Program Overview

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Overview

The LLM in Human Rights Law offers in-depth study of global human rights legal frameworks. You will explore international and regional institutions and mechanisms, as well as specialised areas like employment law, health law, and migration law, with a variety of optional units to choose from.

You will be challenged and inspired by academics from the globally renowned Human Rights Implementation Centre, which provides opportunities for knowledge and experience in human rights law and practice, including participation in the Human Rights Law Clinic.

Ideal for careers in human rights law, policy and research, this programme develops crucial analytical, communication, and research skills valued by top employers. Our programmes are well respected by leading law firms, with Bristol ranking in the top 10 in the UK for employer reputation, for law and legal studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).

Choosing a postgraduate law degree from the University of Bristol – ranked third in the UK for legal research excellence (analysis of REF 2021) – means engaging in a rigorous, research-rich curriculum that will make you stand out to employers. You will be challenged and inspired by our world-leading academics.

Key Information

Programme Duration

• One year full-time
• Two years part-time

Start Date

• September 2025

Application Deadline

• Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025
• Home applicants: 8 August 2025

Delivery Method

• On-Campus

Location

• Clifton

Awards Available

• LLM

Programme Structure

Our vibrant international community and diverse teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and bespoke skills workshops, enrich the LLM experience at the University of Bristol. A wide range of optional units reflect the expertise of our globally renowned academics, allowing you to further specialise your degree.

You will take four units and a compulsory dissertation. You have the option of taking three specialist Human Rights Law units and one unit from any of our other LLM programmes.

World-Leading Research

• Ranked 5th in the UK for research (Times Higher Education)
• 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent

Entry Requirements

• Typically an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in Law
• OR an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent non-law degree in a related field, such as Politics or International Relations
• Evidence of significant academic or professional experience (at least 12 months, paid) in fields including, but not limited to: international organisations, government departments, NGOs or think tanks
• A relevant postgraduate qualification

Fees and Funding

Home Students

• Full-time: £15,300 per year
• Part-time (two years): £7,650 per year

Overseas Students

• Full-time: £28,600 per year

Alumni Discount

• University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study

Funding and Scholarships

• Information about funding and scholarships can be found on the University of Bristol Law School funding webpages
• This includes information about the Law School's Think Big about Law and Justice Scholarships, open to international postgraduate students

Career Prospects

Graduating from a world-leading university opens doors to careers in international and European organisations such as the UN and European Commission, as well as roles in governments, think tanks, NGOs, and other agencies. Some graduates also pursue further study or research roles.

This LLM will help you to:

• Develop a solid understanding of human rights law
• Deepen knowledge of specific human rights issues
• Build transferable skills
• Boost prospects for work in related fields
• Deliver a solid first step towards a research career

How to Apply

• Apply via our online application system
• For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages

Application Deadline

• Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025
• Home applicants: 8 August 2025