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.

Why choose this course?


• Global Top 250 for Law (Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, 2024)



• Close-knit community, smaller class sizes, tailored personal/professional support includes an experienced solicitor developing employability skills and employer links



• Professional networking opportunities at guest lectures and mooting competitions



• Global Top 100 for International Outlook, Law (Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, 2023)



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.

About Keele

Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.