Master of Laws - International Humanitarian Law

In recent years, armed conflicts in Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Yemen, amongst others, have reminded humans that the need to ensure respect for international law is as acute as ever.

The University of Essex LLM International Humanitarian Law has been designed to address situations such as these and provide students with the knowledge and skills to pursue or advance their career in fields related to legal regimes applicable to armed conflict and acute crisis situations. Emphasis is placed on understanding the practical application of the law. It is intended to ensure a balance between theory and practice, so that students are equipped to deal with real world situations. Students examine the legal regimes applicable to situations of armed conflict, and they develop a comprehensive understanding of: the regulation of the conduct of hostilities, the protection of victims of armed conflict, the application of international human rights law in the context of armed conflict and acute crisis, the application of international criminal law and international refugee law in the context of armed conflict and acute crisis, and addressing legal obligations and engagement of non-state actors. Students also explore and debate some of the biggest contemporary challenges confronting the humanitarian sector today. This includes cutting-edge issues such as the legal challenges posed by new technologies and cyber warfare, as well as more traditional issues such as the protection of displaced persons during emergency situations. Essex's School of Law graduates have gone on to a wide variety of careers in international and intergovernmental organizations or employment with governments across the world, in commerce and banking, in non-governmental organizations and, as might be expected, in the legal profession and the judiciary. Essex is the first university in the UK to sign a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). This creates internship and research opportunities for postgraduate students and is based on Essex's long-established expertise in international humanitarian law.