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International Development Law and Human Rights (LLM) (2021 Entry)

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  • Course Code
  • Full-time: P-M1M2
  • Part-time: P-M1M2P
  • Course Type
  • Postgraduate Taught
  • Qualification
  • LLM
  • Duration
  • Full-time: 1 years
  • Part-time: 2 years
  • Department of Study
  • Law
  • Location of Study
  • 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. Warwick Law School, ranked 25th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2021, 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.


Core Modules

  • Theory and Practice of International Development Law and Human Rights
  • Legal Research & Writing Skills

Optional Modules

Previously, a selection of the following options have been offered:

  • Approaches to Global Justice
  • International Humanitarian Law
  • Gender, Law and the Global Economy
  • International Criminal Law
  • Climate Change and Development
  • Civil Society and Activism

You will take a selection of modules totalling 120 CATS followed by a 10,000 word dissertation worth 60 CATS. All our 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. If you choose to study part-time, this will be split over two years of study.

Teaching

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.

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.

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.

Assessment

Your course will be assessed by essay rather than examination. The core module will be assessed by your dissertation proposal (10%) and your completed dissertation (90%).

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.

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

Minimum requirements 2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject

English Language requirements 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 Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.


For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.

Scholarships

Please see the Warwick Law School website for details on funding available.

Additional Course Costs

There are no other integral aspects of the course where additional costs are incurred. We may offer extracurricular events (trips) but these are not an integral part of the programme.


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 professionally qualified Senior 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.

There are a number of different ways to visit the University of Warwick throughout the year. We host bespoke PG visits, where you can talk directly with your chosen department and explore our campus through a personalised tour. Some departments also host their own events and open days, where you can learn more about your department or course of study. To find out more about all of these opportunities, visit our Postgraduate Visits page.