Overview

You will study a range of modules focusing on the critical aspects of sustainability, social justice, and human rights. You will explore these areas in particular contexts and have the opportunity to further develop your critical thinking and evaluation skills, research, and communication skills.

The programme concludes with a dissertation module in which you will conduct an in-depth inquiry into your chosen research topic. With the assistance of a supervisor, the dissertation module requires you to undertake independent work which may relate directly to your future career aspirations and which, in any event, reflects your particular interests from within the curriculum.

Graduates of the programme will have the knowledge and expertise required to pursue careers in various areas such as national and international charities, NGOs, local government, lobbying and policy development, communications etc. In addition, an LLM is an essential step on the road to pursuing a PhD and a career in academia.

Key features

You will be taught by legal experts who have a wealth of experience. These will include barristers, solicitors, professors and practitioners from the international legal arena.
You will learn to critically evaluate and adapt theories and concepts of human rights and social justice to reflect underpinning policy objectives and the sustainability demands in practice
You can expand your knowledge of the law in dedicated learning spaces, including access to a crown court – a site of trials since the Middle Ages, a training courtroom and a simulated Judge's Chambers suite. In addition, the university's Hugh Aston Building has a dedicated law library exclusively for law students, allowing you to practise scenario-based learning.
You will develop and apply values, skills, knowledge and behaviours that will enable them to contribute to the development of a just, peaceful and sustainable world.

Benefit from Education 2030, where a simplified ‘block learning’ timetable means you will study one subject at a time and have more time to engage with your learning, receive faster feedback and enjoy a better study-life balance.

Teaching and assessment

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials, guest lectures and PC labs.

Assessment is through assignments, essays, exams, and projects. Some assessment opportunities will have additional support via groupwork, such as simulations and case studies; and students have access to a personal tutor for mentoring and signposting for additional needs.

Graduate careers

The LLM Sustainability, Social Justice and Human Rights Law course will open up a wide range of career opportunities as you develop a broad base of skills that are in great demand with global employers.