International Development Law and Human Rights (LLM) (2024 Entry)
Explore our International Development Law and Human Rights taught Master's degree.
Our International Development Law and Human Rights LLM adopts an interdisciplinary approach to examine the relationship between development, human rights and global justice with a particular focus on the global South. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), Warwick Law School was ranked equal 10th out of 69 Law Departments in terms of its Research Environment, 8th in terms of the Quality of its Research, and equal 8th overall. We will challenge you to think critically and creatively about the theory and practice of law for social justice.
Course overview
This course enables you to consider the relationship between development, human rights and global justice. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach which critically examines the place of law within its wider political, social, economic and global contexts in its engagement with issues such as globalisation, economic regulation, climate justice, citizenship (and migration), gender justice and social activism.
As part of your learning, you will gain knowledge and experience in key areas of theoretical debates and substantive law, and develop skills of policy and legal analyses, reflexive public advocacy and cause lawyering. You will pursue independent research and be involved in group work and presentations. In all of this, you will be encouraged to think critically and creatively about issues of development, rights and justice.
Skills from this degree
- Critical reading and analysis of theoretical, empirical and legal texts
- Research skills and methods
- Preparation of diverse forms of written submissions
- Oral presentations and advocacy skills
- Group work
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in law or a related subject with a law component.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band B
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 or equivalent, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Core modules
Theory and Practice of International Development Law and Human Rights
This module provides an overview of the main contemporary issues in international development law and human rights. It provides an introduction to topics that all students are expected to have an understanding of and thus provides the background for all modules and the dissertation. Students who read and understand the module materials are more likely to achieve higher grades. Group work is an important part of the module as experience shows that participatory study is a successful pedagogical method.
Legal Research and Writing Skills
The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to develop critical reading, writing and research skills in preparation for undertaking independent research and writing up academic work. It brings together experts from the Law School, Library and Student Careers and Skills.
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
- Approaches to Global Justice
- International Humanitarian Law
- Gender, Law and the Global Economy
- International Criminal Law
- Climate Change and Development
- Civil Society and Activism
- Introduction to Islamic Law
Teaching
You will take a selection of modules totalling 120 CATS followed by a 10,000-word dissertation worth 60 CATS. All assessed modules are worth 20 CATS and run for one term. Modules will be taken during terms one and two, leaving you term three and the summer to complete your dissertation. You will also be required to attend a research and writing skills module for two terms. If you choose to study part-time, this will be split over two years of study.
You will be taught by academics who are recognised subject experts with UK and international experience. As well as teaching, most are involved in producing world leading research, often providing expert advice to outside bodies.
How the programme will be taught will depend on the modules you opt to take, but you can expect a mixture of lectures, seminars and group work.
Class sizes
This will depend on the popularity of the modules you select but class sizes can range from between 10 and 40 students per module.
Typical contact hours
You will typically have up to 12 hours of contact time per week on the full-time programme, depending on your LLM programme and modules selected, but will be expected to do additional research and reading outside of the classroom.
Assessment
All IDLHR modules will be assessed by essay rather than examination. The core module will be assessed by your dissertation. Assessment methods of optional modules may include essays, examinations, portfolios and presentations.
We regard feedback as a vital part of the assessment process. We seek to help you reach your full potential by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your work and the actions needed to develop your understanding. You will be given feedback after your assessments each term.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.
Your career in Law
Studying at postgraduate level can provide a platform to a wide range of career opportunities in the commercial and legal sectors, in management consultancy, international development, government and NGOs and in compliance and regulation.
It enables students to differentiate themselves for opportunities where a postgraduate qualification is a requirement or desirable. Graduates go on to work in:
- International commercial law firms and working in-house
- Financial services industry
- Government, NGOs and research institutes
- National and International Charities and development organisations
The School of Law has a dedicated careers consultant (part of the Student Opportunity careers team) to support your personal career journey during your time at Warwick. She offers impartial advice and guidance (one to one support) and delivers workshops and events tailored to the needs of Law students.
This is in addition to specialist speakers who may be invited to contribute to your LLM programme. Events are also organised by the wider Student Opportunity team. They include:
- Careers fairs and sector events including a Law Fair, Graduate Recruitment Fair, Management Consultancy events, HR and Management, Working in the Public Sector, and International Development
- Workshops on all aspects of the recruitment and selection process including applications, CVs, covering letters, interviews and assessment centres
School of Law
From the first intake of students back in 1968, Warwick Law School has developed a reputation for innovative, quality research and consistently highly rated teaching. Study with us is exciting, challenging and rewarding. Pioneers of the 'Law in Context' approach to legal education, and welcoming students and staff from around the world, we offer a friendly, international and enriching environment in which to study law in its many contexts.
Get to know us better by exploring our departmental website.Link opens in a new window
Our Postgraduate courses
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
How to apply
The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.
Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.
How to apply for a postgraduate taught course
After you’ve applied
Find out how we process your application.
Applicant Portal
Track your application and update your details.
Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
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Warwick Hosted EventsLink opens in a new window
Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.Postgraduate Fairs
Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.
Live chats
Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.
Warwick Talk and Tours
A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.