International Law and Human Rights Keele University

Overview

International Law and Human Rights from Keele University programme encompasses a wide range of important themes and will enhance your understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks of human rights, their historical origins, and the theoretical foundations underpinning human rights norms.

Key facts

You will gain a solid understanding of the principles of international law, developing both practical and theoretical knowledge of its role, nature, and function, and how it differs from domestic legal systems and functions as a distinct legal framework.

There is a comprehensive exploration of international human rights law and its theoretical foundations. You’ll examine key concepts such as justice, the nature of rights, and the limits of rights protection, while also analysing specific legal protections in areas like gender, disability, asylum, environmental justice, and modern slavery. This provides you with a critical and practical understanding of how human rights are defined, defended, and challenged in today’s global context.

A supervised research dissertation on an agreed topic within the field or specialism of international human rights law will enhance your research and analytical skills, as well as subject knowledge.

Optional modules on the programme allow you to align your studies with specific areas of interest. You could explore the development and enforcement of international environmental and climate law, with a focus on climate justice and global regulation, or study international law in relation to security and warfare, focusing on humanitarian law such as the Geneva Conventions and its role in addressing the consequences of conflict, including the rules on refugees. You'll also examine contemporary political issues, analysing their root causes, responses, and the barriers to effective solutions.