Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £10,940 for the course
International/EU: £18,600 for the course -
How long will I study?
2 Years
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2026
Course summary
- Gain practical skills to address global human rights challenges.
- Explore topics such as climate justice, refugee rights and gender equality.
- Engage in hands-on projects through real-world opportunities.
- Learn from experienced practitioners and interdisciplinary experts.
- Gain a valuable master of laws qualification (LLM).
On this course you’ll be based in the Institute of Law and Justice – home to the prestigious Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice. Here we’ll combine rigorous academic study with practical experience, equipping you with the tools and knowledge to make a global impact. When you graduate you’ll be well prepared for roles in advocacy, NGOs, policymaking and international organisations.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
Our LLM in Global Human Rights and Social Justice in Practice provides a comprehensive understanding of human rights theory, policy and practice – equipping you with the skills to address real-world challenges. You’ll benefit from a learning environment underpinned by ethical and inclusive practice, informed by the latest research and developments.
You’ll gain hands-on experience while exploring critical topics such as environmental rights and social justice. Through our Justice Hubs, you’ll engage in live projects and real-world casework, with your assessments designed to reflect practical and professional demands.
You learn through:
- in-person teaching
- remote learning opportunities for flexibility
- case studies and group projects simulating real-world scenarios
- guest lectures by leading human rights practitioners and experts
- student presentations to develop communication and advocacy skills
- independent research
- applied learning through in-module activities and projects
- written coursework
- a dissertation or final project
Key themes
The course provides a rich and in-depth journey through the field of human rights, starting with the foundations of human rights and expanding into contemporary issues in global human rights and social justice. You’ll explore pivotal topics such as gender, equality and discrimination, alongside the urgent concerns of refugee rights and forced migration.
The curriculum also focuses on environmental rights, sustainability and climate justice – addressing the critical intersection of human rights and the environment. You’ll then examine the vital relationship between global health and human rights – gaining a comprehensive understanding of how health equity impacts human dignity.
A significant component of the programme is the applied project or dissertation, where you’ll have the opportunity to investigate a topic of personal interest, bridging theory and practice in a meaningful way.
Our teaching philosophy is centred on active, collaborative and reflective learning. This helps you to build strong critical thinking skills while applying your knowledge to complex real-world challenges – all preparing you to address global issues with confidence and a sense of purpose.
Course support
You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through a number of key areas. These include:
- access to a dedicated academic adviser for personalised guidance
- regular formative feedback to support your development
- detailed feedback on summative assessments
- career advice and networking opportunities through the Careers & Employability Service
Applied learning
Live Projects
You’ll engage with practical projects through the renowned Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice and Justice Hubs. These facilities provide real-world experiences – from casework to advocacy projects – enabling you to apply your learning in impactful ways.
The sorts of projects the Centre works on include gender-based violence, global health, environmental rights and sustainability, as well as working with refugees.
Networking Opportunities
Build connections with a global network of human rights professionals through careers sessions, seminars and guest lectures and events. Hosted by leading practitioners and researchers, these sessions provide invaluable insights into current trends and challenges in the field.
Course leaders and tutors
Madhumita Pandey
Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Gender Justice Hub LeadDr Madhumita Pandey Senior Lecturer in Criminology Internationalisation Lead Sheffield Hallam University staff profile.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
This module provides students with foundational knowledge of human rights so participants can navigate UN treaty systems, their development and their domestic implementation.
The module ensures all students on the degree can accurately identify when HRs legal obligations exist and limitations that may affect their implementation. This knowledge is essential for the rest of the degree.
Seminars adopt a combined lecture/student-centred approach where students present readings and cases to help further their understanding.
You’ll study topics such as:
- International Human Rights Law principles
- Treaty law
- Evolution of human rights law
- Exceptions and limitations to implementation
- Thematic application and controversies
Elective modules
The module aims to provide knowledge and skills on applying human rights, environmental rights and principles to the human interference with nature, climate and planet, with particular attention to the disproportionate effects of climate change on ecosystems and human rights, thus enabling students to critically assess climate and environmental action by state and non-state actors and to contribute to climate and environmental advocacy.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Environmental rights and principles
- Sustainability and human rights
- Human rights and climate change, including international frameworks, sustainable development, strategic litigation, and impact on vulnerable groups
- Comparative cross-jurisdictional approaches to human rights, climate change and the environment
Module Aim:
This module will equip students with knowledge of human rights relevant to achieving gender equality and eliminating discrimination and women. Specific thematic issues will be explored to identify the development of particular rights, challenges that hinder their full and effective implementation, and help students develop recommendations for their advancement.
Indicative content:
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International Human Rights Law principles and subsequent instruments
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Human Rights Act and/or domestic implementation of equality principles
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Contemporary thematic issues affecting women's equality will also be examined, such as sexual and reproductive health rights, violence against women and girls, and access to justice
This module will equip students with a general knowledge of global health governance and human rights and good practices in human rights-based approaches to healthcare policies.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Global Health governance and politics
- The Right to Health in International Law, Regional systems and, national constitutions
- Human Rights and Public Health Emergencies: Rights limitations, Global Health Security and epidemics/pandemics
- Global Health and Non-communicable Diseases
- Access to health and strategic litigation
- Access to drugs, intellectual property and the right to science
- Global Health and international cooperation
- Global Health and migrants
This module explores contemporary refugee related issues through the prism of the right to refugee family reunion and wider family migration. The module keeps pace with new developments in policy, practice and legislation and encourage detailed debates on related matters such as hostile environment and how human rights relates to international protection.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Analysis of international and domestic instruments pertaining to refugee protection
- A critique of a wide range of media portrayal of refugees
- The application process for refugee family reunion and the toll it takes on all parties involved in it
- Live case studies
Final year
Compulsory modules
This module introduces you to pressing contemporary issues in human rights and social justice, including topics such as refugee rights, gender justice, environmental rights, and global health rights. Through a combination of theoretical and practical approaches, you will develop an understanding of these topics and their relevance to human rights.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Students will explore the legal, policy and ethical frameworks that underpin each issue
- Examine the challenges that hinder the full and effective implementation of laws and policies
- Analyse the current policies and practices in these areas and consider potential solutions to advance the protection and promotion of human rights globally
Elective modules
This module is designed to provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course to a practical, real-world issue in the field of human rights and/or social justice. Through this module, students will develop a critical understanding of human rights and social justice issues, engage with stakeholders, and design and implement a project aimed at promoting and protecting human rights/social justice.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Identifying a human rights issue
- Designing a project and project management skills
- Implementation of the project in collaboration with either a Justice Hub or external organisation
- Evaluation and Reflection: Upon completing the project, students will evaluate its impact and effectiveness. They will reflect on the lessons learned and identify opportunities for future work
- Development of transferable skills such as stakeholder engagement, teamwork, and professional communication to enhance employability in human rights and social justice sectors
This module offers students the opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic related to their chosen field of study. Students will be expected to undertake a thorough literature review, critically analyse relevant legal frameworks and theories, and apply appropriate research methodologies to gather and analyse data.
The module aims to develop students' research and analytical skills, as well as their ability to communicate their findings effectively. Students will receive guidance and support from their academic supervisors throughout the process and will be expected to produce a high-quality dissertation.
The module aims to provide knowledge and skills on applying human rights, environmental rights and principles to the human interference with nature, climate and planet, with particular attention to the disproportionate effects of climate change on ecosystems and human rights, thus enabling students to critically assess climate and environmental action by state and non-state actors and to contribute to climate and environmental advocacy.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Environmental rights and principles
- Sustainability and human rights
- Human rights and climate change, including international frameworks, sustainable development, strategic litigation, and impact on vulnerable groups
- Comparative cross-jurisdictional approaches to human rights, climate change and the environment
Module Aim:
This module will equip students with knowledge of human rights relevant to achieving gender equality and eliminating discrimination and women. Specific thematic issues will be explored to identify the development of particular rights, challenges that hinder their full and effective implementation, and help students develop recommendations for their advancement.
Indicative content:
-
International Human Rights Law principles and subsequent instruments
-
Human Rights Act and/or domestic implementation of equality principles
-
Contemporary thematic issues affecting women's equality will also be examined, such as sexual and reproductive health rights, violence against women and girls, and access to justice
This module will equip students with a general knowledge of global health governance and human rights and good practices in human rights-based approaches to healthcare policies.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Global Health governance and politics
- The Right to Health in International Law, Regional systems and, national constitutions
- Human Rights and Public Health Emergencies: Rights limitations, Global Health Security and epidemics/pandemics
- Global Health and Non-communicable Diseases
- Access to health and strategic litigation
- Access to drugs, intellectual property and the right to science
- Global Health and international cooperation
- Global Health and migrants
This module explores contemporary refugee related issues through the prism of the right to refugee family reunion and wider family migration. The module keeps pace with new developments in policy, practice and legislation and encourage detailed debates on related matters such as hostile environment and how human rights relates to international protection.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Analysis of international and domestic instruments pertaining to refugee protection
- A critique of a wide range of media portrayal of refugees
- The application process for refugee family reunion and the toll it takes on all parties involved in it
- Live case studies
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in:
- human rights organisations
- policy or development work
- non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- local and central government services
- research and development organisations
- further studies and academia
With skills aligned to the UN Capability Framework, you’ll graduate ready to pursue meaningful roles and succeed in a competitive global job market.
Equipment and facilities
You’ll have access to Sheffield Hallam’s cutting-edge facilities, designed to enhance your learning experience and support your studies. Our facilities include:
- Blackboard, our virtual learning environment (VLE) for flexible and remote learning
- the renowned Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice and Justice Hubs, where staff, students and external stakeholders collaborate on applied projects and research
- Hallam Facilities Online, including Study Skills, the Library Gateway and student support services
Our teaching spaces have been designed to support interactive learning, and our £100 million investment in campus facilities ensures you have access to 24-hour libraries and study spaces tailored to your needs.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEntry requirements
All students
A 2:2 or above in a degree involving the study of law OR at least three years relevant professional legal experience.
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS 6.5 score with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other skill areas or equivalent.
If you do not have such academic qualifications we may consider your application individually, based on your personal, professional and work experience, and other formal qualifications. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2026/27 is £10,940 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time. Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2026/27 are: Year 1: £3,650 Year 2: £7,295.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
This course is not eligible for full-time Student visa sponsorship. International/EU students may apply for part-time Student visa sponsorship on an individual basis. Please contact Admissions for further advice. Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting part-time study in 2026/27 is £18,600 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time. Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting part-time study in 2026/27 are: Year 1: £6,200 Year 2: £12,400
Scholarships and financial support
Find information on scholarships, bursaries and postgraduate student loans.
International scholarships up to £3000 ›
Alumni scholarships up to £2000 ›
Postgraduate loans for UK students ›
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Institute of Law and Justice (PDF, 269KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
