Module: LAW5103-20 Human Rights and International Law

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Simon Parsons

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.parsons@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module:

The Human Rights Act 1998 sets out the fundamental rights and freedoms that everyone in the UK is entitled to. You will examine the rights set out in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) consider the effect of the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA1998) which incorporated the ECHR into the domestic law of England and Wales. You will study Articles 1- 14 in detail through a range of practical, essay based and debated scenarios to gain a full understanding of both your own human rights as well as advantages and drawbacks of the HRA1998.

You will complement your study of Human Rights with the study of International law where you will consider a range of overlapping scenarios and be able to demonstrate links between the two distinct but interconnected subject areas. 

In this module, you will be able to demonstrate the following graduate attributes:

• Will be employable:  Equipped with the skills necessary to flourish in the global workplace, able to work in and lead teams;

• Will be digitally literate:  Able to work at the interface of creativity and technology;

• Will be internationally networked:  Either by studying abroad for part of their programme, or studying alongside students from overseas.

2.Outline syllabus:

Topics covered might include:

• Human rights – the HRA 1998 and related jurisprudence;

• The Equality Act 2010;

• The sources of international law; treaties;; the use of force, arms and peaceful dispute resolutions; the law of the sea and International criminal law.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

You will be taught by way of 1x 1-hour lecture and 1x 2-hour seminar each week.  Lectures will introduce and explore substantive subjects as specified above.  Seminars will include a variety of activities including class discussion, scenario analyses, role-play, written and research exercises and other formative activities.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description:  Poster

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type:  CW

• Description: Essay/ problem based question (2,500 words)

• % Weighting: 50%