The Brunel International Human Rights Law LLM is designed for graduates wishing to develop the specialist skills needed for a career in this dynamic field of law.

Through a detailed analysis of the theory, history and development of human rights, and an exploration of the mechanisms of human rights protection you will acquire a comprehensive understanding of international human rights law and its interconnection with international criminal and comparative criminal law.

The course places particular emphasis on the radical transformations in international human rights law since the beginning of the 21st century, with the establishment of the International Criminal Court, the on-going process of the United Nations reform, and the post 9/11 shift to a more ‘security-at-all-costs’ approach to criminal process values, especially with regards to the war against terror.

You will explore key contemporary issues, such as: 

• human rights advocacy and global governance though NGOs and non-State actors 
• the European system of human rights protection 
• group rights and the rights of minorities and indigenous peoples 
• the challenges posed by international migration and the protection of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees 
• women’s rights and the rights of the child, including protection for victims of human trafficking
• sexual and gay rights 
• the right to development and “third- generation” rights

With human right issues featuring more and more prominently in public debates and institutional policy considerations, employers are looking for job candidates with the specialist training needed to keep up with the new realities. Your International Human Rights Law LLM will give you that expertise and make you a sought-after prospect by law firms, businesses and government bodies.

You will leave Brunel with a firm grounding in International Human Rights Law and with solid legal knowledge, allowing you to be flexible in your future choices. While many choose to move from the LLM to progress towards becoming PhD students you’ll also be well equipped for career opportunities in human rights advocacy or in governmental and non-governmental human rights organisations at the national and international level.

Brand new work placements and internships: You can now gain valuable work experience while studying postgraduate law at Brunel. New optional work placements (12 months) and internships (6-12 weeks) are available from September 2021 on this course.