LLM in Human Rights Law

 

The LLM Human Rights Law programme is being offered by the Transitional Justice Institute (TJI) in conjunction with the School of Law at both the Jordanstown and Magee campuses.  Apply Online This programme has been developed to enable students to: Gain an in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and practical application of human rights, with particular reference to conflicted and transitional societies. Develop skills highly relevant to employment in the public, private and voluntary sectors.  Gain knowledge and skills in carrying out research projects from the design to write-up stage.  Enhance your skills in critically appraising published and commissioned research.  Develop skills in commissioning appropriate research and evaluation studies. Unique Selling Points This programme enables students to: Gain unique insights into the legal protection of rights in transitional situations, while studying in a developed society currently in a process of transition.  The Transitional Justice Institute in Northern Ireland is uniquely placed to deliver an effective and stimulating programme of study in this area.  Take advantage of the opportunities to specialise in identified areas e.g. human rights, transitional justice, peace and conflict research in divided societies.  Enhance the skills you need for working with human rights in a range ofsectors.  Opportunity to take up an internship with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (one student per semester).

Programme Content LLM in Human Rights Law (180 credit points) Students must complete the following 3 compulsory modules: Foundations in International Human Rights Law (30 credit points) Foundations of Transitional Justice (30 credit points)  Dissertation (60 credit points) and 4 further half-modules (15 credit points each) selected from the following options: Political Violence, ‘Wars on Terror’ and the Law Policing and Human Rights The Politics of Memory Gender and Political Transition Economic, Social & Cultural Rights Equality Law Globalization, Development & Human Rights Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Transitions from Conflict: Law and Politics Minority Rights, Indigenous Peoples, & Human Rights Law

Mode of Attendance Modules will be taught through a combination of early-evening classes and day-long block sessions (depending on the options chosen), and applications from part-time students are welcomed.     Full time - 3 semesters (1 year)     Part-time - 6 semesters (2 years) The compulsory modules must be studied in Semester 1 of each year. Full-time students study 60 credit points per semester (the two core modules in semester 1; four optional modules in semester 2, and the dissertation module in semester 3).  Part-time students study 30 credit points per semester (Foundations of International Human Rights Law in Semester 1, Year 1, and Foundations of Transitional Justice in semester 1, year 2; two optional modules in semester 2, years 1 and 2; and the dissertation module in semester 3, year 2).

Entry Requirements Applicants must have at least a second class honours degree in Law, or be able to demonstrate an equivalent standard through a primary third level degree in another discipline in combination with either a relevant post-graduate degree or diploma, or relevant and demonstrable experience in human rights law and/or legal advocacy. In exceptional circumstances, applicants may also be considered for admission if they can provide evidence of substantial and significant experiential learning. Applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English minimum IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550. Applications should ordinarily be received by Monday 30 June 2008, though applications received after this date may be considered. Apply Online   Registration: The programme will begin in September of each academic year. Students may register to complete the LLM at either Jordanstown or Magee campus.

Internship opportunities LLM students may apply for three prestigious internships. These are with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, the Law Centre (NI), and Disability Action. The internships last for a period of 10 weeks with up to one student per semester being selected following a competitive application process. The internships run from October to December, or March to June. The TJI also works to encourage and facilitate other international internships. Careers and Postgraduate Opportunities The course is relevant to legal practice and to policy, research and advocacy roles in the voluntary, public and private sectors within the UK and Ireland and internationally. Successful completion also opens up a range of further study and research options. Students gain experience in all aspects of legal research, from design to write-up, and develop the skills necessary to critically appraise published and commissioned research.   A number of former graduates have gone on to pursue doctoral research. Others have taken up employment with human rights advocacy groups/NGOs or in legal practice (having taken the necessary professional exams). Many past and current part-time students are established professionals already working in local government or the criminal justice sector.

Scholarships for International Applicants Postgraduate scholarships to the value of £2000 are available for overseas applicants who are accepted on to all full-time postgraduate taught programmes starting in September 2008. In addition, it is likely that a small number of scholarships (in the region of £1000) will be offered on competitive basis by the TJI. All international applicants to the LLM programme will be informed of this opportunity as soon as details can be confirmed.   Further possible external funding sources are listed at both http://www.ulster.ac.uk/international/prospective/scholarships.html, and http://www.transitionaljustice.ulster.ac.uk//events_news/llmfundingopportunities.html   Further information for international applicants can be found at: http://www.ulster.ac.uk/international/prospective/index.html

Further Information For further information on the LLM contact the Transitional Justice Institute: T: 028 7137 5146 E: e.carlin@ulster.ac.uk W: www.transitionaljustice.ulster.ac.uk.