LLM in International Human Rights Law University of Sussex

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.

The University of Sussex is located at Falmer on the outskirts of Brighton and is the only UK university surrounded by a national park. Brighton is one of the top-10 city beach destinations in the world (Lonely Planet), an hour away from Central London by train and 30 minutes from London Gatwick, one of the UK’s major international airports.

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)

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, please contact us.

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.

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 2023 (international)
• 1 September 2023 (UK)