Introduction
Many believe international human rights law is one of our greatest moral achievements. However, huge gaps remain between the theory and the practice of human rights implementation.
Sussex Law School provides an international, stimulating and engaging learning environment. You'll study the interconnections between international human rights law and regional and national systems of human rights protection. Studying legal texts such as treaties, declarations and case law, you’ll examine the legal context behind contemporary issues and challenges.
You'll build a rich base of knowledge in human rights. Many of our staff undertake interdisciplinary human rights research, which reflects in our teaching and is a research strength at Sussex. You’ll engage with this growing team of established human rights researchers and get involved with the Sussex Centre for Human Rights Research.
We’ll also prepare you for your future career, and you can take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Human Rights Law Clinic.
Entry Requirements
UK requirements
Degree Requirements: You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above.
Subject-specific requirements: Your qualification should be in law. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
International requirements
Your qualification should normally be in law or a relevant subject such as international relations, political science, criminology, criminal justice or sociology. You may still be considered if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Admissions information for applicants
How to apply: You apply to Sussex using our postgraduate application system.
Personal Statement: Yes. You must submit a personal statement as part of your application.
Application deadlines
1 August 2021 (international)
1 September 2021 (UK)
Course Details
Full-time and part-time study
Choose to study this course full time or part-time, to fit around your work and personal life. Modules for the full-time course are listed below.
For details about the part-time course, contact us at lps@sussex.ac.uk\
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
LLM Dissertation
Advanced Legal Research and Writing
Critiquing International Law
International Human Rights Law
Principles of International Law
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests.
Anthropology of Law
Civil and Political Rights: Contemporary Challenges
Human Rights Law Clinic
Indigenous and Minority Rights
International Business and Human Rights
International Crimes
International Environmental Law
Law of Armed Conflict
Law, Religion, and Human Rights
LGBTQI Rights: International and Comparative Perspectives
Migration, Rights and Governance
Socioeconomic rights: economic violence, social justice and human rights law
Women and Human Rights
Human Rights Law Clinic
You’ll have the opportunity to apply for the Human Rights Law Clinic option. Selection is based on an application process and the successful completion of the International Human Rights Law core module.
The Clinic gives you the chance to build on law and theory through the preparation of pro bono legal opinions for real clients including international organisations and non-governmental organisations. You’ll gain practical insights, work on research, and formulate advice and recommendations on contemporary human rights challenges.
How much does it cost?
Fees
UK/EU students: £9,250 per year
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £9,250 per year
International students: £18,500 per year
Additional costs
Please note, all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Costs are paid at the start of your course unless specified otherwise. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation.
International Human Rights Law texts
We recommend you buy certain optional texts for around £30 to £35. These texts are available from the University bookshop, online and from other outlets.
Optional field trip
This course offers an optional field trip to The Hague once a year. If you wish to attend, it will cost around £100 to £180.
Recommended texts
The optional but recommended texts for this course cost between £20 and £50.
How can I fund my course?
Postgraduate Masters loans
You can borrow up to £11,222 to help with fees and living costs if your course starts on or after 1 August 2021. Loans are available from the Student Loans Company if you’re from the UK or if you’re an EU national studying for a Masters.
Scholarships
Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals.
Careers
This LLM is ideal if you wish to achieve a law-oriented postgraduate qualification in human rights and want to go on to a career in law or human rights advocacy.
The international and comparative nature of this course means that you will be well placed to seek employment in the UK and overseas in organisations such as:
International law firms
Governments
International organisations
NGOs.
Graduate destinations
Recent Sussex Law School graduates have gone on to jobs including:
Legal consultant, Global Rights Compliance LLP
Refugee researcher, Amnesty International UK
Administrative law division intern, United Nations (New York).
(Sussex Law School careers database)
