International Law and Human Rights - LLM
Explore contemporary issues in international human rights law with our International Law with Human Rights LLM. From global politics and armed conflict to environmental challenges, disability rights, and gender-based protections, international human rights law is at the forefront of global debates. There's growing demand from Governments, international institutions, NGOs, businesses, and law firms for professionals who have a comprehensive understanding of the rights-based legal frameworks that apply to everyday life.
Month of entry
- September
Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
Fees for 2026/27 academic year
- UK - Full time £10,400 per year. Part time £5,700 per year.
International - £18,200 per year.
Duration of study
- Full time - 1 year, Part time - 2 years, Modular - Up to 5 years
This course is no longer accepting applications from international students for the 2025/26 academic year.
Why study International Law and Human Rights at Keele University?
Course summary
Explore the specialised area of international law and human rights, a subject that is increasingly relevant in our rapidly changing world. Our postgraduate programme encompasses a wide range of important themes and will enhance your understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks of human rights, their historical origins, and the theoretical foundations underpinning human rights norms.
You will gain a solid understanding of the principles of international law, developing both practical and theoretical knowledge of its role, nature, and function, and how it differs from domestic legal systems and functions as a distinct legal framework.
There is a comprehensive exploration of international human rights law and its theoretical foundations. You’ll examine key concepts such as justice, the nature of rights, and the limits of rights protection, while also analysing specific legal protections in areas like gender, disability, asylum, environmental justice, and modern slavery. This provides you with a critical and practical understanding of how human rights are defined, defended, and challenged in today’s global context.
A supervised research dissertation on an agreed topic within the field or specialism of international human rights law will enhance your research and analytical skills, as well as subject knowledge.
Optional modules on the programme allow you to align your studies with specific areas of interest. You could explore the development and enforcement of international environmental and climate law, with a focus on climate justice and global regulation, or study international law in relation to security and warfare, focusing on humanitarian law such as the Geneva Conventions and its role in addressing the consequences of conflict, including the rules on refugees. You'll also examine contemporary political issues, analysing their root causes, responses, and the barriers to effective solutions.
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"The law school were very supportive and the staff are always available to assist with whatever issues you may have. I am very thankful for my experience in Keele. I learnt so much in my time there, the classes were small groups and very interactive."
Course structure
Modules
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Compulsory modules
Principles of International Law
This module will consider the nature, function and development of public international law; exploring the institutions, sources and general principles that form its foundation. You will come to understand international law as a distinct legal system and understand how it differs from domestic legal frameworks. You will also be positioned to critically assess the achievements and limitations of international law. This knowledge will be crucial for study on other modules on the LLM programme.
Introduction to Human Rights Law and Theory
The module will offer an introduction to human rights law and theory, and help you understand the role of theory in shaping the international approach to protecting human rights, and responding to breaches of human rights. You will explore theories of justice, the nature of rights and justice as well as the limits of liberal toleration and the limits of rights protection.
International Human Rights Law
The module encompasses the study of the pluralization of international human rights law and considers the specific protections afforded in relation to, for example, the environment, disability, gender, asylum, trafficking, modern slavery, and medicine. You will be encouraged to critically analyse the achievements and shortcomings of the international protection of human rights.
Dissertation
The dissertation module offers you an opportunity to conduct independent research on an approved subject in which you have a particular interest. In order to meet the criteria for the programme, dissertations must cover the topic of the area of specialism, i.e. International Human Rights Law. You will develop confidence in identifying and using primary and secondary materials in your chosen field in order to demonstrate critical analyses and systematic knowledge of your research topic.
Level 7 module rules: The programme is structured around three compulsory modules – Principles of International Law (30 credits), Introduction to Human Rights Law and Theory (30 credits), Contemporary Issues in International Human Rights Law (30 credits) – and the Dissertation (60 credits). Students in the LLM in International Human Rights Law will take an additional 30 credits of optional modules offered by the Law School, Social Sciences, and the Language Centre. In semester two, students can select two 15-credit modules offered by the Language Centre, or one 30-credit module offered by the Law School and Social Sciences.
Optional modules
International Environmental and Climate Law
This module offers a critical perspective on the development of international environmental law. Drawing on a range of legal, policy and other literatures, the module highlights key challenges facing the regulation of the global environment today. We will explore the history, development and sources of international environmental law; key instruments, rules and standards; questions related to compliance, effectiveness and enforcement; theories of environmental justice, as well as specific areas of regulation, with focus on the climate change regime.
International Law, Security and Warfare
This module considers the international legal regime for the maintenance of peace and security and the customary and treaty rule on the use of Force in international relations. It also considers the rules which apply in international armed conflicts where they have arisen, considering international humanitarian law including customary rules and the Geneva conventions, the role of Human Rights law on the battlefield and the international regulation of the consequences of armed conflict, including rules on refugees.
Contemporary Political challenges (Soc Sci)
National and global politics face urgent and wide-ranging challenges in today’s world. This module focuses on the most pressing contemporary problems confronting people, society, and actors at the national, international and global levels. Based upon cutting edge research, you will examine the root causes of, and responses to, these challenges. In addition, you will also assess why barriers to addressing these challenges remain and reflect on how these could be overcome.
Module rules: Students in the LLM in International Human Rights Law will take an additional 30 credits of optional modules offered by the Law School, Social Sciences, and the Language Centre. In semester two, students can select two 15-credit modules offered by the Language Centre, or one 30-credit module offered by the Law School and Social Sciences. Availability of these optional modules will depend on timetabling and other circumstances.
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any humanities or social science subject from a public university
or
CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any humanities or social science subject from a private university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any humanities or social science subject or 65% in a degree in any humanities or social science subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in any Humanities, or Social Science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience.
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any humanities or social science subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
Professional qualifications and work experience
The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.
Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application. For international students, find out how we work with approved agents as part of our admissions process.
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Postgraduate funding and scholarships
Funding
Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, our dedicated financial support team is here to help.
Living costs
Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and will help to reduce your living costs.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2026 start date falls in the 2025/26 academic year. Please see the tuition fees archive for the 2025/26 fees.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our financial support team.
Scholarships
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries webpage for more information.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Additional costs
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching
To help you prepare for studying law at Keele, you will receive an information pack, a pre-course reading list, and access to induction sessions before the programme begins. The taught part of the programme is delivered through lectures, tutor-led seminars and discussions, small group exercises and case studies. Each module is also accompanied by extensive independent study, and you will be encouraged and required to undertake independent reading to supplement and consolidate your learning and broaden your knowledge and understanding of the subject.
Assessment
Assessment methods are designed to reflect the broad knowledge and skills you will develop on this programme and are mainly undertaken through written work. This takes the form of research essays, final examinations, reports, blog discussions or reflective portfolios. The final assessment is your dissertation, an in-depth piece of writing that brings together all the skills you will develop throughout this International Law with Human Rights LLM.
