International Development Law and Human Rights (LLM)

at University of Warwick

This course enables you to consider the relationship between development, human rights and global justice. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach which critically examines the place of law within its wider political, social, economic and global contexts in its engagement with issues such as globalisation, economic regulation, climate justice, citizenship (and migration), gender justice and social activism.

As part of your learning, you will gain knowledge and experience in key areas of theoretical debates and substantive law, and develop skills of policy and legal analyses, reflexive public advocacy and cause lawyering. You will pursue independent research and be involved in group work and presentations. In all of this, you will be encouraged to think critically and creatively about issues of development, rights and justice.
 

Core modules

Theory and Practice of International Development Law and Human Rights

This module provides an overview of the main contemporary issues in international development law and human rights. It provides an introduction to topics that all students are expected to have an understanding of and thus provides the background for all modules and the dissertation. Students who read and understand the module materials are more likely to achieve higher grades. Group work is an important part of the module as experience shows that participatory study is a successful pedagogical method.

Legal Research and Writing Skills

Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:

• Approaches to Global Justice
• International Humanitarian Law
• Gender, Law and the Global Economy
• International Criminal Law
• Climate Change and Development
• Civil Society and Activism
   

Minimum requirements

2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in law or a related subject with a law component.

English language requirements

• Band B
• IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.
   

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information, however we are awaiting guidance from the UK government regarding fee status for EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members living in the UK for academic year 2021/22 onwards. We are not able to confirm the fee status for these students until the relevant eligibility criteria have been confirmed. Once we have received further information from the UK government, we will provide you with an update on your fee status and let you know if any additional information is required. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.
 

Studying at postgraduate level can provide a platform to a wide range of career opportunities in the commercial and legal sectors, in management consultancy, international development, government and NGOs and in compliance and regulation to name but a few. 

It enables students to differentiate themselves for opportunities where a postgraduate qualification is a requirement or desirable. We have recently had graduates go on to successful careers in:

• Human Rights, public interest and social justice-related legal practice
• International organisations, NGOs and policy think-tanks
• National regulatory bodies, local government, judiciary and civil service
• Academia
• Media and Advocacy groups

The School of Law has a dedicated careers consultant (part of the Student Opportunity careers team) to help with your personal career journey during your time at Warwick. She offers impartial advice and guidance (one to one support) and delivers workshops and events tailored to the needs of Law students.

This is in addition to specialist speakers who may be invited to contribute to your LLM programme.  Events are also organised by the wider Student Opportunity team. They include:

• Careers fairs and sector events including Law Fair, Business and Finance Fair, Management Consultancy, HR and Management, Working in the Public Sector
• Career Pathways to International Development (presentations and networking)
• Don’t want to be a lawyer? (Alumni presentations and networking)
• Becoming a Solicitor
• The Journey to the Bar
• Workshops on all aspects of the recruitment and selection process including applications, CVs, covering letters, interviews and assessment centres