Manchester Metropolitan University
LLM International Human Rights and Inequalities
Manchester, United Kingdom
LLM
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* fees for this course have yet to be confirmed and will be updated shortly
Are you passionate about social justice, global equality and international legal reform?
Developed and delivered by Manchester Law School’s leading researchers, this course offers a unique blend of theory, practice and critical engagement. It goes beyond conventional legal education by exploring the relationship between human rights, inequality and justice on a global scale.
You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of international human rights law, international criminal law and legal responses to inequality. Our innovative curriculum, global perspective and strong connections with industry experts and NGOs will prepare you for impactful careers in the legal profession, international advocacy or further academic research.
With a commitment to digital legal skills, authentic learning and a future-facing curriculum, this LLM is an ideal choice for those seeking to create meaningful change.
Features and benefits
- Interdisciplinary curriculum - This course offers a distinctive, critical approach that connects international human rights law with global inequalities and justice. We offer you a holistic understanding of legal frameworks in relation to real-word social and political challenges.
- Taught by experts, informed by research - You’ll be taught by experts who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research. The course draws knowledge from our Equalities and Human Rights research group, ensuring you benefit from the latest academic and practical developments.
- Real-world learning and networking opportunities - Our co-curricular programme includes masterclasses and events with leading organisations like Amnesty International. These opportunities enable you to build professional networks and gain insight into real-world legal practice.
- Practical and research-based assessments - You can tailor your final project by choosing between an extended dissertation, a research project or two independent essays, and all modules are coursework-based, promoting deep engagement and practical application of knowledge.
- Digital legal skills and future-facing education - The course embeds digital research and legal skills, preparing you for the evolving demands of the legal profession. This ensures you are digitally fluent and confident in engaging with contemporary legal tools and frameworks.
- Strong graduate employability - Through links with third-sector organisations and structured employability sessions, this course provides clear pathways into careers in human rights law, NGOs, government agencies or further academic study.
Course information
This course offers a distinctive and dynamic approach to studying international law, inequalities and justice. You’ll engage with three core subject modules: international human rights law, international criminal law and inequalities and justice. These modules explore the workings of the UN human rights system, war crimes and genocide and contemporary social injustices, providing a rich foundation in legal theory and practice.
The course also includes training in research skills and design, focusing on digital legal research and critical thinking. You’ll then complete an advanced independent study module, which may take the form of a dissertation, research project or two in-depth research essays. An optional 15-credit module in the second semester will give you the opportunity to further tailor the course to your interests.
What sets this course apart is its interdisciplinary and practice-oriented approach. Your teaching will be directly informed by active research and delivered by national and international experts. The taught elements of the course are supported by an extensive co-curricular offering, including masterclasses, pro bono work and networking events with key partners such as Amnesty International and the Greater Manchester Law Centre.
Our LLM aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring you engage with global challenges like gender equality, reduced inequalities and the promotion of peace and justice. The course content is globally focused, digitally engaged and socially relevant, preparing you to become a future leader in human rights and social justice fields.
Year 1
This course is taught in one year full-time, from September to September or January to January, and two years part-time. Please note, if you wish to study the part-time course, you’ll need to start the course in September.
During your LLM studies you’ll complete:
- Three subject modules
- Two research modules
- One optional module
- Advanced independent study module
Please note, available option modules will be confirmed in due course.
Your academic learning will be complemented by numerous co-curricular activities such as masterclasses, networking opportunities and pro bono work.
You can also choose to engage in activities provided through the university’s Rise programme, which provides you with opportunities to undertake additional training and qualifications such as carbon literacy and Microsoft and Adobe certifications. You could also apply to join our Environmental Impacts of Technologies within the Legal Profession project or volunteer your time within the Law School’s Pro Bono Network.
Core modules
- International Human Rights
- International Criminal Law
- Inequalities and Justice
- Research Skills
- Research Design
- Advanced Independent Study (Law)
Many of our LLM students go on to work with NGOs, legal firms, international organisations or government bodies engaged in human rights, criminal justice and social policy.
This LLM opens doors to meaningful, socially conscious legal careers dedicated to driving change. When you graduate from the course, you’ll be well prepared for a range of impactful careers in both domestic and international contexts. The course’s critical and applied approach equips you with the legal knowledge, research capabilities and digital skills sought after in global human rights work.
You may also choose to pursue further academic study, including PhDs in law or social justice-related disciplines. With strong links to leading organisations such as Amnesty International, the Home Office and Rainbow Migration, this course offers valuable networking opportunities and employability support through specialist sessions and real-world legal experiences. Participation in Manchester Law School’s pro bono and mooting programmes will further enhance your professional development.
Study
- Full-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
- Part-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
Assessment
- Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Part-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination