StudyQA — Master: International Human Rights Law

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This advanced course in human rights taught by international experts offers a unique and distinctive focus on the theories and practice of rights, producing a vibrant environment for exploring this significant area of law and policy.

This programme will give you advanced knowledge, greater understanding and critical insights into current systems of human rights legal protection and human rights debates.

You’ll explore different domestic, regional and international human rights legal systems to analyse how rights have been legalised, developed and enforced through the theory and practice of human rights.

You’ll investigate the law relating to the protection of life and human dignity, freedom from torture and other ill treatment, freedom of expression, and human rights with regard to media organisations, terrorism, health care, the family and disabled people.

Research and professional insight

You’ll benefit from the expertise of leading academics in a stimulating research environment. Our research groups include:

Centre for Business Law and Practice (CBLP)
Centre for Criminal Justice Studies (CCJS)
Centre for Law and Social Justice (CLSJ)
Centre for Innovation and Research Education (CIRLE)

Career opportunities

Students who have graduated from this degree often choose careers that centre on or involve understanding and applying human rights law and developing policies at organisational level. Further training is required but many also go on to practise as lawyers or legal advisors.

Our alumni include people working at the European Commission, United Nations, non-governmental organisations and in the government sector. Others have chosen to follow academic careers.

The compulsory modules studied will give you the opportunity to:

examine the concept of rights in political philosophy
explore global and local human rights concerns
investigate the impact of international human rights
analyse the relevance of international human rights to domestic law.

Compulsory modules will also enable you to hone your legal research and writing skills, which you’ll be able to demonstrate in your dissertation – an independent piece of research on your chosen topic.

You’ll also benefit from our Support in Academic and Personal Development programme. This runs alongside your taught academic programme in semester one and is specifically designed to complement the School’s induction activities and ongoing academic skills support for students, both home and International .

The wide-ranging list of optional modules means that you can explore a diverse range of related subjects of interest to you.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in law or a relevant social science or non-UK equivalent.

Language requirements

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) an overall band of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each component skill
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) of 92 with no less than 21 in listening, 21 in reading, 23 in speaking and 22 in writing
Pearson (Academic) of 64 overall with no less than 60 in any component
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE), or C1 Advanced, of 176 overall with no less than 169 in any component
Trinity College Integrated Skills in English of a Pass in ISE II or above (if taken in the UK)
GCSE English Language or Cambridge IGCSE English as a First or Second Language at grade C

Documents and information you will need include

Original or certified copies of your transcripts
Original or certified copies of your degree certificate
Original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language)
Details of two referees.

The University of Leeds offers various funding options for students enrolled in the International Human Rights Law program. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's residency status; UK students typically pay a different rate compared to international students, with international tuition fees generally higher. The university provides scholarships specifically for law students, including the Leeds Forensic Institute Scholarship and the School of Law scholarships, which can help mitigate the costs associated with postgraduate study. Additionally, students may be eligible for funding from external sources such as governmental loan schemes, especially for UK residents, which can cover tuition fees and provide living cost support. The university also encourages applicants to explore bursaries, grants, and sponsorship opportunities offered by external organizations dedicated to human rights and legal studies. For international students, there are specific scholarships like the International Excellence Scholarships that recognize academic achievement and offer financial support. The university advises prospective students to consult its official website or contact the admissions office for detailed information about current funding options, application procedures, and deadlines. It is also recommended to explore part-time work opportunities available on campus, which can help students supplement their income during their studies. Loans, grants, and scholarships are intended to make postgraduate study more accessible and reduce financial barriers for students passionate about human rights law. The university's financial aid office provides tailored advice and guidance to help students identify the most suitable funding streams based on their individual circumstances. Overall, the University of Leeds has a comprehensive range of financing options designed to support students through their academic journey in International Human Rights Law, making it feasible for a diverse group of applicants to pursue advanced legal education in this critical field.

Learning and teaching

This programme is taught through a range of weekly lectures and seminars held on a two-weekly basis. You’re strongly advised to attend the weekly lectures on international human rights and international law, particularly if you’ve not previously studied international law.

Independent study is integral to this programme – not just to prepare for classes but to develop research and other critical skills. You’ll be expected to carry out advanced levels of legal research and participate fully in seminars.