Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW3214: Human Rights Law

This module descriptor refers to the 2022/3 academic year.

Module Aims

With this 30-credit module, you will develop a solid knowledge of human rights law as well as critical analysis of case law and a detailed knowledge of some of the most important human rights. Whilst the module employs an analytical approach and is heavily case based, it cannot be approached in a ‘black letter’ way. Discussions in class will be based on your reading and thinking about the challenging issues which have come before the courts, and how human rights protections were used (or not) to resolve them. From time to time you will be required to read a wider range of sources from other social sciences and the humanities to fully appreciate the challenging context of the subject.

In terms of employment opportunities, the module is relevant to:

  • students who wish to work for international organisations, non-governmental organisations or public bodies;
  • future lawyers (e.g. barristers or solicitors) who wish to gain an area of legal knowledge highly relevant for many areas of practice or are thinking of working pro-bono; and anyone entertaining an academic career.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate detailed understanding of the nature and practice of human rights laws (Human Rights Act and ECHR) and mechanisms of protection/enforcement;
2. demonstrate a detailed and critical understanding of certain aspects of the law relating to human rights;
3. demonstrate the ability to identify, explain, critically evaluate, and compare key issues in human rights law.
Discipline-Specific Skills4. apply legal knowledge and understanding to a task and to suggest a conclusion supported by relevant argument and authority;
5. select, integrate and present relevant law and legal argument coherently and reflectively;
Personal and Key Skills6. demonstrate the ability to present, coherently and reflectively, relevant legal and theoretical arguments;
7. demonstrate the ability to work independently and to manage time efficiently in preparing for scheduled learning activities and assessments;
8. identify, retrieve and use efficiently a range of legal resources with minimum guidance;
9. work independently and manage time efficiently in preparing for scheduled activities, including seminars, and formative and summative assessments.