Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

n/a

Co Requisite Comment

n/a

Aims

The module aims to provide an advanced comparative understanding of theoretical debates underpinning the concept of human rights, the mechanisms that can be relied upon for their protection, and how human rights are protected in practice while critically reflecting on the limitations that exist in their effective universal and domestic application. In essence, the module provides a platform for critical reflection on how the national, regional and international legal orders interact in the development, interpretation and enforcement of human rights in a contemporary setting.

Outline Of Syllabus

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

* Human Rights: Conceptual origins, theoretical underpinnings and protection of human rights in a contemporary legal context

* Universality of Human Rights v Cultural relativism

* International mechanisms of human rights protection – United Nations and international human rights treaties

* Regional mechanisms of human rights protection – European Convention on Human Rights

* National mechanisms of human rights protection – Human Rights Act 1998

* The right to life

* Prohibition from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module, you will be able to

* Know, identify and discuss key debates and critiques on the development and justification of human rights;

* Relate and compare how developments in national Constitutional settings shape human rights protection at the international level;

* Distinguish between national, regional and international protection of human rights and evaluate their effectiveness;

* Explain and question the gendered and colonial bias of international human rights law;

* Identify and evaluate legal obstacles and limitations in the effective enjoyment of human rights internationally and nationally;

* Analyse key rights and apply the obligations of states in their protection in specific contexts

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module, you will be able to:

* demonstrate detailed and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a range of theoretical debates concerning the development and justification of human rights;

* demonstrate ability to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of international, regional and national legal regimes in relation to the protection of human rights;

* demonstrate ability to identify and evaluate both opportunities and challenges in human rights protection in a contemporary context;

* demonstrate ability to integrate and assess information from a wide range of primary and secondary sources and to engage critically with such sources;

* apply your knowledge effectively to a problem;

* articulate well-substantiated legal arguments and opinions;

* evaluate and critically reflect on key issues and debates and to develop independent thinking;

* demonstrate ability to carry out independent research;

* demonstrate ability to present coherently and reflectively, orally and in writing, relevant law and legal/theoretical arguments.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures:

The lectures aim to introduce key concepts, theories and legal principles as well as main scholarly debates on relevant issues strengthening in this way student understanding.

Seminars:

Seminars provide an opportunity to deepen student understanding on key issues through discussion and active student engagement through advanced reading and preparation on set questions/problems. They also enable students to take control over their learning. Students will also be given responsibility over taking notes, synthesising information, comparing their understanding and sharing this with the entire class by uploading such notes on Canvas.


The combination of these activities will enable students to obtain a sound and well-rounded understanding of the fundamentals of human rights law whilst at the same time strengthening critical evaluation, legal analysis, problem solving and research skills. They will also enhance students’ ability to comprehend a wide range of primary and secondary sources, to formulate well-substantiated legal arguments and opinions and to articulate these orally and in writing clearly and coherently.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The essay aims to strengthen student comprehension through undertaking of in-depth critical legal analysis and independent research. It also aims to advance students’ writing and problem-solving skills, time management as well as their ability to advance well-supported legal arguments in a concise and focused manner. This is achieved through synthesis of information/materials/ideas and arguments obtained from a wide range of primary and secondary resources which are then implemented in a set context.

The exam aims to test student knowledge on a broader range of legal issues and a student's ability to effectively apply such knowledge to hypothetical scenarios.

Alternative assessment for exam: if the exam cannot take place due to public health circumstances, it will be replaced with a 24 hour take home exam.

General Notes

N/A