LLM International Human Rights

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The LLM International Human Rights at the University of Exeter gives students an in-depth understanding of how international law protects human rights and responds to global challenges such as conflict, migration, environmental justice, and social inequality. The programme is ideal for students who want to build expertise in international human rights law while developing the research, analytical, and practical legal skills needed for careers in law, policy, advocacy, and international organisations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Students begin by building advanced legal research, analytical, and academic writing skills through the core modules Legal Research and Writing Skills and Dissertation. These modules prepare students to investigate complex legal issues, evaluate international legal frameworks, and complete independent research on a specialist human rights topic.

Students can tailor their studies by choosing specialist modules that reflect their interests and career ambitions. Modules such as International Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, International Refugee Law, Climate Change and the Law, and International Environmental Law help students understand how international law addresses armed conflict, forced migration, environmental protection, and global justice.

The programme also explores wider legal and policy issues through modules including Law and Global Justice, International Criminal Law, Regulating AI: Law, Policy and Ethics, Gender, Sexuality and the Law, and Law, Democracy and Constitutionalism. These subjects encourage students to examine how law shapes human rights, governance, technology, equality, and international cooperation.

Focus Areas (in a string):
International human rights law, humanitarian law, refugee law, international environmental law, climate justice, international criminal law, global justice, constitutionalism, gender and human rights, artificial intelligence and ethics, democracy, public international law

Learning Outcomes (in a string):
Develop advanced knowledge of international human rights law, analyse international legal frameworks, evaluate global human rights challenges, understand humanitarian and refugee law, examine environmental and climate justice issues, conduct independent legal research, develop advanced legal writing and analytical skills, strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, communicate complex legal arguments effectively

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The LLM International Human Rights prepares students for careers in international organisations, government agencies, NGOs, legal practice, policy development, and human rights advocacy. The programme develops specialist legal knowledge and transferable skills that are highly valued across the legal, public, humanitarian, and international development sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The programme is delivered by Exeter Law School, where students benefit from research-led teaching, internationally recognised academic expertise, and opportunities to engage with current human rights issues through seminars, discussions, and independent research. Students also become part of Exeter Law School’s active research community, gaining valuable insight into contemporary developments in international law and human rights.

The University of Exeter’s reputation as a leading research-intensive university, combined with Exeter Law School’s expertise in international law and human rights, provides students with a strong academic foundation and a respected qualification for careers in legal practice, policy, advocacy, and international organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The LLM International Human Rights at the University of Exeter gives students the opportunity to develop practical legal skills by applying international human rights law to real-world global issues. Through research-led teaching, interactive discussions, independent research, and specialist legal facilities, students strengthen their ability to analyse complex legal problems, evaluate international legal frameworks, and communicate effective legal solutions. The programme also encourages engagement with Exeter Law School’s research community, helping students build the professional and academic skills needed for careers in law, policy, advocacy, and international organisations.

Students gain practical experience through a range of learning opportunities and specialist resources:

Participate in interactive lectures, seminars, workshops, and small-group discussions that explore current human rights issues through legal case studies and real-world examples.
Complete the Legal Research and Writing Skills module and Dissertation, developing advanced legal research, academic writing, critical analysis, and independent research skills.
Apply legal knowledge through specialist modules including International Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, International Refugee Law, Climate Change and the Law, and International Environmental Law.
Engage with Exeter Law School's research centres and postgraduate research community, giving students opportunities to explore current developments in international law and contribute to a research-focused learning environment.
Develop professional experience through pro bono activities, internships, mooting opportunities, and networking events, helping students build practical legal skills and professional connections.
Strengthen advocacy and presentation skills in Exeter Law School's Moot Court, where students can practise legal arguments in a realistic courtroom setting.
Access the Lasok Law Library, which provides an extensive collection of legal books, journals, online databases, and dedicated study spaces to support postgraduate research.
Attend research seminars, guest lectures, and academic events featuring experts in international law, human rights, and related legal fields.
Build connections with legal professionals, researchers, alumni, and members of the wider legal community through networking opportunities and professional engagement activities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the LLM International Human Rights at the University of Exeter develop a strong understanding of international human rights law, humanitarian law, refugee law, and global justice, alongside advanced legal research and analytical skills. The programme prepares students for careers across the legal, public, humanitarian, and international sectors, where they can make a meaningful impact through legal practice, policy development, and advocacy. Typical career paths include Human Rights Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Policy Officer, and International Development Consultant.

The programme supports students' career development through a range of opportunities:

The University of Exeter Career Zone offers personalised careers guidance, employability workshops, CV and interview support, internship advice, and employer networking opportunities to help students prepare for graduate careers.
The Exeter Law School careers team provides specialist legal careers guidance through employer presentations, legal careers events, workshops, networking sessions, and dedicated employability support.
Students develop valuable professional skills including legal research, policy analysis, advocacy, legal writing, critical thinking, communication, negotiation, and independent problem-solving.
Graduates can pursue careers with international organisations, government departments, law firms, human rights organisations, charities, humanitarian agencies, policy institutes, regulatory bodies, and non-governmental organisations.
Students benefit from Exeter Law School's research environment and professional network, providing opportunities to engage with academics, legal experts, alumni, and professionals working in international law and human rights.
The programme's focus on international human rights law, humanitarian law, refugee law, environmental justice, international criminal law, and global governance provides long-term career value across a wide range of legal and policy careers.
The University of Exeter's strong academic reputation and Exeter Law School's internationally recognised expertise enhance the value of the qualification for careers in legal practice, public service, advocacy, and international organisations.
Specific employment rates and graduate salary figures for this programme are not published by the University of Exeter; however, graduates leave with specialist legal knowledge and transferable skills that are highly valued by employers across the legal, public, and international sectors.
The programme provides an excellent foundation for careers focused on protecting human rights, influencing public policy, supporting humanitarian initiatives, and advising on international legal issues.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the LLM International Human Rights, students can continue their studies through a PhD in Law or related research fields such as International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, Refugee Law, International Criminal Law, Public International Law, Environmental Law, or Global Justice. The advanced research and dissertation experience gained during the programme also provides a strong foundation for academic careers, university teaching, policy research, and specialist legal consultancy.