Postgraduate taught
We encourage small group teaching
As a postgraduate student on one of our taught Masters courses (LLM), you
will have the chance to study with renowned legal experts in a school of law
with an international reputation for research.
We provide a uniquely international perspective with our students coming from
around the world to study at Essex and our research strengths breaking through
national boundaries, including international human rights and the laws of the
European Union.
Our carefully tailored programmes combine high-calibre speakers and expert
presentations to give you an exceptional learning experience.
We also encourage a flow of ideas across our LLM courses so you can choose
options from one of the other LLM courses we provide where relevant.
Our LLM courses
Summary of Postgraduate Taught courses.
Full details of all courses are available on our course finder
"Our lecturers are renowned and well respected in the field, several
are highly active as a result of their appointments at the United Nations in
high profile positions, yet easily accessible when you need them.
“I enjoy the global feel that my class has as I am studying with people from
varied backgrounds; there is a former magistrate and several attorneys from
different fields. This means I learn something new every day whether legal,
social or otherwise." Luciana Ramsay, St Catherine, Jamaica - LLM Human Rights
Law
Discover more
postgraduate student profiles
Inspired by excellence in human rights
All our courses are unique, but all benefit from the experience and good
practices of our world-renowned LLM International Human Rights Law,
founded by the School of Law in 1982.
This world-ranking LLM course benefits from the expertise of some of the most
important and well-respected figures in global human rights scholarship and
practice. The LLM UK Public Law, LLM Health Care Law and Human Rights, LLM Human Rights and Humanitarian Law all have strong
academic links with the LLM International Human Rights Law and the new
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which will be running from 2013-2014.
Outstanding legal research and partnerships
In the last Research Assessment Exercise in 2008, 90 per cent of our research
was ranked as "internationally recognised", "internationally excellent" or
"world-leading" and many of our academics are recognised as leaders in their
field.
- Our Health Care and Human Rights LLM benefits from the
expertise of the international health and human rights team
established by Professor Paul Hunt, UN Special Rapporteur on the
Right to Health between 2002 and 2009.
- Our UK Human Rights and Public Law LLM draws on the
expertise of Professor Maurice Sunkin, currently lead researcher
on a Nuffield Foundation project looking into the impact of
judicial review.
- Our International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
LLM builds on the strong relationships developed over many years
by School of Law academics with organisations working in the
field. For example, Professor Francoise Hampson's and Dr
Noam Lubell's work with the
International Committee of the Red Cross and Professor Geoff
Gilbert's work with the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees.
- Other world-renowned experts at our School include Professor
Steve Peers and Dr Marios Koutsias for European data protection
and privacy, Dr Audrey Guinchard for cybercrime and Dr Chris
Marsden for the Internet, media and telecoms regulation and
competition.
Research interests of staff
Innovative law programmes
- Our LLM Internet Law is at the cutting-edge of this
fast-evolving legal field. Students enjoy research-led teaching
by eminent experts in such diverse areas as European
Broadcasting Law and Policy and intellectual property in the
electronic environment.
- Our European Union Law LLM offers a dynamic programme
where issues concerning enlargement, external relations, human
rights in the New Europe, competition and intellectual property
are brought to the fore.
- Our International Trade Law LLM has a strong emphasis on
issues of investment and finance. Core and optional modules are
taught by leading legal academic experts and practitioners in
these fields. From the beginning an important focus of this
international trade law course has been international
arbitration.
Putting your legal knowledge into action
You will have numerous opportunities to put what you are studying directly
into action. The Human Rights Clinic at our Human Rights Centre offers you the
chance to become involved in its work including litigation. You can support the
work of our Essex Business and Human Rights Project as it undertakes advocacy
and consultancy work. Our Essex Transitional Justice Network also provides
numerous opportunities to get involved in interdisciplinary projects.
We offer those on our LLM International Human Rights Law and LLM
International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law a broad range of opportunities.
Thanks to strong links with Colchester Garrison our students work with officers
from the UK's Rapid Reaction Force, 16th Air Assault Brigade at our SimulEx
event. This investigates humanitarian and military issues surrounding conflict
and post-conflict situations.
Find a course
Use our course finder to find the right course for you. Our courses allow you to
demonstrate your academic potential in a research-intensive environment, while
developing the knowledge and skills required for a successful graduate career.
Find a scholarship
Use our scholarship finder to find the right funding for you. Scholarships and
bursaries are available to support talented students, ensuring we remain
accessible to all with the potential to succeed, regardless of your financial circumstances.
Find a PhD
Use our research finder to find the right PhD for you. Studying for your PhD at
Essex gives you a chance to investigate your topic with depth and understanding.
You develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development and build networks, opening doors to many careers.