LLM International Law (Conflict, Security and Human Rights) course

Qualification	Full time
LLM	1 year

About the course

The University of Hull’s Master of Laws in International Law (Conflict, Security and Human Rights) (LLM) degree programme presents a total study of International Law as an academic and vocational discipline.

This LLM allows you not only to understand the public (political), private (economic) and moral (human rights) interactions of international law in a theoretical and practical sense, but also to specialise in the legal study of conflict, security and human rights.

This LLM is designed for students with a background in law, politics, international relations, social sciences, history and human geography. However, applicants are welcomed from all academic disciplines and career paths, including professional and aspiring lawyers, public officials, human rights activists, diplomats, journalists and others who are interested in understanding public international law and its role in responding to conflict, security and human rights challenges.

What you'll study

This LLM specifically provides the opportunity for in-depth study of the international legal response to some of the most serious perils facing humankind today. The core focus is on problems of increasing warfare and armed conflict and their implications for human rights. Since these problems, in turn, are often fuelled by ‘natural’ problems, the focus is expanded to include these where appropriate.

This LLM examines the legal response to, amongst other topics, the global refugee crisis, the spread of terrorism, the proliferation of mass violence and internal armed conflict, piracy, and human trafficking, as well as natural disasters, health pandemics and economic crises. Even in societies relatively free from conflict, a preoccupation with security and the politics of fear are leading to an erosion of human rights protection and indeed to challenges to the very idea of human rights. Accordingly, this LLM explores legal responses to the challenge of preserving human rights in a world increasingly dominated by security concerns.

Taught by experts at the forefront of international law scholarship, this LLM provides students with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the legal regimes that have been developed to protect human rights (including Islamic and African Human Rights protection). Topics include international humanitarian law; the law regulating armed conflict both between and within sovereign states and involving state and non-state actors; legal regimes developed to create maritime security; international criminal justice and the role of law in uncovering truth and promoting reconciliation in the aftermath of violent conflict.

Core modules

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

Public International Law

Explore the law governing the relations between States and other entities having international legal personality. Develop your knowledge and ability to critically evaluate the development of the international legal system, how international law is made and what it regulates, and how violations of the law are addressed.
United Nations Human Rights Systems
Force, Security and International Law
International Criminal Justice

Develop an insight into the responsibility of individuals for serious violations of international law. You'll cover the theory and background to the prosecution of international crimes, modes of liability, the main types of international crimes, international criminal courts and tribunals, and an introduction to the concept of restorative justice.
Dissertation (Culture, Criminology, Creativity, and Community)

You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up a project on a topic of your choice, supported by your dissertation supervisor. The topic must relate to the broad theme of incarceration and demonstrate the MA’s four key ideas - Culture, Criminology, Creativity, and Community. The dissertation will be 15,000 words.

Optional modules

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

Regional Human Rights Systems

This module examines and compares the application, analysis and understanding of the European Human Rights Convention; the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (1981); Islamic human rights law and the Arab Charter on Human Rights (2004).
Armed Conflict and International Law
International Protection of Refugees

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Postgraduate events

Where you'll study

The location below may not be the exact location of all modules on your timetable. The buildings you'll be taught in can vary each year and depend on the modules you study.

Hull Campus

Click to view directions on Google Maps

Fees and funding

Home £9,400

UK students can take out a Masters Loan to help with tuition fees and living costs. For 2023 entry, they provide up to £12,167 for full-time and part-time taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Find out more about Postgraduate Loans.

International £10,000

Please see the terms and conditions for International fees 2022/23.

Graduate PGT Scholarship

The University of Hull is pleased to offer graduates progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate taught study a £1,000 scholarship towards the cost of their tuition fees.

Find out if you’re eligible by visiting the University of Hull Graduate PGT Scholarship page.

International Scholarships and Bursaries

For a list of all scholarships and bursaries for international students, please visit the International Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Scholarships and Bursaries

The University offers a range of scholarships to help you with your studies.

For more information, please visit the Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Entry requirements

You should have an undergraduate Honours degree with an overall grade of 2:2 or international equivalent.

In order to ensure our students have a rich learning and student experience, most of our programmes have a mix of domestic and international students. We reserve the right to close applications early to either group, if application volumes suggest that this blend cannot be achieved. In addition, existing undergraduate students at the University of Hull have a guaranteed ‘Fast Track’ route to any postgraduate programme, subject to meeting the entry criteria.

In order to ensure our students have a rich learning and student experience, most of our programmes have a mix of domestic and international students. We reserve the right to close applications early to either group, if application volumes suggest that this blend cannot be achieved. In addition, existing undergraduate students at the University of Hull have a guaranteed ‘Fast Track’ route to any postgraduate programme, subject to meeting the entry criteria (excluding Social Work).

International students

Language requirements

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you must provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other accepted English language proficiency qualifications.

If your English currently does not reach the required standard, you may be interested in our pre-sessional English Language programmes.

Visit your country page to find out more about entry requirements.

Future prospects

An LLM in International Law (Conflict, Security and Human Rights) will prepare you for a career as a professional lawyer, public official, human right activists, diplomat, or journalist.

Careers support is available from the Student and Graduate Centre for Professional Success.