Course Content
This three or six month course covers the breadth of international human rights standards and systems. Participants will take four compulsory seminar modules as well as LLM lecture modules.
Our courses are led by Professor David Harris, former member of the European Committee of Social Rights and Professor Michael O'Flaherty, member of the UN Human Rights Committee.
The Short Course on International Human Rights Law starts in September and January. A six month version is also available, which includes either a three month internship at a non-governmental organisation (NGO) or in the Human Rights Law Centre, or further research study in the Centre.
Induction Programme (Seminar)
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Study Techniques
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Human Rights Treaties, Cases and Materials
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Using IT in human rights research
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Use of library resources
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Meetings with personal tutor
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Introduction to HRLC projects and staff
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Presentation techniques
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Welcome and networking event.
International Human Rights Law
This module covers the UN human rights treaties and declarations and the work of the UN Human Rights Council and UN human rights treaty monitoring bodies and Special Procedures. Emphasis is placed on giving an up-to-date account of the cases and other practice of the UN and regional bodies that interpret and apply these treaties. Emphasis will be placed on the most recent developments in the practice and reform of international human rights systems. Typical seminars include:
There are also seminars on the regional human rights systems. Typical seminars include:
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European Convention on Human Rights
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American Convention on Human Rights
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African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
LL.M Modules
Participants also take modules from the prestigious LLM programme. The School of Law is ranked in the top five UK Law Schools, receiving an ‘Excellent’ ranking in the latest national Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). Our Professors and Lecturers are widely recognised to be world-leading experts in their disciplines. Typical modules would include:
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Access to Justice in International Law
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Counter-Terrorism and International Law
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Criminal Law and Globalisation
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European Law of Human Rights
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Fair Trials, Human Rights and Criminal Justice
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Foundations of International Criminal Justice
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Gender, Sexuality and Human Rights
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Governance of the European Union
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Human Rights Protection in the UK
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Imprisonment and Human Rights
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International and Comparative Penal Law and Human Rights
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International Criminal Law: Institutions
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International Criminal Law: Substantive Law and Process
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International Human Rights Field Operations: Law in Practice
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International Humanitarian Law
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Introduction to International Human Rights Law
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International Protection of Refugees and Internally Displaced People
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Issues in Human Rights Law
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Mental Disability and International Human Rights
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Post-Conflict Situations and International Law
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The Rights of the Child
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World Trade Organisation Law and Policy
Attendance at HRLC human rights lectures, seminars and conferences
Short Course participants are invited to attend the regular HRLC programmes, in addition to other ad hoc events that occur throughout the year:
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Annual Conference November
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Paragon Lecture, December
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Spring Lecture, January/February
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Student Conference, March
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Human Rights Film Series, every other Wednesday
Visits to local and national institutions and NGO's
Visits to institutions and NGO’s provide participants to engage with practitioners, in their work setting, experiencing the realities of prison life and management, witnessing a criminal hearing in the Criminal Court, meeting magistrates, police, prosecutors and NGO’s. A visit to the University of Cambridge is also organised. Typical visits include:
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Nottingham Criminal Courts
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A prison visit
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A local NGO visit
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University of Cambridge visit
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Optional 3-day visit to Geneva (at additional cost)
Research Paper (Optional)
Students have the opportunity to research and write a short research paper on a subject of their choice. The paper will be submitted towards the end of the programme.
Certificate of Attendance
Short Course students will receive a certificate of attendance, accredited by the University of Nottingham Human Rights Law Centre.