Programme Specification for the 2013/4 academic year

LLM LLM International Human Rights Law

1. Programme Details

Programme name	LLM LLM International Human Rights Law	Programme code	PTL1LAWLAW06
Study mode(s)	Full Time Part Time	Academic year	2013/4
Campus(es)	Streatham (Exeter)	Programme start date	01/02/2008
NQF Level	7 (Masters)

2. Description of the Programme

The one year LLM in International Human Rights Law will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the current legal issues that arise with respect to the protection of human rights at the domestic, regional and international levels and of the characteristic types of legal solutions adopted at all these different levels. It has been developed to allow you to construct a programme appropriate to private practice, corporate or public employment in the field of international human rights law, including international humanitarian law and international criminal law.

As part of the LLM programme you will have the opportunity to visit the institutions of the EU in Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Brussels for a week, usually during the Spring Term. Although not obligatory, this accompanied tour is regarded as an important part of the educational activity of LLM students who are encouraged to participate, as it is an invaluable chance to see at first hand the workings of these institutions. The cost of the tour in 2010 was £365.

Modules are taught through small seminars, enabling all involved to actively engage in discussions and debates and for contributions of staff and students to be well-balanced. The School provides excellent facilities and support including teaching from academics who are experts in the field, a personal tutor and student-staff liaison committee and ourLasok Law Library which is officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Documentation Centre.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

1. To provide students with the opportunity to address the problems and issues of human rights law at national, regional and international levels, taking account of substantive as well as institutional factors.
2. To afford students exposure to several systems of human rights law thereby enabling them to look at and criticise their own and other systems of human rights law from an informed perspective.
3. To enable students to identify, locate and critically appraise legal materials from more than one jurisdiction and also from international sources.
4. To enable students to assimilate extensive legal and nonlegal sources to extract from them the material points, and to make autonomous judgments as to their relevance.
5. To enable students to apply the principles of domestic and international law and legal rules to solve and analyse practical problems in an international context.
6. To encourage students reason logically, supporting the process with authority.
7. To provide students with the necessary intellectual and practical legal skills, such as analysis, problemsolving and legal reasoning, to enable them independently to achieve an understanding of any branch of international human rights law even if they had not previously studied it.
8. To provide students with the opportunity to enhance and develop their writing skills by completing a dissertation and their oral communication skills by presenting seminar papers.
9. To prepare students for employment in private practice, corporate or public employment relating to international public law generally and international human rights law more specifically by developing their transferable and problembased learning skills.

4. Programme Structure

The LLM in International Human Rights Law is delivered over three terms and is University-based throughout this time. The taught components of the degree are delivered over the first and second terms leaving the third term and most of the summer to research, write and submit your dissertation. You may take the LLM in International Human Rights Law either full-time (over one year) or part-time (over two years).

During the programme you will be required to study modules and write a dissertation totalling 180 credits. The dissertation is worth 60 credits and you must write this in the area of International Human Rights Law. Of the remaining 120 credits you must take 60 credits from a core set of modules listed below. Of the remaining 60 credits, you may take your choice of the core modules listed below; you may take any of the other modules offered by the Law School, or you may choose from any other modules offered by the College of Social Sciences and International Studies or other Colleges within the University (subject to approval).

Please note that programme structure and options are subject to timetabling and may change.

Part Time Study:

Part-time study is possible only if you live in the Exeter area as attendance at seminars is compulsory. Part-time study over a longer period is possible by negotiation with the School.

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site

You may take option modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the College web site.

1) Study tour of the United Nations, Geneva

The core of the International Human Rights Law module is a one week trip to Geneva to attend a variety of UN-committee sessions. The aim of the trip is for you to gain a first-hand experience of the work of the UN. The tour also provides you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful city of Geneva, the international UN capital.

During the tour you will have the opportunity to attend committee sessions, joining the delegation, NGOs and committee members in the committee chambers. You may also be able to meet with some committee members for a private briefing on the work of their committee. The tour enables you to experience the practical side of human rights law, to see the work of the Secretariat, and to learn about opportunities to work or intern with the UN in human rights.

2) Tour of the European Union and European Community Institutions

3rd - 9th February 2013

This one week tour, offered by the School of Law, presents a fantastic opportunity to see at first hand the workings of the institutions of the European Union and European Community in Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Brussels.

Places are limited to 40 and are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Tour programme

We aim to try and visit most of the following institutions in addition to allowing you free time to explore the cities.

Strasbourg

The Council of Europe
European Court of Human Rights
European Parliament

Luxembourg

Court of Justice of the European Communities
European Investment Bank

Brussels

European Commission
Committee of the Regions
European Economic and Social Committee
Council of the European Union (Council of Ministers)

Costs

Approximately £370 per person which includes:

Outward travel: Eurostar from London - Strasbourg
Return travel: Eurostar from Brussels - London
Six nights bed and breakfast accommodation sharing twin bedded rooms (two nights in Strasbourg, one night in Luxembourg, three nights in Brussels)
Transport by coach between Strasbourg - Luxembourg - Brussels
At least two group lunches
Travel insurance

Please note: transport to and from London, transport in Strasbourg, drink and meals en route, plus lunches and dinner during the tour are excluded from the price, with the exception of two or three lunches.

Stage 1

Programme structure

Please note that programme structure and options are subject to timetabling and may change.

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
LAWM640	Dissertation	60	Yes
LAWM671	International Human Rights Law	30	No

Optional Modules

You will choose a number of either 30 or 15 credit optional modules, to a total of 90 credits, from a regularly updated selection. Recent modules are shown below.

Optional modules

You will choose a number of either 30 or 15 credit optional modules, to a total of 90 credits, from a regularly updated selection. Recent modules are shown below.

Modules	Credits	Delivery
Socio-Legal Research Skills	30	Terms 1 and 2
International Humanitarian Law	15	Term 1
International Criminal Law - Institutions	15	Term 1
International Refugee Law	15	Term 1
Censorship, Markets and Human Rights	15	Term 1
Land Law and the Political	15	Term 1
Approaches to Research in Law (ESRC)	15	Term 1
International Criminal Law in Practice - The Hague Trip	15	Term 1
European Convention on Human Rights	15	Term 1
International Legal Theories	15	Term 1
Human Rights and the UN - Study Trip	15	Term 2
Human Rights and International Business Policy	15	Term 2
Human Dignity and European Constitutionalism	15	Term 2
International Criminal Law - Crimes and Criminal Responsibility	15	Term 2
Immigrants and Refugees in the European Union	15	Term 2
Violence, Law and Crime	15	Term 2

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
LAWM684	International Humanitarian Law	15	No
LAWM652	International Criminal Law - Crimes against Humanity and Genocide	15	No
LAWM672	International Refugee Law	15	No
LAWM058	Censorship, Markets and Human Rights	15	No
LAWM056	Land Law and the Political	15	No
LAWM686	Approaches to Research in Law	15	No
LAWM703	International Criminal Law in Practice-The Hague Trip	15	No
LAWM704	Human Rights and the United Nations-Study Trip	15	No
LAWM670	European Convention On Human Rights	30	No
LAWM631	Human Rights and International Business Policy (MRes in Socio-Legal Research programme)	15	No
LAWM052	Human dignity and European constitutionalism	15	No
LAWM653	International Criminal Law - War Crimes against Crimes against Peace	15	No
LAWM635	Immigrants and Refugees in EU	15	No
LAWM055	Violence, Law and Crime	15	No
LAWM060	International Criminal Law - Institutions	15	No
LAWM008	European Convention On Human Rights	15	No
LAWM061	International Criminal Law - Crimes and Criminal Responsibility	15	No
LAWM062	International Legal Theories	15	No
LAWM687	Socio-Legal Research Skills	30	No

Total Credits for Stage 1	180

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
	...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
1. demonstrate a thorough knowledge and a critical understanding of key elements of national, regional and international human rights law. 2. follow and understand current developments in national, regional and international human rights law. 3. apply the principles of law and legal rules to solve and analyse practical problems in an international human rights law context. 4. analyse, evaluate and interpret the principal source materials of national, regional and international law relevant to human rights law. 5. understand and explain the interaction between different subject areas in International Human Rights Law as well as the interaction between national, regional and international human rights law 6. have an understanding of some of the relevant social, economic, political and cultural contexts within which international (including regional) and domestic Human Rights Law operates.	Seminars, library tuition, essays, dissertation. Oral and written feedback.	The programme uses a variety of forms and methods of assessment and feedback appropriate to its intended learning outcomes: Assessed essays, with written feedback. Dissertation, with written feedback.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
	...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
7. identify, locate and retrieve legal materials at both domestic and supranational level in paper, electronic and online form. 8. apply national and supranational legal knowledge to a practical situation of limited complexity and to draw reasoned and arguable conclusions from it, supported by legal authority and sound and logical argument. 9. know and practise the principles and techniques of advanced and autonomous research. 10. synthesise information from a number of primary and secondary legal and other sources; appreciate their relative value; and separate the relevant from the peripheral: understand the interaction between 2 or 3 levels of regulation. 11. make a critical judgement of the merits of particular arguments and make a reasoned choice between alternative solutions or arguments. 12. work independently in planning and undertaking assignments. 13. research the law independently.	Seminar papers, with oral and/or written feedback. Presentations, with oral and/or written feedback. Essays, with written feedback. Word processing and other information technology.	Coursework (formative assessment), with oral and/or written feedback. Assessed essays, with written feedback. Dissertation providing evidence in writing of the student's skills, knowledge and capacity to critically evaluate as independent learner. Written feedback is given on the dissertation.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
	...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
14. manage time effectively and prioritise tasks by working to strict deadlines. 15. take responsibility for one's own learning by planning and managing tasks with limited guidance; identifying their own resources and seeking and making use of feedback. 16. perform assigned academic tasks and coordinate them with other students'. 17. work effectively as part of a team in producing and presenting seminar papers. 18. communicate effectively to others when participating in seminar discussions. 19. evaluate and assess his or her own abilities performance and understanding, to reflect on his or her own learning and to seek advice and feedback. 20. use some electronic information management tools, such as word processing, email, the internet and some other electronic retrieval systems. 21. utilise problemsolving skills in theoretical or practical contexts. 22. be aware of key career opportunities and the need for forward planning.	- Transferable skills permeate every activity within the programme content and assessment - essays, dissertation, presentations, word processing and other IT skills. - A distinctive feature of the programme is its emphasis on researchbased assessment methods (essays, dissertation) rather than formal written exams. The programme involves the students in both independent study and group work in the form of seminar discussions and presentations. As the students come from various jurisdictions, their learning takes place in a comparative perspective.	See above.

7. Programme Regulations

University Regulations on the number of credits to be taken and at what level for each stage of the programme can be found in the Credit and Qualifications Framework.

Progression

Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit. Regulations on condonement can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

Assessment and Awards

For undergraduate degrees assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. Details of the weightings for each year of all programme lengths can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes and the classification of awards can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

You can also read details of Generic Marking Criteria.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic Tutoring

It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you with individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support fo the duration of your programme, and this support extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information on the College Personal Tutoring system, library provision, ELE resources and access to College support services can be found on the College webpages for current students.

Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)

SSLCs enable students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Learning Resources

The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.

IT Services

A wide range of IT services are provided throughout the Exeter campuses, including open-access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Student Support Services

The University provides many support services including health and wellbeing, multifaith chaplaincy, family support, the Students' Guild and international student support.

10. Admissions Criteria

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Candidates for undergraduate programmes must satisfy the undergraduate admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data to review the quality of education provision. The College documents the performance in each of its tuaght programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Student Experience Review (ASER).

Subject areas are reviewed every five years through a College Academic Audit scheme that includes external contributions.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

College of Social Sciences and International Studies (CSSIS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

Not applicable

18. Final Award

LLM LLM International Human Rights Law

19. UCAS Code

C841

20. NQF Level of Final Award

7 (Masters)

21. Credit

CATS credits	180	ECTS credits	90

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date	01/02/2008	Date of last revision	21/02/2013