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International Development Law and Human Rights (LLM) (2022 Entry)

About this taught graduate course

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:i 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 requirements. This course requires the following:

  • Band B
  • IELTS overall score of 7.0, 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 page.


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


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

To read more about the modules for this course, please visit the Law School website.

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 leading research, often providing expert advice to outside bodies.

How the course 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 around 11 hours of contact time per week on the full-time course 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 proposal (10%) and your completed dissertation (90%). 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.


Reading lists

Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web page.


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 to name but a few. 

It enables students to differentiate themselves for opportunities where a postgraduate qualification is a requirement or desirable. We have recently had graduates go on to successful careers in:

  • Human Rights, public interest and social justice-related legal practice
  • International organisations, NGOs and policy think-tanks
  • National regulatory bodies, local government, judiciary and civil service
  • Academia
  • Media and Advocacy groups

The School of Law has a dedicated careers consultant (part of the Student Opportunity careers team) to help with 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 Law Fair, Business and Finance Fair, Management Consultancy, HR and Management, Working in the Public Sector
  • Career Pathways to International Development (presentations and networking)
  • Don’t want to be a lawyer? (Alumni presentations and networking)
  • Becoming a Solicitor
  • The Journey to the Bar
  • Workshops on all aspects of the recruitment and selection process including applications, CVs, covering letters, interviews and assessment centres

School of Law

Established in 1968, now with over 1,000 students and 70 full-time staff, we have evolved into one of the leading Law Schools in the UK. Our teaching standards and research quality consistently receive high ratings, and we maintain a strong research culture with all staff actively researching in their preferred areas.

Get to know us better by exploring our departmental website.


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.

Taught course fees  Research course fees


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.

Taught course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.

Research course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

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Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

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Postgraduate Open Day

Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.
Please register your interest to be the first to hear when booking opens.

Postgraduate fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.

Find out more

Live chats

Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.

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Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

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