Explore the specialised area of international law with human rights, a subject that is increasingly relevant in our rapidly changing world. Our postgraduate programme encompasses a wide range of important themes and will enhance your understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks of human rights, their historical origins, and the theoretical foundations underpinning human rights norms.
You will gain a solid understanding of the principles of international law, developing both practical and theoretical knowledge of its role, nature, and function, and how it differs from domestic legal systems and functions as a distinct legal framework.
There is a comprehensive exploration of international human rights law and its theoretical foundations. You’ll examine key concepts such as justice, the nature of rights, and the limits of rights protection, while also analysing specific legal protections in areas like gender, disability, asylum, environmental justice, and modern slavery. This provides you with a critical and practical understanding of how human rights are defined, defended, and challenged in today’s global context.
A supervised research dissertation on an agreed topic within the field or specialism of international human rights law will enhance your research and analytical skills, as well as subject knowledge.
Optional modules on the programme allow you to align your studies with specific areas of interest. You could explore the development and enforcement of international environmental and climate law, with a focus on climate justice and global regulation, or study international law in relation to security and warfare, focusing on humanitarian law such as the Geneva Conventions and its role in addressing the consequences of conflict, including the rules on refugees. You'll also examine contemporary political issues, analysing their root causes, responses, and the barriers to effective solutions.
2:2 degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification
A postgraduate qualification in international law opens up opportunities for a wide range of roles across the public, private and third sectors. International law provides the framework for cooperation in many fields of international relations, including: peace and security; trade and investment; environmental protection; telecommunications; air travel; and maritime navigation.
This can open up careers in consultancy in international affairs, legal practice, international development, foreign relations and advocacy working for government foreign ministries, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Employers may include international courts and tribunals, UN agencies, law reform agencies, and even the media, in areas of journalism and broadcasting.
Principles of International Law
Introduction to Human Rights Law and Theory
International Human Rights Law
Dissertation
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