Domestic human rights:

Section 2, Human Rights Act 1998
Sections 3 and 4, Human Rights Act 1998
Section 6, Human Rights Act 1998
Article 2 (right to life), European Convention on Human Rights
Article 3 (freedom from torture), European Convention on Human Rights
Articles 5 (personal liberty) and 6 (right to a fair trial), European Convention on Human Rights
Articles 8 (right to privacy) and 10 (freedom of expression), European Convention on Human Rights

International human rights:

International Human Rights Law: history, concepts and trajectories
The Sources of International Human Rights Law
Different ‘categories’ of rights
Various Substantive Rights
The UN Human Rights Protection System
Challenges to Human Rights Protection
Vulnerable groups

1. You are required to design and deliver a presentation in the form of a training session for Human Resources professionals in a public authority employer. It must be appropriately structured and must also be appropriately referenced. The presentation will explain the statutory duty on every public authority in the UK not to breach a European Convention right with case law and sample scenario(s) used to illustrate circumstances where the potential for such a beach arises.

2. Following the first assessment, you will produce a reflective evaluation of your own performance, considering how effectively you approached the legal problem, the quality of your reasoning, and the development of your analytical skills. Your reflection should also explore how the insights gained from this task contribute to your professional decision‑making, your ongoing personal development, and your preparedness for future legal practice or graduate‑level employment. This assessment is designed to help you connect advanced legal analysis with the reflective habits expected of emerging professionals.

3. Essay - You will develop, plan and write an essay identifying and analysing weaknesses in the system of protection at international level.

During the teaching of the module students will attend a mixed economy of lecture and workshop sessions. Self-directed study will provide the student with the opportunity to prepare for workshop activities and to carry out independent research as well as team working. The module will use a blend of teaching methods to enable different styles of learning to be facilitated. The differing methods will also be a platform for the development of essential skills such as intellectual skills, communication skills and problem solving, as well as research, teamwork, negotiation, presentation, referencing, argument, judgement and appropriate use of IT.

The lectures will introduce legislation, case law, law reform suggestions and academic commentary on the core topics of human rights. There will be a range of these from the domestic, regional and international levels. The lectures will verify and consolidate knowledge and understanding and will engage in detailed exposition of selected rules and constraints.

The workshops will facilitate examination of specific aspects of human rights by means of group problem solving activities. A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used to encourage and develop both individual and collaborative learning. Students will be encouraged to present argument and carry out research using electronic resources. Preparatory exercises and reading for each workshop will be on the VLE. Students will be expected to be familiar with contemporary discussions in this area of law, and to bring a range of ideas to bear on the discussions. Thus, although there will be a framework of knowledge and understanding, students will be actively, rather than passively, engaged in the process of both learning about, and increasing understanding of, the subject matter.

Independent Study:

Both the lectures and workshops will require the student to undertake study to further enhance their knowledge and understanding. The independent study will also provide the student with preparation time for work on research materials for workshops. The self-directed study will also provide the student with valuable opportunities to engage in team working. The independent learning activities encourage students to develop a critical understanding of the principles of human rights law and provide practice in preparation for assessment.

1. Identify and evaluate provisions protecting human rights in the UK and the limitations on the exercise of those rights and the way in which the courts balance competing right.

Application and problem solving

2. Analyse the institutions and jurisprudence of the international human rights system and communicate clearly in writing on the framework for global protection of rights.

Knowledge and understanding
Communication

3. Demonstrate your ability to engage with human rights law by reflecting on your own performance in addressing complex legal questions and evaluate how your professional decision making, personal development in future legal practice or graduate employment.

Reflection
Personal development and entrepreneurship

Legal databases with access to statute, case law and journal articles.

Howard Davis, Human Rights Law Directions (5th edn, OUP 2021)

David Harris and others, Harris, O’Boyle and Warbrick: Law of the European Convention on Human Rights (5th edn, OUP 2023)

Merris Amos, Human Rights Law (3rd edn, Bloomsbury 2021)

Rhona Smith, International Human Rights Law (10th edn, OUP 2021)

Daniel Moeckli and others (eds), International Human Rights Law (4th edn, OUP 2022)

Can you see yourself championing important freedoms and liberties in challenging and controversial circumstances?

You will explore important human rights such as the right to life and the absolute prohibition on torture. You will examine the scope of the right to liberty and the right to a fair trial. You will debate the boundaries of two human rights that sometimes conflict with each other, freedom of expression and the right to respect for private and family life. You will apply principles of human rights law to practical scenarios in the areas of medical ethics, employment rights and state measures designed to combat terrorism. You will explore the historical and theoretical foundations of international human rights, alongside an examination of contemporary global challenges. You will gain insights into the UN human rights system and how this framework applies to various scenarios. Additionally, the module will enhance your awareness and understanding of the application of international human rights law to various vulnerable groups.