LLB (Hons) International Human Rights Law

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of York

Program Overview

This degree gives you the chance to understand how the law protects human dignity and equips you to tackle both global and domestic human rights challenges. It’s perfect if you’re passionate about justice, curious about how legal systems safeguard rights, and eager to engage with real-world issues in law and society.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in the core areas of law while beginning to focus on human rights. Modules like International Human Rights 1: Theory, Movement and Institutions and Foundations in Law 1, 2 and 3 introduce you to criminal, property, contract, and public law, alongside the theory and practice of human rights. This year lays the groundwork for understanding both legal systems and the principles that guide rights protection.

Year 2:
In year two, you’ll deepen your understanding and start applying your knowledge practically. You’ll study modules such as International Human Rights 2: Law, Courts and Practice, Advanced Legal Skills (Human Rights), and the Human Rights Project. Working in teams with partner organisations, you’ll develop advocacy, research, and problem-solving skills while engaging directly with real human rights issues.

Year 3:
Your final year allows you to specialise and bring together everything you’ve learned. Modules like Case Study (Human Rights), Advanced Law Project (Dissertation or Applied), and the Legal Clinic (Human Rights) provide hands-on experience and advanced analysis. Optional units such as Asylum: Theory, Law and Practice of the International Protection of Refugees or Transnational Crime let you tailor your studies to your own interests and prepare you for professional practice or further academic study.

Focus Areas

International human rights law, legal practice, advocacy, institutional frameworks, socio-legal research

Learning Outcomes

You will gain the ability to analyse and apply human rights law, communicate confidently in legal and advocacy contexts, work collaboratively and creatively, and understand the ethical, social, and global dimensions of rights protection, all while reflecting on your own professional growth.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This programme meets the academic stage requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Bar Standards Board (BSB), keeping pathways open to becoming a solicitor or barrister, as well as opportunities in human rights practice, NGOs, and further legal training.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

York Law School is consistently recognised among the top UK law schools and was ranked in the top 25 in the latest REF‑2021 assessment, reflecting excellent research, teaching quality, and graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying International Human Rights Law at York is much more than reading cases — it’s about putting the law into action. From day one, you’ll tackle real-world human rights challenges, work closely with your peers, and gain practical skills that mirror professional legal practice. York supports you with dedicated facilities like the Problem-Based Learning Suite, a mock courtroom, and a Human Rights Legal Clinic, giving you hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom.

Here’s how you’ll bring your learning to life:

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Suite & Mock Courtroom: Step into a realistic law school environment where you role-play as part of a student law firm, working through complex human rights cases just like legal professionals.
Human Rights Project Module: Collaborate in small teams with real human rights organisations, addressing actual rights challenges and creating impactful solutions.
Legal Clinic (Human Rights): Gain practical experience advising and advocating on live human rights issues under expert supervision, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Centre for Applied Human Rights: Engage with a hub of research, activism, and policymaking, connecting your studies directly to the work of human rights practitioners.
Academic Support & Workshops: Receive guidance from your personal supervisor and attend practical workshops to develop professional skills, teamwork, and ethical decision-making.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing this degree opens doors to careers where you can make a real difference in the world. Graduates often move into roles such as human rights lawyer, policy advisor, legal researcher, or advocate for NGOs and international organisations. With the combination of legal knowledge and human rights expertise, you’re prepared for opportunities in law firms, government, NGOs, or international agencies:

Career support: York Law School’s Careers & Development Programme provides personalised mentoring, workshops, employer networking events, and guidance for CVs and interviews to help you confidently take your first steps into the professional world.
Employment and salary outlook: Graduates from law-related courses at York typically earn around £21,000 in the first year, rising to £27,000 by year three, with long-term median earnings reaching approximately £38,500.
University–industry partnerships: You’ll engage with real-world human rights projects through the Centre for Applied Human Rights, connecting with NGOs, UN mechanisms, and advocacy networks.
Professional recognition: The degree provides the academic foundation required for professional legal qualification as a solicitor or barrister in England & Wales, alongside specialist training in human rights law.
Graduation outcomes: Many alumni go on to influential roles in advocacy, policy, research, or international human rights work, benefiting from the strong practical and academic preparation this programme offers.

Further Academic Progression:
After your undergraduate degree, you could continue your studies with a master’s (LLM) in International Human Rights Law, Human Rights and Development, or advanced legal practice. This allows you to deepen your expertise and access senior roles in international organisations, policy-making, or specialised research.