The LLM in International Humanitarian Law at Essex Law School, University of Essex, is a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) programme that examines the legal regimes applicable to situations of armed conflict and acute crisis. The programme addresses questions including how international law regulates the conduct of hostilities and protects victims of conflict, the implications of the so-called ‘war on terror’ and ‘migration crisis’ for humanitarian law, and whether existing legal frameworks are fit for purpose in the face of new technologies such as automated weapons and cyber warfare.
Students develop a comprehensive understanding of international criminal law, international refugee law in the context of armed conflict, and the legal obligations of non-state actors. The programme places strong emphasis on the practical application of the law, delivered through small-group interactive seminars that foster critical debate. Assessment includes a compulsory Foundation Essay and a dissertation of 15,000–20,000 words. Essex Law School is internationally recognised for its expertise in human rights and public international law. The programme starts October 2026 for entry in the forthcoming academic year.