This module provides an overview of the rights protected by international instruments. This includes civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

You will be introduced to the regional and universal systems protecting and promoting human rights. The main focus will be on the UN human rights system, but regional systems will also be compared.

You will learn about the substance and procedure of human rights and engage with key debates in the development of rights and the obligations of non-state actors.

Diverse and fascinating: the rules, laws and customs that govern inter-state relationships come into sharp focus in this module. It provides you with a base from which you can further your study of specific areas of international law.

The module explores the essential elements of international law and the way that they are used to shape the world in which we live. You will gain an in-depth understanding of both theory and practice, working with real examples of international law to critically assess, allowing you to identify its shortcomings and challenges.

The dissertation is your opportunity to design and deliver an original research project on a legal topic you’re passionate about. With the freedom to choose your own area of focus, you’ll develop in-depth expertise while showcasing your critical thinking, methodological precision and academic writing skills.

You’ll be supported and supervised throughout by a dedicated academic from the Law School whose own research aligns with your chosen topic. Your supervisor will provide you with tailored guidance, intellectual mentorship and feedback grounded in cutting-edge legal scholarship.

Whether you aspire to pursue doctoral study, enter a specialist legal field or influence policy and practice, the dissertation will demonstrate your ability to produce independent, rigorous legal research.

We view the dissertation as more than an academic exercise: it’s a personalised opportunity to shape your future in law.

This module will help you develop the skills required for the postgraduate study of law and leads up to your dissertation.

You will gain insights into:

• How to carry out good academic work
• What characterises ethical research
• How to be conscientious about research methods
• How choices of method impact on research and outcomes

You will learn how to, design research projects, approach research and writing in an analytical and critical manner and reference correctly.

Whilst also engaging in sessions on critical writing, you will learn how to express your unique voice through text.

The relationship between human rights enjoyment/violations and the behaviour of business enterprises has been a topic of discussion for several decades. Challenges posed by business behaviour have led to the development and implementation of many initiatives by international institutions, such as the UN.

In this module, you will study the rationale for considering human rights in the context of business activities, as well as the challenges faced by traditional international law to try to accommodate these concepts.

The module addresses voluntary guidelines, more legally binding provisions, and following the UN process of drafting an international treaty on business and human rights.

Our world is facing an ever-increasing number of global environmental challenges. This engaging module examines the international legal response to those challenges. It delves into the socio-economic, political and scientific implications of environmental problems and, in doing so, invites you to assess their impact on law and policy-making.

The module focuses on contemporary environmental problems such as:

• Climate change
• Marine pollution
• The protection of international watercourses, fisheries and biodiversity
• The relationship between trade and the environment

You will assess the law’s strengths and weaknesses in regulating each of these issues.

This module will enable you to develop your independent research skills in preparation for your dissertation module. It also provides you with the opportunity to study an area of law that is currently unavailable within our optional modules.

This module will enable you to develop their independent research skills in preparation for your dissertation module. It also provides you with the opportunity to study an area of law that is currently unavailable within our optional modules.

During this module you will explore each international crime, deepening your understanding of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. It will also focus on the role of international courts and tribunals, mixed and hybrid courts and tribunals and national courts.

You will be given stimulating examples of prosecution and punishment to engage with. These are informed by the convenor’s own cutting-edge research in transitional criminal justice and retrospective justice.

The United Nations is the only truly global international organisation and forms the essential framework in which international law develops.

This module explores the UN’s structure and membership, how it makes international law and its personality, immunities and responsibility, especially for UN peacekeepers.

It will also focus on International Court of Justice, the UN’s judicial organ and how it exercises jurisdiction, evaluates evidence, makes judgments and delivers advisory opinions.

The rights of peoples and nations define states and international borders, drive the break-up of states and formation of new ones and underpin conflict between states and within them.

This module looks at nationhood, national self-determination, rights of ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples, and how these relate to borders, the control of resources and the environment.