Explore our International Development Law and Human Rights taught Master's degree.

P-M1M2

LLM

1 year full-time;
2 years part-time

2 October 2023

School of Law

University of Warwick

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.

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

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.

This will depend on the popularity of the modules you select but class sizes can range from between 10 and 40 students per module.

You will typically have between 6-12 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.

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.

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 pageLink opens in a new window.

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.

2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in law or a related subject with a law component.

• 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.

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

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

• 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.

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