LLM International Human Rights Law at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The LLM in International Human Rights Law examines global human rights standards and the relationship between international standards and national practice. It offers optional modules so students can tailor their studies, with a particular focus on how human rights operate in conflict and post-conflict societies, drawing on the history of Northern Ireland. It is not a qualifying law degree.

Department: School of Law | Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time | Intake: September 2027 (Academic Year 2027/28) | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules: Dissertation (Human Rights) (60 credits), Transitional Justice, International Human Rights Law, Human Rights in Practice (20 credits each), Approaches to Legal Research and Theories of Human Rights (10 credits each). Optional modules include Business and Human Rights, Comparative Human Rights, Climate, Justice & Human Rights, Restorative Justice and Crimes of the Powerful.

Career pathways

Graduates have found jobs in the UN, the EU and the Council of Europe, statutory bodies and a wide range of international and national NGOs; others use the LLM to add value to careers as legal professionals. It also provides a base for further study towards a PhD.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants with a primary Law degree: normally a 2.2 Honours degree in Law or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Applicants with a primary degree in a relevant or cognate subject: normally a 2:1 Honours degree or above in Social Sciences, Humanities or a cognate discipline; applicants with a minimum 2:2 and at least 2 years' relevant experience may be considered. Exemption may be considered for applicants holding a Master's degree in a relevant subject. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 (taken within the last 2 years), or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,250 a year (2027/28). Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland (eligible ROI-resident) rate Source

International applicants: GBP 24,400 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

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