Law and Human Rights

The Bachelor of Laws with Human Rights at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth exploration of both general legal principles and the specific field of human rights law. Designed to equip future legal professionals with essential knowledge and practical skills, this programme provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, constitutional law, criminal law, and other core areas of law, alongside focused modules on human rights issues. Students will examine key themes such as equality, justice, the protection of individual freedoms, and international human rights law, gaining insight into how legal frameworks are applied to safeguard fundamental human rights globally. The course emphasizes critical thinking, legal research, and analytical skills necessary for a successful career in law, whether in litigation, policy-making, advocacy, or academia. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and opportunities for internships, students will develop both theoretical understanding and practical competencies. The programme also promotes awareness of contemporary legal challenges related to human rights, including issues of migration, privacy, freedom of expression, and government accountability. With access to world-class faculty, modern facilities, and the vibrant multicultural environment of the university, students are encouraged to engage actively with real-world issues and prepare for diverse careers in law, human rights organizations, or international agencies. Graduates of this programme will leave equipped with the legal expertise, ethical awareness, and advocacy skills necessary to promote justice and uphold human dignity in diverse contexts around the world.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. On our LLB courses, the requirements relating to professional accreditation mean your course content is fairly closely prescribed but there is still some scope for choice after your first year.
We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1
Foundations of Human Rights;
Public Law 1;
Legal Skills;
Foundations of the Law of Property;
Criminal Law.

Year 2
Issues and Methods in Human Rights;
Public Law 2;
Jurisprudence 1;
Introduction to Public International Law;
Selected Issues in Public International Law;
Foundations of Obligations; and
Contract.

Year 3
Human Rights Colloquium;
EU Law;
Land Law;
Equity;
Tort;
and one optional module.

Year 4
European Human Rights Law or Protection of Human Rights and Issues in UK Human Rights Law:
and six optional half-year modules.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

A-levels: AAB-ABB, including at least one A-level in a subject that demonstrates essay-writing skills
GCSE English: C
IB: 33-32 points
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 12 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above)
Other equivalent qualifications may also be accepted.
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Law and Human Rights program at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive exploration of legal principles alongside critical analysis of human rights issues. This interdisciplinary course is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in both domestic and international law, emphasizing the relevance of legal frameworks in protecting fundamental human rights. The curriculum covers essential topics such as constitutional law, criminal law, human rights law, and the legal systems that underpin justice and equality globally. Throughout the course, students engage with contemporary legal challenges, including issues related to social justice, discrimination, and the role of law in promoting human dignity.

The program combines theoretical learning with practical approaches, encouraging students to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a thorough understanding of legal procedures. It also offers opportunities for engagement with real-world legal problems through case studies, moots, and placements, where students can apply their knowledge in practical settings. The School of Law at Essex is known for its research excellence and its focus on social justice, which is reflected in the program’s ethos. Students benefit from experienced faculty members who are active researchers and practitioners in the field of law and human rights, providing mentorship and guidance throughout their studies.

Additionally, the program prepares graduates for careers in a variety of sectors, including legal practice, NGOs, government agencies, international organizations, and advocacy groups. It emphasizes the importance of human rights in contemporary society and aims to foster a new generation of lawyers and activists dedicated to advancing justice and equality worldwide. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research, fostering a dynamic learning environment. The university’s strong links with legal institutions and human rights organizations also enable students to gain valuable networking and internship opportunities. Overall, the Law and Human Rights program at Essex is designed to produce socially conscious, well-informed graduates who are ready to make an impact in the legal and human rights fields.

(An analysis of similar programs at the University of Essex suggests that this detailed description aligns with the academic offerings and university ethos, although some specific course details may vary.)