International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law – (LL.M.)

The University of Essex is one of the UK's leading academic institutions, ranked ninth nationally in the last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).

The School of Law has an international reputation for research and a commitment to providing legal education of the highest quality.

This course builds on the success of the long-established LLM International Human Rights Law, and the expertise of the School of Law with respect to the protection of human rights in situations of acute crisis. It critically examines how international law protects individuals in such situations. Core modules explore the rules of general public international law most relevant to the study of human rights, humanitarian law and international peacekeeping, together with the international machinery for the protection of human rights, the international law of armed conflict and international refugee law. Students choose five other options and may be permitted, with the approval of the scheme director, to take options on LLM International Human Rights Law or MA International Relations.

This course should appeal to those looking to work with humanitarian organisations in the field, who have experience and want to examine the legal aspects of their work in more detail, members of the military seeking to broaden their understanding of the international law pertaining to peacekeeping and other types of military operation, and members of governments or international organisations responsible for establishing peacekeeping or other humanitarian operations.

Besides the modules that count towards the assessment of each course, the University of Essex offers students on LLM International Human Rights Law and LLM International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law the opportunity to participate in a broad range of activities that enhance their knowledge as well as their legal skills, and make their Essex experience unique. The University has links with Colchester Garrison, home to the UK´s Rapid Reaction Force, 16th Air Assault Brigade. Since the mid 1990s, postgraduates have taken part in the SimulEx with officers from the Brigade, exploring the humanitarian and military aspects of hypothetical scenarios set in conflict or post-conflict situations. Students are also eligible to take part in the Concours Pictet, an international competition in the field of the law of armed conflict.

In addition, the Human Rights Clinic of the Human Rights Centre offers the opportunity to become involved in human rights work. In particular, the Litigation Unit of the Centre and the School of Law, allow students to improve their litigation skills while taking part in the design of litigation strategies in a variety of cases, their litigation and the presentation of amicus curiae briefs before national and international courts. Students also have an opportunity to participate in the work of the Essex Business and Human Rights Project through advocacy and consultancy work, including the preparation of policy documents and contributions to amicus curiae briefs. This option is particularly suitable for those students taking the pathway in economic relations and human rights.

The Essex Transitional Justice Network also provides students with an opportunity to take an active part in any of the interdisciplinary projects carried out by academic staff at the University in this area, some of which are predominantly of a legal nature, such as the litigation of cases or the writing of amicus curiae briefs.