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 |
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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
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.
Compulsory Modules
Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
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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 |
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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? |
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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 |
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6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
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...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. | Seminars, library tuition, essays, dissertation. | The programme uses a variety of forms and methods of assessment and feedback appropriate to its intended learning outcomes: |
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
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...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. | Seminar papers, with oral and/or written feedback. | Coursework |
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
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...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. | - Transferable skills permeate every activity within the programme content and assessment - essays, dissertation, presentations, word processing and other IT skills. | 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 |
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22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
Origin Date | 01/02/2008 |
Date of last revision | 21/02/2013 |
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