International Human Rights Law and Practice LLM

Entry requirements

2:2 or equivalent. Some academic study or practical experience of law is desirable, but not required.

Months of entry

September

Course content

In response to today’s polycrisis of armed conflicts, socio-economic inequality, climate change, populism and extremism, human rights practice is changing. As activists and scholars, we must focus on the standard-setting and implementation of human rights law at all levels. This includes international treaties, domestic law, states and non-state actors, grassroots movements and international institutions. In doing so, we acknowledge that effective human rights defence requires us to think politically and reflexively.

This distinctive LLM trains you to think about the law in its socio-political context. You'll develop a strong understanding of how to effectively promote human rights and protect human rights defenders. Whether you're a recent graduate or a mid-career professional, you'll gain substantive human rights knowledge, versatile socio-legal skills, and valuable networks.

On the LLM International Human Rights Law and Practice, you will:

• work on meaningful human rights projects in partnership with local and international non-governmental organisations, UN mechanisms or governmental bodies.

• reflect on positionality and context, undertaking fieldwork in Cape Town, York or online.

• benefit from the interdisciplinary expertise of our academic-practitioner staff. This includes the UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, whose work informs their teaching.

• learn from human rights defenders at risk, who find respite and train at the Centre for Applied Human Rights.

• Interact with human rights and humanitarian law researchers at the York Law School and the Centre for Applied Human Rights, whose research shapes local and international policy.

Information for international students

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

IELTS 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component

For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements.

Fees and funding

Please see the fees and funding pages.