This programme will provide you with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the far-reaching impact of international law on international relations, with a special emphasis on human rights issues and their relevance to domestic law.
The Liverpool Law School is one of the oldest law departments in the UK and has a prestigious international reputation. We strive for social relevance and to influence public debate and policy at the local, national, European and international levels.
On your LLM you will be joining a cohort of diverse, international and ambitious students and taught by world-leading experts in international human rights law. Teaching is delivered in an interactive, participatory and inclusive way, with extensive support from small-group teaching and online learning platforms.
All students are given our specialised Legal Research Training which will develop your legal writing skills and enhance your research and presentation skills.
We offer an exciting range of extra-curricular and careers opportunities to produce well-rounded, employable graduates. This includes internships, pro bono projects, and talks and workshops from exciting speakers such as practising lawyers and judges who have played significant roles in uncovering miscarriages of justice or reforming the law.
This master’s is suitable for graduates of Law or a relevant degree subject such as Political Science, Sociology, Philosophy, International Relations, Banking, Management Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics who have an interest and want to pursue a career in human rights in domestic, European and international law.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
All students must take Legal Research Training and the Dissertation module (60 credits). You must select at least 3 taught specialist modules to the value of 60 credits from the list of module specialisms (see below). These required modules may vary slightly from year to year, and are chosen because of their particular contemporary relevance to the specialism of International Human Rights Law.
The remaining 60 credits may be taken from any master’s programme offered by the school. This includes modules in Business and Commercial Law and Medicine and Healthcare Law. Optional modules are also available on methodology topics such as Socio-Legal Methods, Socio-Legal Theory, Quantitative Methods, Interviewing, Observation, and Focus Groups.
Your dissertation is researched and written during semester 3. The process of preparing the dissertation is supported by legal research training in semester 1, by a dissertation workshop and library training in semester 2, and by individual supervision during semester 3.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (LAW540) | 60 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS (LAW511) | 20 |
| PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW (LAW563) | 20 |
| INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY (LAW564) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
All students must take Legal Research Training and the Dissertation module (60 credits). You must select at least 3 taught specialist modules to the value of 60 credits from the list of module specialisms (see below). These required modules may vary slightly from year to year, and are chosen because of their particular contemporary relevance to the specialism of International Human Rights Law.
The remaining 60 credits may be taken from any master’s programme offered by the school. This includes modules in Business and Commercial Law and Medicine and Healthcare Law. Optional modules are also available on methodology topics such as Socio-Legal Methods, Socio-Legal Theory, Quantitative Methods, Interviewing, Observation, and Focus Groups.
Your dissertation is researched and written during semester 3. The process of preparing the dissertation is supported by legal research training in semester 1, by a dissertation workshop and library training in semester 2, and by individual supervision during semester 3.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (LAW540) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Your dissertation is researched and written during semester 3.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (LAW540) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching methods depend upon the module but most modules are taught via in-person seminars on campus. Each module will normally have a two-hour weekly seminar for a small group of students. You will have reading and other tasks to prepare for each seminar; independent study is an important part of your learning at this level. Online resources and exercises, group work and presentations all help to ensure that you develop a strong set of transferrable skills.
You will usually study six modules, three modules in each of the first two terms. In the third term, over the Summer, you will complete a dissertation as the final part of your LLM studies.
The assessment of our LLM programme takes different formats according to the learning objectives of the module. Many LLM modules have two assessments: a smaller piece of work, such as a case commentary or plan mid-way through the module, followed by a more substantial essay at the end of the module. For semester one modules, the formal assessment period is January and for semester two modules the assessment period is in May-June.
Your 12,000-word dissertation will be completed during semester 3 (July to September); we provide legal research training and you will have an allocated expert supervisor so you are properly prepared and have support and guidance each step of the way.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
The Liverpool Law School has a proud tradition and over a century’s experience of inspiring and challenging its students to reach their potential.
We have developed excellent longstanding relationships, links and collaborations with the local community, international partners, policymakers and practitioners in the fields of law and social justice.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
The best part of the Law department at Liverpool is the staff. The teaching is excellent. The academics are very approachable and helpful.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Our LLM programme is designed to enhance your academic profile and to ensure that you leave us with highly marketable skills, whatever you decide that market to be.
We organise regular careers events and routinely play host to law firms and other organisations who wish to come and meet our students. There is an annual law fair, giving you the opportunity to meet future legal employers. Academic staff in the Law School and Careers and Employability also offer invaluable careers advice and support.
Every year, our LLM graduates become members of the Inns of Court, secure scholarships for vocational training, and obtain vacation placements, training contracts, and mini-pupillage opportunities from a range of providers. Many have successful careers as members of the legal profession in the UK and overseas including Judges of the Court of Appeal, the High Court and the County Courts.
Past LLM graduates have embarked on a wide variety of professions outside the law as well, in careers within:
This LLM also provides you with an ideal opportunity to gain advanced specialist knowledge in preparation for further postgraduate research.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Part-time place, per year - £5,850
Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Part-time place, per year - £12,050
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting this master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Joining one of our LLM master’s courses in the Liverpool Law School? You could be eligible for one of four bursaries worth up to £1,000. The bursaries are awarded based on previous academic performance and other relevant achievements.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
The qualifications and exam results you’ll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Law (BA or LLB) or a closely related subject, including Political Science, Sociology, Philosophy, International Relations, Banking, Management Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics. Applicants are considered on the basis of academic ability, potential and other relevant considerations are also taken into account. Applicants who have marginally missed the benchmark indicated above are considered on a discretionary basis. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 28 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions