LLM Law - Human Rights Law

  • LLM

Overview

The LLM Human Rights Law offers in-depth study of global human rights legal frameworks. You will explore international and regional institutions and mechanisms, as well as specialised areas like employment law, health law and migration law, with a variety of optional units to choose from.

Opening doors to a wide range of careers in human rights law, policy, research and beyond, this programme develops crucial analytical, communication and research skills valued by top employers.

Our programmes are well respected by leading law firms, with Bristol ranking within the top UK universities for employer reputation for law and legal studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). The University of Bristol is ranked 54th in the world and 9th in the UK for Law (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026).

Choosing a postgraduate law degree from the University of Bristol, ranked third in the UK for legal research excellence (THE analysis of REF 2021), means engaging in a rigorous, research-rich curriculum that will make you stand out to employers.

You will be challenged and inspired by academics from the globally renowned Human Rights Implementation Centre, with opportunities to gain knowledge and practical experience in human rights law through distinctive projects and participation in the Human Rights Law Clinic, applying your learning to real-world cases. Our alumna, Raeesa Rajmohamed, has written a blog about her experience working at the University of Bristol Law School’s Human Rights Law Clinic, and how it allows students to gain first-hand practical experience, which provides confidence and key skills for a career in the field of human rights.

Programme structure

Our vibrant international community and diverse teaching methods enrich the LLM experience at the University of Bristol. You’ll engage with course materials and benefit from regular, in-depth interaction with tutors who are leaders in their fields, as well as with your peers, through a blend of lectures, seminars, bespoke skills workshops and structured independent learning.

Our wide range of optional units reflect the expertise of our globally renowned academics, allowing you to further specialise your degree. As part of this programme, you will take four units and a compulsory dissertation.

  • You will study Human Rights in Law, Politics and Society. This will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to explore both the theory and practice of human rights critically. It will complement other units you may be studying or have studied that explore themes related to human rights and international law more generally.
  • Optional unit selection typically includes Individual Employment Rights, General Principles of International Law, Environmental Law and World Trade Law, amongst others.
  • You can choose between an innovative group dissertation pathway or an individual dissertation research project, allowing you to develop key employability skills such as teamwork, or individual project planning and management. You’ll be supervised by an expert in the field and supported through a tailored programme of development activities to help you succeed in your chosen pathway.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our LLM Human Rights Law. 

Entry requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in Law

OR

an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent non-law degree in a related field, such as Politics or International Relations.

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will also consider your application if your subject is not listed above, if you have evidence of significant academic or professional experience (at least 12 months, paid) in fields including, but not limited to: international organisations, government departments, NGOs or think tanks.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.

We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.

If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have a relevant postgraduate qualification.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

Home: full-time
£15,700 per year
Home: part-time
£7,850 per year
Overseas: full-time
£29,400 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding and scholarships

Information about funding and scholarships can be found on the University of Bristol Law School funding webpages. This includes information about the Law School's Think Big about Law and Justice Scholarships, open to international postgraduate students.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Graduating from a world-leading university, ranked 51st in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026), opens doors to careers in international and European organisations such as the UN and European Commission, as well as roles in governments, think tanks, NGOs and other agencies. Some graduates also pursue further study or research roles.

You can expect to:

  • Develop and deepen your understanding of human rights law.
  • Build transferable skills.
  • Receive a springboard into a diverse range of careers.
  • Benefit from boosted prospects for those already working in related fields.
  • Begin your journey towards a career in research.

Our LLM Human Rights Law graduates pursue diverse careers in law, policy and social impact. They take up legal advisory roles with organisations such as the UN, Leigh Day and DAC Beachcroft; work in government and policy, including the European Commission and UK Ministry of Justice; contribute to NGOs and charities; or continue into postgraduate study and academic teaching at leading universities in the UK and internationally.

The University of Bristol Law School provides students with careers information and guidance, dedicated Law Employability support and access to mentoring schemes with alumni across the world. Explore our careers and employability webpages for more information about the support and opportunities we provide during your studies.

Read our Law student blogs to learn more about student life and the careers our graduates go on to after graduation.