International Human Rights Law

LLM

  • Entry year 2026
  • Duration Full time 1 year, Part time 2 years
Apply now
Open days
Request a prospectus

Overview

Learn from top academics at a leading UK Law School who have specialist knowledge of international law and human rights, from the Law of the United Nations, to the Rights of Peoples, to International Criminal Law. Gain essential legal skills and in-depth technical knowledge while exploring the role of international law and human rights in responding to and regulating complex global issues.

This course will develop your legal expertise in this area – whether you’re new to the field or want to take your career trajectory to the next level.

Why Lancaster?

  • Learn from our expert team and their up-to-the-minute research into matters connected to international law and human rights
  • Be inspired by innovative teaching delivered by leading legal educators
  • Prepare for a legal role – gain core knowledge along with insight into international law and human rights
  • Follow your interests and tailor the course with your choice of modules and areas of focus
  • Benefit professionally from our strong links to chambers and law firms across the UK, including Magic Circle firms in London

Expert legal team

Our academics carry out leading research in a variety of areas of international law and human rights – from human rights to war crimes, and environmental regulation. This ensures that what we teach you about legal, jurisprudential and socio-legal issues regarding international law and human rights is always informed by the latest developments, research, and practice in the field.

You'll find your tutors are accessible to you. They are committed to delivering innovative, inspiring teaching and focused on providing excellent student support.

Prepare for your future

On Lancaster’s LLM International Law and Human Rights programme you will develop specialist legal skills and expertise on international law and human rights. You will gain insight into key theories that underpin the law, as well as practical guidance on research methods. As you acquire proficiency in law and legal studies, you’ll gain the expertise you need to access a wide range of career options.

The programme is suitable for you if you are:

  • Looking for in-depth knowledge of international law and human rights
  • Needing to enhance your Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
  • Aiming to work in the legal sector and need a wider, critical appreciation of the law
  • Already working in the legal system and want a higher-level qualification
  • Wishing to progress to a PhD in international law or a related subject

A tailored approach

You will have the flexibility and freedom to choose from a range of international law and human rights modules that match your interests and ambitions.

In your dissertation you will address a key legal question or issue and apply the skills and knowledge you have learned on the course to bring fresh insight into an area of law that interests you. Past students have looked at topics such as terrorism, breaches of human rights in the garments industry, war crimes, and legal issues in VR and the metaverse.

Boost your career

We will ensure you have the opportunity to build your professional network via our strong links to chambers and law firms across the UK, including Magic Circle firms in London.

Whether you wish to advance your existing career trajectory or start a new journey into a law-focused career, or even follow the path of advanced academic study, the LLM International Law and Human Rights programme will prepare you through developing your skills and expertise in law and legal studies.

Careers

Careers and employability support

Our degrees open up an extremely wide array of career pathways in businesses and organisations, large and small, in the UK and overseas. Our specialist Employability team is ready to support you, whether you are starting out your career after leaving higher education or returning to university to open up new career options.

We provide individual employability advice, application support, career events, development opportunities and resources to help you plan and achieve your career goals. We also run a paid internship scheme specifically for arts, humanities and social sciences students.

The Lancaster Award is available to all postgraduate taught students and recognises work experience, volunteering and personal development alongside your studies. Developed with employers, it helps you reflect on key skills, boost your CV and articulate your strengths with confidence.

Whether you have a clear idea of your potential career path or need some help considering the options, our friendly team is on hand.

Find out more about Lancaster’s careers events, extensive resources and personal support for Careers and Employability.

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Law or any other subject.

We will also consider applications on an individual basis if you have lower qualifications, or a qualification that is not included on our list of international qualifications, or experience in professional legal practice.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 5.5 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Pre-master’s programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit INTO Lancaster University for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Course structure

Detailed module information for this postgraduate programme will follow shortly. However, if you have any questions please contact the department.

Fees and funding

Location Full Time (per year) Part Time (per year)
Home n/a n/a
International n/a n/a

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.

Scheme Based on Amount
Based on {{item.eligibility_basis}} Amount {{item.amount}}

We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. Find out more about our Charter and student policies.