Human Rights LLM
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: One year full time, two years part time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
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100% of NTU's research submitted to the Law Unit of Assessment was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of research impact (REF 2021).
Nottingham Law School has significant academic expertise in the areas of human rights. The course parallels the historical and contemporary significance of these aspects of law, in particular their growth as topics of both domestic and international importance over recent decades.
Why choose this course?
- Study the key international principles in human rights law that may influence the development of policy.
- Explore expressive rights such as the freedom of religion, politics and art.
- Benefit from strong links to our Centre for Rights and Justice
- Study full-time or part-time.
- Attend an International Summer School and explore Law from a European perspective.
- Scholarships available.
- Individual modules can be studied for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) awards. Contact us for details.
- NTU is 3rd for number of PGT students studying Law (Latest HESA data 2021/22)
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 study six taught modules followed by a 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
The Refugee in International Law
This module will examine the position of the refugee in international law and how refugees are protected. The module will develop knowledge of public international law, international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The module will focus on a critical study of the development of refugee law in international law and state practice – with a particular focus on state practice which limits obligations to refugees and restricts solutions.
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
- You can select up to five modules from any subject area. We do advise you to select modules from the above options if possible.
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 note modules run subject to sufficient student numbers.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
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 pre-set questions, each with a maximum word count attributed to it; approximately 250 words, i.e. 1000 words in total. Your reflective report will be assessed by way of competence or non-competence.
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.
Access to Resources
Nottingham Law School is delighted to announce that it will continue to provide access to the Oxford University Press (OUP) online resource - Law Trove.
Law Trove provides online access to a range of online resources, including over 200 textbooks published by OUP, and covers core and optional subject areas. Students on all courses will be provided with unlimited access to the resources within Law Trove in order to further enhance your experience during your time with us.
Careers and employability
Your future career
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.
Continuing professional development (CPD)
Practitioners can study individual modules from the LLM programme for CPD awards.
Nottingham Law School offers a suite of practice-based practitioner programmes specifically designed to meet the personal development needs of legal practitioners. We offer courses that qualify for CPD with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, in-house training and bespoke programmes. These courses are highly flexible and can be delivered throughout the year both nationally and internationally.
While this course does not currently offer placements we do encourage our students to pursue placement opportunities.
Find out about the opportunities available through our pro bono and University volunteering schemes.
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.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- 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.
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.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact our Admissions Team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
Foundation courses
If you need to do a foundation course to meet our course requirements please visit Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC). If you’re already studying in the UK at a school or college and would like to know if we can accept your qualification please visit our foundation courses page.
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Home fees for 2023 entry
| Study route | Home fees |
|---|---|
| One year (full-time) | £8,200 |
| Two years (part-time) | £4,100 |
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
International / EU fees for 2023 entry
| Study route | International / EU fees |
|---|---|
| One year (full-time) | £16,800 |
| Two years (part-time) | £8,400 |
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact our Admissions Team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Good luck with your application!
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page.
Postgraduate research
If you’re applying for postgraduate research please visit our Research pages for information about our research areas and how to make your application.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.