusive Culture:

The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Vibrant City:

Sunderland is a dynamic city with a rich history and a low cost of living.

Strong Industry Links:

The university has strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Arts and Design:

Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.

Sciences:

Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Biology.

Business and Law:

Business Management, Finance, Law, and Tourism.

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Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

Education and Social Sciences:

Education, Psychology, and Social Work.

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Other:

The university has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, offering students a global learning experience. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion.