Course Structure

Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) basis. Students must complete five core modules (80 CATS points), two optional modules (40 CATS points) and a research dissertation (60 CATS points).

The Masters is awarded to students who successfully complete all taught modules (120 CATS points) and a research dissertation (60 CATS points).

Compulsory Modules	Human Rights in Practice International Human Rights Law Transitional Justice Dissertation (Maximum 15,000 words) (Students who secure a summer work placement of at least 8 weeks can complete a Dissertation in Practice Module including 12,000 word dissertation and 3,000 word reflective journal of the learning experience)
Course Details	The programme is delivered through a series of taught modules and culminates in the submission of a dissertation on an original topic.
Methodology Mini-Modules	Approaches to Legal Research Theories of Human Rights
Optional Modules	Business and Human Rights Comparative Human Rights Climate, Justice and Human Rights Advanced Issues in Medical Law and Ethics Social Injustice Corporate Environmental Law Crimes of the Powerful Restorative Justice Please note this is not an exclusive list of the optional modules available. Optional modules are reviewed each year and subject to staff availability

Contact Teaching Hours

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial 8 (hours maximum) In addition to 6-8 hrs of teaching per week , students should set aside 10-12 hours per module for reading and preparation to engage meaningfully in classroom discussions, group work and other forms of active engagement.

Career Prospects

Introduction
Graduates have found jobs in the UN, the EU and the Council of Europe, as well as statutory bodies and a wide range of international and national NGOs. Others have found the LLM to constitute an extremely valuable addition to their work as legal professionals. Furthermore, this Masters provides an excellent basis for further study towards a research degree such as a PhD, which in turn may lead on to an academic career.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below :

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  Approaches to Legal Research (10 credits)

  ×

  Approaches to Legal Research

  Overview

  What motivates legal research? In addition to the principles and methods that guide the design and implementation of a specific research project, we also ought to have some sense of the broader ‘research programme’ or ‘theoretical framework’ that animates our work. Students will be introduced to several important theoretical frameworks and research programmes from which they might draw some helpful inspiration.
  
  Legal scholarship is no longer limited to the analysis of legal doctrine. Many legal scholars engage in empirically-oriented research that investigates how law interacts with other social phenomena. Legal scholars hope to illuminate the causal connections between law and other aspects of the social world. Legal research of this kind is rewarding but it also comes with special methodological challenges. This module will introduce students to some fundamental principles of research design and methodology, covering both ‘qualitative’ and ‘quantitative’ social science methods.

  Learning Outcomes

  By the end of this module, students should be able to
  • critically evaluate the merits and weaknesses of various theoretical frameworks and approaches to legal scholarship
  • critically evaluate empirical academic research in terms of its methodology

  Skills

  • reading and synthesizing academic work
  • academic writing
  • social science methodology
  • designing an empirical research plan

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  LAW7817

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  4 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Dissertation (Human Rights) (60 credits)

  ×

  Dissertation (Human Rights)

  Overview

  This module is designed to allow students to engage in independent research and to develop independent study, analysis and methodological skills.

  Learning Outcomes

  1. A detailed knowledge and understanding of a chosen subset of the programme themes
  2. Capacity to build a detailed and sustained argument around a research question or questions
  3. Advanced knowledge of available research methodologies in the study of law and of the social sciences.
  4. Understanding of the skills required in order to carry out research in law and the social sciences.
  5. Detailed knowledge and understanding of core issues regarding the current challenges for human rights.

  Skills

  • Advanced written skills
  • Ability to learn independently
  • Ability to use information and communication technologies.
  • Ability to think creatively and holistically and to make critical judgements

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  LAW7832

  Teaching Period

  Summer

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Theories of Human Rights (10 credits)

  ×

  Theories of Human Rights

  Overview

  This module will introduce students to the different ways in which human rights can be conceived, for example as inherent aspects of being human, as legal fictions, as socially constructed entitlements, as cultural traditions, as ethical principles or as political tools. It will illustrate to students how human rights thinking and reasoning are not as universalist as they are sometimes portrayed. This should help instil a more sceptical approach to some human rights claims and generally enhance the students’ powers of criticism. In addition the module will introduce students to the different ways in which human rights issues can be researched. It will demonstrate a range of methods for seeking answers to human rights research questions, depending on whether the question concerns the prevalence of human rights violations, the consequences of those violations, the applicability of relevant legal standards, the measurement of progress in advancing human rights standards, and the impact which changes in policies can have on people’s enjoyment of human rights. It will look too at how to assess the performance of various human rights actors, be they legislatures, governments, courts, non-state actors, international governmental organisations or non-governmental organisations.
  
  Relevant texts for this module will be Marie-Bénédicte Dembour’s Who Believes in Human Rights? (Cambridge UP, 2006) and by Fons Coomans, Fred Grunfeld and Menno Kamminga (eds), Methods in Human Rights Research (Intersentia, 2009).

  Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be knowledgeable about the history of thought concerning human rights.
  2. Students will be aware of the range of arguments that can justify the development and application of international and national human rights law.
  3. Students will know about the difficulties that can arise in seeking to measure the extent to which human rights are effectively protected in a society.
  4. Students will be aware of the range of views as to what ‘effective protection’ of human rights can mean.

  Skills

  1. An advanced capacity to synthesise relevant primary and secondary literatures and to use those literatures to formulate new arguments.
  2. An advanced ability to engage in self-managed, self-directed and intellectually independent study, to reflect on one’s own learning, to solve problems, make decisions, to develop work both as an individual and in collaboration with others as appropriate and to offer evidenced conclusions addressing complex actual or hypothetical problems.
  3. An ability to use information technologies for communication, data retrieval and analysis as appropriate to the module.
  4. An ability to understand and critically evaluate the application of relevant research approaches and methodologies.
  5. A self-awareness of one’s personal and professional development and academic integrity.
  6. An ability to think critically, creatively and holistically.
  7. Oral and written communication skills appropriate to LLM-level scholarship.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  LAW7821

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  4 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Human Rights in Practice (20 credits)

  ×

  Human Rights in Practice

  Overview

  This module will examine ways in which human rights protection is provided in practice. It will consider the work of non-governmental human rights organisations, the ways in which private businesses can help to protect human rights, and the role of the media too. It will also analyse the problems facing state and inter-state organisations in trying to ensure that human rights are protected on the ground, especially in times of disasters and other emergencies. The work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent organisations will be explored, as will the challenges facing human rights fieldwork more generally.

  Learning Outcomes

  By the end of this module students should be able to:
  - understand the difficulties facing organisations working on the ground to protect human rights;
  - evaluate the effectiveness of different ways of protecting human rights on the ground;
  - assess how the practice of human rights could be improved.

  Skills

  By the end of this module students should be able to:
  - develop strategies and tactics for dealing with allegations of human rights violations;
  - report and campaign on human rights issues in various parts of the world;
  - assess what works and does not work when seeking to protect human rights on the ground;
  - articulate clearly why human rights deserve to be protected and how this can be achieved.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  LAW7813

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Dissertation in Practice (60 credits)

  ×

  Dissertation in Practice

  Overview

  This module is designed to allow students to engage in independent research and to develop independent study, analysis and methodological skills, in the context of a placement or internship with non-governmental, legal, commercial or governmental organisations that operate in arenas that are relevant to their LLM research.
  
  NOTE: students are encouraged to explore internship options independently with relevant entities. Any particular placement must be approved by the module and/or programme convenors.

  Learning Outcomes

  1. Ability to reflect critically on personal practice/engagement in the fields relevant to the LLM while working in collaboration with relevant host organisations
  2. Ability to undertake an extended research Dissertation based on tasks/learning undertaken while on placement;
  3. Enhanced communication, presentation and networking skills.

  Skills

  • Advanced writing skills
  • An advanced knowledge of and ability to understand and critically evaluate key theories, concepts, principles, rules and values in the chosen area of law
  • An advanced awareness, critical understanding of and engagement with legal and policy debates, building on scholarship already undertaken in the course of studies
  • An advanced capacity to synthesise relevant primary and secondary literatures in the area and to use those literatures to formulate new arguments
  • An advanced ability to design and engage in self-managed, self-directed and intellectually independent research, to reflect on one’s own learning, to solve problems, make decisions, to develop work both as an individual and in collaboration with others as appropriate and to offer evidenced conclusions addressing complex actual or hypothetical problems.
  • Advanced ability to judge critically the merits of methodologies from different disciplines, and to make reasoned choices between different positions and approaches
  • Advanced ability to use, present and critically evaluate information, ability to synthesise and identify central issues from a large amount of complex legal information and information from other disciplines and to draw on scholarship encountered in the course of one’s LLM
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of research ethics and ability to mainstream ethical considerations with research as appropriate to the project
  • Advanced ability to engage with, manage and respond to supervision
  • Engagement with one’s own personal and professional development and academic integrity

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  LAW7836

  Teaching Period

  Summer

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  International Human Rights Law (20 credits)

  ×

  International Human Rights Law

  Overview

  This module will examine the development, scope and effectiveness of international human rights law, focusing on the state of the law today. It will pay particular attention to the UN’s systems for protecting human rights but will touch to some extent on regional systems and on the rights of different vulnerable groups, such as national minorities or persons with disabilities. It will look as well at how international human rights law relates to public international law, international humanitarian law and international criminal law.
  
  The current trends within international human rights law will be explored, as will the challenges facing the law now and in the foreseeable future.
  
  - The rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the nine core UN human rights treaties and a selection of the soft law documents endorsed by the UN.
  
  - The ways in which rights are enforceable within the UN system, particularly through the work of the treaty-monitoring bodies.
  
  - The international systems in place for protecting vulnerable groups, such as members of national minorities.
  
  - The apparent trends within the normative, evaluative and adjudicative activities of the UN’s human rights institutions.
  
  - The ways in which international human rights law might develop in the near future.

  Learning Outcomes

  By the end of this module students should be able to:
  - display awareness of the variety of legal and regulatory regimes relating to human rights;
  - understand the norms in place within the United Nations and international human rights law more generally for the protection of human rights;
  - evaluate the institutional mechanisms in place at the global, regional and national levels to enforce human rights norms;
  - assess how implementation of human rights norms at all levels could be enhanced

  Skills

  By the end of this module students should be able to:
  
  - communicate orally and in writing, as appropriate to Masters-level scholarship;
  
  - recognise and rank issues in terms of their relevance and importance;
  
  - understand and critically evaluate key theories, concepts, principles, rules and values in human rights;
  
  - critically engage with legal and policy debates, specifically in the area of human rights;
  
  - synthesise relevant primary and secondary literatures in human rights and use those literatures to formulate new arguments;
  
  - engage in self-managed and intellectually independent research, reflecting on their own learning, developing their work both as an individual and in collaboration with others as appropriate, and offering evidenced-based solutions to actual or hypothetical problems;
  
  - use information technologies for communication, data retrieval and analysis as appropriate to the module.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  LAW7812

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Transitional Justice (20 credits)

  ×

  Transitional Justice

  Overview

  How do you address mass atrocities when there are thousands or even millions of victims and perpetrators? How do you begin to deal with the crimes committed by different states and actors in Syria or even on a smaller scale in Northern Ireland? Since the Second World War international criminal justice has emerged as a body of law to hold individuals responsible for mass atrocities. This module aims to introduce students to the key questions on the relationships between international law, justice and the transition from conflict in the 21st century through an exploration of law, criminological and social theory and case studies. The module adopts a broad interdisciplinary approach to mapping these connected issues and draws on a range of source and geo-political contexts (Latin America and Africa). It touches on contemporary controversies with international justice and domestic political conflicts, such as the intervention of the ICC in Palestine, criminal responsibility child soldiers, and reparations by multinational corporations.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
  - Demonstrate a critical understanding of the topics covered in the module, including the concepts of transitional justice and conflict transformation and the relationship amongst criminology, conflict and transition;
  - Critically reflect on the relevance of discourses on transitional justice in other jurisdictions to the ongoing transitional process in Northern Ireland;
  - Critically assess laws, policies, practices and conduct in the areas covered and apply them to topical problems;
  - Interpret relevant concepts and understand theoretical frameworks relevant to the study of the topics;
  - Demonstrate knowledge and skills of critical analysis and engage in relevant debate;
  - Conduct thorough research on criminal justice and criminology topics and present findings orally and in writing.

  Skills

  • Oral and written communication skills, as appropriate to LLM-level scholarship
  • An advanced knowledge of and ability to understand and critically evaluate key theories, concepts, principles, rules and values in criminal justice, building on previous work within the programme
  • An advanced awareness, critical understanding of and engagement with legal and policy debates, specifically in the area of criminal justice, and an ability to tie those debates to debates encountered in previous modules.
  • An advanced capacity to synthesise relevant primary and secondary literatures in criminal justice and to use those literatures to formulate new arguments
  • An advanced ability to engage in self-managed, self-directed and intellectually independent research, to reflect on one’s own learning, to solve problems, make decisions, to develop work both as an individual and in collaboration with others as appropriate and to offer evidenced conclusions addressing complex actual or hypothetical problems.
  • An advanced ability to recognise and rank issues in terms of their relevance and importance.
  • An advanced awareness of legal and regulatory regimes and of their impact with regard to criminal justice, building on previous work within the programme
  • An ability to use information technologies for communication, data retrieval and analysis as appropriate to the module
  • Engagement with one’s own personal and professional development and academic integrity

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  LAW7811

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Optional Modules

  Social Injustice (20 credits)

  ×

  Social Injustice

  Overview

  This module examines the problem of social injustice in contemporary, plural societies. The first half of the module explores some of the main philosophical assessments of social injustice. Students will first be introduced to key critiques of liberal theory as a response to the structural disadvantages associated with difference (including race, gender, sexual-orientation, religion, and class, among others). Here, liberal policy approaches to difference (including toleration, uniform treatment, and non-discrimination), will be critiqued alongside liberal modes of justification for their failure to deal appropriately with the disadvantages suffered by affected groups.
  
  The second half of the module discusses the practical implications of both social injustice and its potential solutions. Precise topics vary year-on-year, but may include discussion of some of the following questions: Is unfettered freedom of speech a necessary feature of or a hindrance in the fight for social equality? What role does historical injustice play in the ongoing oppression of marginalised groups? Is the recognition of difference the appropriate response to cultural domination? How has social media changed the shape of social justice movements? Is civil disobedience a legitimate response to injustice, and must it always be ‘civil’ in nature?

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module students:
  • Should demonstrate a critical understanding of key debates about social injustice.
  • Should be able to explain some of the central critiques of liberal theory as a way of dealing with structural oppression.
  • Should be familiar with debates surrounding the role of historical injustice as it pertains to ongoing marginalisation.
  • Should have a critical understanding of the changing nature of social justice movements.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner.
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments.
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field.
  
  
  Professional and career development skills
  
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing.
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning.
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment.
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development.
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance.
  
  
  Organizational skills
  
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines.
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information.
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way.
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PHL7057

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Crimes of the Powerful (20 credits)

  ×

  Crimes of the Powerful

  Overview

  This module provides an in-depth examination of crimes of the powerful. It challenges students to re-think traditional conceptions of ‘crime’ and critically reflect on the ways in which our understandings of crime are inherently connected to structures of power. The module is designed to explore both the practical and theoretical components of this area of criminology. Using the typologies of corporate crime, state crime, and state-corporate crime, the class will be introduced to each of these areas and will explore key historical and contemporary cases. Together, the class will critically reflect on the political, societal and legal responses to these each of these types of harmful behaviour and consider potential ways forward.

  Learning Outcomes

  Learning Outcomes
  • Develop advanced knowledge and understanding of crimes of the powerful.
  • Develop advanced knowledge and understanding of the typologies for crimes of the powerful.
  • Develop effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Engage in critical analysis of these types of harms and the political, legal, and societal responses to them.
  • Apply theory and knowledge of the typologies to real-life examples.
  • Synthesise relevant directed readings with independent research and present findings in both an oral and written format.
  • Engage in independent study and research.

  Skills

  Skills
  By the end of the module the students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the substantive module content
  • Utilise a range of theoretical and methodological tools in the understanding of crimes of the powerful
  • Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in preparing and delivering a presentation
  • Expand upon student skills related to self-directed learning through researching a case study of crimes of the powerful of the students’ choosing
  • Further develop written communication skills in the theoretical reflection essay

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  LAW7866

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Restorative Justice: Principles, Issues and Debates (20 credits)

  ×

  Restorative Justice: Principles, Issues and Debates

  Overview

  Restorative Justice (RJ) is a unique approach that has been recently put forward as an alternative method of dealing with offending behaviour. Instead of focusing on inflicting harm upon the offender, emphasis is on repairing the harm caused by encouraging the victim, the offender and the community to work together in dealing with the aftermath of the incident. Some of the key principles of RJ include providing a platform for the victim to express the impact of the offense, providing an opportunity to the offender to apologise to the victim and offer some form of reparation and the reintegration of the offender back into the community.
  
  RJ’s popularity has increased in various criminal jurisdictions around the world and its use has been extended in the resolution of conflicts in schools, places of employments and other situations where conflict occurs. However, despite the growing interest in RJ theory, it remains a subject of debate in both academic and non-academic circles, particularly on whether it has a role in the criminal justice process. This module intends to explore the theory and practice of RJ as well consider the various sides of the debate on its application.

  Learning Outcomes

  • Critically analyse the main principles of RJ theory
  • Evaluate evidence relating to theoretical and empirically based arguments and data about RJ
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the roles of the parties in a RJ process and the benefits they can derive from participating
  • Understand the complexities involved in implementing RJ whether within a traditional criminal justice system or externally

  Skills

  • Develop the ability to present written reasoned arguments based on research evidence and academic texts
  • To present persuasive oral arguments that are logically structured and supported with evidence via active participation in seminar groups.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  LAW7857

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Corporate Environmental Law (20 credits)

  ×

  Corporate Environmental Law

  Overview

  This module provides a comprehensive review of corporate transactional issues in environmental law. The module examines, in a primarily corporate context, contemporary environmental law debates regarding regulation, liability, and institutional reform. This module evaluates environmental meta-principles and approaches to regulation, including traditional command-and-control, the use of economic incentivisation, and trends towards voluntary regulation. Questions of corporate environmental disclosure are considered and environmental responsibility in project financing. The development of environmental liability in the US and EU is comparatively examined with a view to ascertaining emerging trends and questions of reform. Special case studies consider the oil pollution liability regime and the development of carbon emissions trading schemes.
  
  The aims of the module are to:
  [] contribute to the development of environmental law and practice in business, corporate finance and law professionals;
  [] critically evaluate principles of environmental accountability, scientific claims, and technological aspects of the environment;
  [] assess and analyse how lawyers and corporate professionals play key roles in protecting clients and employers from environmental losses and are also called on to act against those who cause or are accountable for negative environmental impacts;
  [] provide an in-depth review and critique of prevailing regulatory approaches to understanding and managing environmental impacts and business opportunities;
  [] critically examine approaches to environmental liability;
  [] identify and critically assess how corporate environmental responsibility factors impact on a firm’s accounts.

  Learning Outcomes

  (1) Evaluate the meta-principles of environmental law and their influence in legal development;
  (2) Identify and critically assess approaches to regulating corporate conduct with respect to the environment;
  (3) Critically assess environmental risk factors influencing corporate entities and corporate responses to environmental risks;
  (4) Define the major environmental regulatory trends in the corporate environmental landscape;
  (5) Evaluate how changes in the legal and governance landscape interact.

  Skills

  (1) Ability to apply existing knowledge to new situations;
  (2) Develop or substantially enhance skills of independent learning, including the ability to plan, time-manage and execute an independent guided research project;
  (3) Synthesise information from legal and non-legal sources so as to contextualise subject specific information;
  (4) Use fluent and effective communication and discussion skills in oral and written contexts;
  (5) Engage with complex concepts and scrutinise information in critical, evaluative and analytical ways;
  (6) Develop or substantially enhance an ethical awareness of global citizenship and, in particular, responsibilities to safeguard ecological, social and economic wellbeing, both in the present and for future generations.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  LAW7852

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Climate,Justice & Human Rights (20 credits)

  ×

  Climate,Justice & Human Rights

  Overview

  This course will be presented in three parts:
  a) Theories of Global Justice in the Anthropocene
  i.Law and the Anthropocene
  i.Planetary and Social Boundaries
  ii.Human Rights and Responsibilities
  iii.Law, Cyborgs and the Trans-human
  b) Climate Justice and Human Rights
  i.Climate Change and Human Rights (a)
  ii.Human Rights, Human Limits (b)
  iii.Human Rights and the Biocentric Turn
  iv.Law and the Commons
  c) Climate Change Law & Practice:Negotiation Simulation
  i.World Climate Negotiation Simulation
  ii.Climate Change and Systems Thinking
  iii.Live Negotiation Simulation
  iv.Negotiation Debrief and Group Assessment

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this Module, students will have:
  a.A critical understanding of the implications of climate change for law and humanrights.
  b.An ability to problematize law and human rights in the context of climate change(and wider societal changes associated with the Anthropocene)
  c.An understanding of climate change law from a number of perspectives, includingthe law of the commons and systems thinking.
  d.A first-hand critical understanding of simulated climate change negotiations, usingreal-time online simulation tools at www.climateinteractive.org
  e.An understanding of some of the implications of the Anthropocene for law, thelegal profession, and human rights practice

  Skills

  On completion of this Module students will acquire a number of skills associated with Climate Change and Human Rights practice, including:
  a.Critical reflection on individual and group dynamics in negotiating contexts
  b.Communicating complex ideas, making links between climate science, societyand law
  c.Climate Change negotiation
  d.Systems Thinking
  e.Integrating human rights into climate change science and negotiation practice

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  LAW7825

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Comparative Human Rights (20 credits)

  ×

  Comparative Human Rights

  Overview

  This module will analyse and compare the world’s three main regional systems for the protection of human rights – those of Europe, Africa and the Americas. Its focus will be on what is distinctive, innovative and/or topical about each of the regional systems, with particular attention being paid to the effectiveness of the protection offered. Where appropriate the relationship with the UN’s human rights system will be considered.
  
  The scope for cross-fertilisation of ideas and for increased efficiency will be explored, as will the degree to which local cultures and customs should be allowed to qualify the universalist principle concerning protection of human rights.
  
  The potential for further development of regional systems for the protection of human rights will also be examined.

  Learning Outcomes

  By the end of this module students should be able to:
  - understand the norms in place within regional instruments around the world for the protection of human rights;
  - evaluate the institutional mechanisms in place at the regional level to enforce human rights norms;
  - assess how implementation of human rights norms at the regional level could be enhanced.

  Skills

  By the end of this module students should be able to:
  - identify how to assess the extent to which human rights are protected in different ways in different places;
  - access and contextualise human rights information from a wide variety of sources;
  - exercise critical judgment concerning the merits of conflicting arguments;
  - communicate orally in a more effective manner.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  LAW7816

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Business and Human Rights (20 credits)

  ×

  Business and Human Rights

  Overview

  This module will familiarise students with key debates regarding the corporation's role in society. Students will explore work on business and human rights and corporate citizenship, specifically with regard to global corporations and global supply chains.
  
  This course will covers some (but not necessarily all) of the following topics in any given year, and other topics may be added from time-to-time: the human rights obligations of corporations to workers, host countries, other stakeholders, the rise of corporate social responsibility reporting, global initiatives and frameworks, the Ruggie principles, the role of civil society in corporate regulation and self-regulation etc, corporate promotion of labour standards, human rights considerations in international corporate investment.

  Learning Outcomes

  • Knowledge and understanding of ideas of corporate responsibility.
  • Familiarity with legal frameworks regarding the integration of human rights considerations and corporate social responsibility.
  • Understanding of the application of the theoretical constructs to “real world” cases and situations.

  Skills

  • Oral and written communication skills, as appropriate to LLM-level scholarship
  • An advanced knowledge of and ability to understand and critically evaluate key theories, concepts, principles, rules and values in corporate social responsibility, building on previous work within the programme
  • An advanced awareness, critical understanding of and engagement with legal and policy debates, specifically in the area of corporate social responsibility, and an ability to tie those debates to debates encountered in previous modules.
  • An advanced capacity to synthesise relevant primary and secondary literatures in corporate social responsibility and to use those literatures to formulate new arguments
  • An advanced ability to engage in self-managed, self-directed and intellectually independent research, to reflect on one’s own learning, to solve problems, make decisions, to develop work both as an individual and in collaboration with others as appropriate and to offer evidenced conclusions addressing complex actual or hypothetical problems.
  • An advanced ability to recognise and rank issues in terms of their relevance and importance.
  • An advanced awareness of legal and regulatory regimes and of their impact with regard to corporate social responsibility building on previous work within the programme
  • An ability to use information technologies for communication, data retrieval and analysis as appropriate to the module
  • Engagement with one’s own personal and professional development and academic integrity

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  LAW7807

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Advanced Issues in Medical Law and Ethics (20 credits)

  ×

  Advanced Issues in Medical Law and Ethics

  Overview

  This module will familiarise students with the law on medical law and ethics. There will be a particular focus on current issues in the area.

  Learning Outcomes

  • Knowledge and understanding of the ideas underpinning research and development of medical law and ethics.
  • Familiarity with legal frameworks applicable to the practice of medicine.
  • Understanding of the application of the theoretical constructs and legal frameworks to ‘real world’ cases and scenarios in the area of medicine.

  Skills

  • Detailed knowledge of governance and regulation as it pertains to medicine.
  • Advanced appreciation of the theoretical frameworks through which the relevant scholarship might be advanced.
  • Ability to evaluate complex policy and legal evidence.
  • Ability to apply legal doctrines and frameworks in the subject area.
  • Effective oral communication skills.
  • Advanced written skills.
  • Ability to be self-directed and exercise initiative.
  • Ability to think critically, creatively and holistically.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  LAW7840

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

Entrance requirements

Graduate
Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Law, Social Sciences, Humanities or a cognate discipline.

Exemption from these requirements may be considered for those applicants who hold a Master's degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) OR for those applicants with a 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) along with a minimum of 2 years relevant experience.

Admission under Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) may be considered for this course. The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 11th August 2023 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

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English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

Career Prospects

Introduction
Graduates have found jobs in the UN, the EU and the Council of Europe, as well as statutory bodies and a wide range of international and national NGOs. Others have found the LLM to constitute an extremely valuable addition to their work as legal professionals. Furthermore, this Masters provides an excellent basis for further study towards a research degree such as a PhD, which in turn may lead on to an academic career.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

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Entry requirements

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Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£6,980
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£6,980
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£8,360
EU Other 3	£19,100
International	£19,100

¹ EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2023-24, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

International Human Rights Law costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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