Course summary

LLM International Human Rights Law offers a firm foundation for human rights specialisation and enables you to explore a wide range of subjects in this area. You’ll examine the latest developments and critically analyse arguments on all sides of Human Rights debates. You have two compulsory modules: International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law. Depending on which pathway you choose Humanitarian Law will only be available to those studying on the International Human Rights Law pathway. In the International Human Rights Law module you’ll gain a critical understanding of human rights law from a comparative and cross-cultural perspective. The module also includes examination of theoretical and philosophical discussions on human rights, international and regional systems of human rights protection and the effectiveness of the United Nations system, and a focus on civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights. Throughout the International Humanitarian Law module students gain in-depth understanding of some of the core concepts and elements of force used in international relations. The module includes critical discussions and evaluation of the history, basis and nature of international humanitarian law, as well as applicability of the law of armed conflict and classification of armed conflicts. You will be involved in discussions of those affected and involved in armed conflicts including the wounded, sick, shipwrecked, and prisoners of war; the distinction between combatants and civilians, permitted means of warfare, methods of warfare, the rules of belligerent occupation, and means of implementation of the International Humanitarian Law.